After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 2

His voice was all authority, just like always. He really thought that if he explained himself, the woman who’d loved him so deeply and done everything he asked would come right back, like nothing had happened, and forgive him for what he’d just done.

But Catherine didn’t even look at him. Her eyes stayed fixed on the man who had pulled her from the water, waiting for his answer.

“Catherine, stop this nonsense,” Nestor said. His expression was stern, no room for argument.

Still, Catherine stood her ground, completely focused on the man in front of her.

Everyone on deck stared, stunned, as the man, soaked to the bone but radiating calm confidence, opened his mouth and spoke a single word. “Yes.”

The whole deck fell silent. Even the wind seemed to pause.

Waldo’s face turned from pale to furious. He looked like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was his usually gentle, obedient fiancée really doing this? Was she actually throwing herself at a stranger—and was that stranger accepting?

“Catherine, do you even know what you’re doing? Come back here,” Waldo called out, his voice shaking with anger and something he didn’t even recognize in himself—fear.

Catherine acted like she hadn’t heard a word. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself. Her wet hair clung to her pale cheeks, but her eyes were shining, fiercely alive. She looked at the man and said, “Thank you.”

“Go change your clothes,” the man said to her.

Without a second thought, Catherine followed him.

Now Waldo finally lost it. He strode after them, trying to block their way. “Hey, she’s my fiancée. You can’t just take her.”

The man glanced at him, cool and steady. There was nothing violent in his eyes, but the look carried a quiet pressure, like he was used to being in charge and people listened.

Waldo froze in place. This guy was his age, but he had the kind of presence Waldo had only ever felt around powerful, important people.

Just then, someone let out a panicked cry. “Shirley!”

His voice was calm and deep. He didn’t fuss over her, but somehow, Catherine felt safe.

She nodded, feeling her cheeks warm. “Thank you, Lawrence.”

The hot water hit her skin, washing away the seawater and the cold. Catherine leaned against the smooth tiles, letting the warmth run over her face. She couldn’t tell if it was water or tears.

She kept seeing Waldo, swimming straight for Shirley without a second of hesitation. The pain in her chest was sharp, almost unbearable.

How ironic. Just minutes ago, they’d exchanged vows in front of friends and family, smiles and blessings all around.

So that was it. Five years of love, all a joke.

Well, she’d nearly died once tonight. Maybe it was time to really wake up.