Episode 12: The Fire That Won’t Die
720 Words
Claire’s New Beginning—A Future Without Him
Claire stood in front of the engineering building, staring up at the glass windows.
This was it.
The next step toward the life she wanted.
A life where she wasn’t just Ethan Lancaster’s possession.
A life where she was Claire Montgomery—an engineer, a woman with dreams, a woman with power.
Not a housewife.
Not a submissive lover.
Not his.
Her phone buzzed.
Adrian: Excited to see what you’ve got. Meet me at my office at 3.
She exhaled.
This was her chance.
A chance to prove she was more than just a girl Ethan once loved.
A chance to finally move on.
But fate?
Fate had other plans.
Ethan Watches—And He’s Losing Control
Ethan watched from across the courtyard.
Watched Claire step inside the building that was pulling her further away from him.
His fingers clenched into fists.
Because this wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
In the world he remembered, Claire had been his wife.
She had given everything to him.
And now?
Now she was running.
Now she was choosing a future without him.
And Ethan?
He wasn’t going to let that happen.
The Meeting That Changes Everything
Claire straightened her blouse, knocking on the office door.
"Come in."
She pushed inside—
And there he was.
Adrian Calloway.
Her new boss.
Her new future.
His eyes met hers, sharp and unreadable.
Then he smiled.
"Claire Montgomery," he said smoothly. "You’re exactly what I expected."
She raised an eyebrow. "Is that a good thing?"
Adrian leaned back in his chair, smirking.
"We’ll see."
Claire’s pulse skipped.
Because Adrian Calloway?
He wasn’t just handsome.
He wasn’t just confident.
He was dangerous.
Not like Ethan.
Not obsessive or controlling.
But calculated.
The kind of man who got what he wanted.
And right now?
He wanted her.
Ethan Sees Them Together—And He Snaps
Ethan’s grip on his phone tightened.
He had been waiting for Claire outside the building.
Waiting to talk.
To convince her that this was a mistake.
That she was making the wrong choice.
And then—
Then he saw Adrian.
Standing too close.
Leaning in.
Smirking.
And Claire?
She was smiling.
Ethan’s blood boiled.
Because he knew that look.
That was the look Claire used to give him.
And now?
Now she was giving it to someone else.
His jaw clenched.
His vision blurred.
Because for the first time—
He was losing her.
And Ethan Lancaster didn’t lose.
The Confrontation—Jealousy Ignites
Claire barely made it out of the building when she felt him.
Before she even saw him, she felt Ethan’s presence.
Like a storm waiting to break.
She turned—
And there he was.
Standing at the bottom of the steps, his eyes dark with fury.
Her stomach dropped.
"Ethan," she breathed.
He tilted his head.
"Having fun?"
Claire crossed her arms.
"If you’re about to start another fight—"
"Who is he?"
His voice was sharp. Low.
Claire scoffed.
"My boss."
Ethan let out a humorless laugh.
"Your boss," he repeated. "Right."
Claire rolled her eyes.
"What do you want, Ethan?"
Ethan stepped closer.
Too close.
Close enough that she could smell him. Feel him.
And God, that was the problem.
No matter how much she hated him for controlling her…
No matter how much she wanted to move on…
Her body still wanted him.
And Ethan?
Ethan knew it.
His fingers brushed against her waist.
"You’re playing a dangerous game," he murmured.
Claire’s breath shook.
"You don’t control me," she whispered.
Ethan smirked.
"Then tell me to leave."
She opened her mouth.
But no words came out.
And Ethan?
Ethan laughed softly.
"That’s what I thought."
And then—
He kissed her.
The Glitch—Ryan’s Return Begins
Claire woke up in a cold sweat.
Her breath ragged.
Her hands shaking.
Because for a moment—
She wasn’t in her dorm.
She wasn’t in this fake world.
She was in a hospital room.
And standing at the foot of her bed?
Ryan.
His eyes dark. Desperate.
"Claire. Wake up."
And then—
The world snapped back.
She was back in her dorm.
Alone.
But she knew now.
Ryan was trying to reach her.
And Ethan?
Ethan would do anything to stop him.
(To Be Continued…)
- Writer
