All Chapters of Reborn before the apocalypse: from betrayed wife to survivor: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Chapter 12The charity gala was Daniel's idea.Or rather, it was Daniel's company's idea—an annual event to raise money for children's hospitals. A chance for the elite to dress up, drink champagne, and pat themselves on the back for being generous.I'd attended every year for the past three years. Always on Daniel's arm. Always smiling. Always the perfect wife.This year, I was attending with Marcus."This feels like a bad idea," I said as we walked toward the entrance."Daniel will be here with Sophia," Marcus said. "That's exactly why we need to be here.""I know. I just...""You just don't want to see them together."I didn't answer.Marcus touched my elbow gently. "We can leave whenever you want. Just say the word."I took a breath. "No. We're doing this."---The ballroom was glittering with crystal chandeliers and gold decorations.People in designer gowns and tailored suits moved between tables, laughing and drinking. The air smelled like expensive perfume and champagne.I spo

Chapter 14:The courthouse was cold.I sat in the front row, hands folded in my lap, trying to keep my breathing steady. Rachel was beside me, her sharp eyes fixed on the judge's bench. Marcus sat behind me, a solid presence I could feel even without looking.Daniel was across the room with his lawyer. Sophia was beside him, her hand resting on his arm like she owned him. She was wearing a soft blue dress—modest, innocent, the perfect picture of the wronged woman supporting her man.I almost laughed.The judge entered. Everyone stood."Case 3472," he announced. "Chen versus Chen."Daniel's lawyer rose first."Your Honor, my client requests a continuance. We believe the petitioner's mental state is unstable and requires further evaluation before any proceedings can move forward."My hands tightened in my lap.Rachel stood smoothly. "Your Honor, the petitioner has already undergone a full psychological evaluation, which we submitted to the court. There is no evidence of instability.""W

Chapter:16One day until the apocalypse.The words echoed in my head as I stared at the ceiling of Marcus's apartment. Twenty-four hours. That was all the time I had left before everything changed.My phone buzzed. Another message from Daniel.You think you're smart, don't you? Playing games with me. But I know something you don't.I didn't respond.Another buzz.I know about your little friend. Marcus. I know what he really is.My heart stopped.I sat up, my fingers trembling as I typed back.What are you talking about?The reply came immediately.You really think a stranger just happened to show up and help you? You think it's coincidence? I've had someone watching him. He's not who you think he is.I stared at the screen.You're lying.Am I? Ask him about his real name. Ask him why he's really in this city. Ask him what he was doing before he met you.I wanted to delete the messages. I wanted to block him again. But my thumb hovered over the screen.Why should I believe you?Becaus

The coffee shop on 3rd was busier than I expected.I sat in a booth near the back, nursing a cup of tea I hadn't touched, watching the door. Marcus was at a table across the room, pretending to read a newspaper. Lily was outside in her car, ready to call if anything went wrong.I was taking no chances.The bell above the door chimed. A man walked in—late thirties, tired eyes, wearing a rumpled suit that had seen better days. He scanned the room, spotted me, and walked over."Emma Chen?" His voice was quiet. Nervous."Yes. You must be David."He slid into the booth across from me. "Thanks for meeting me. I know this is... risky.""You said you had information about Daniel. About his business."David nodded. "I worked for him for three years. In the finance department. I saw things I wasn't supposed to see.""What kind of things?""Money laundering. Fraud. He's been funneling funds through shell companies for years. Offshore accounts. Fake contracts." He leaned forward. "He's not just c

Chapter 20The night was silent.Too silent.I stood at the farmhouse window, watching the darkness beyond the fields. Priya sat beside me, her eyes closed, her face tense with concentration."They're coming," she said suddenly. "Half a mile out. Fifteen of them."My heart pounded. "Fifteen?""Armed. Moving fast." She opened her eyes. "They know we're here.""Then we make them regret it."---We moved into position.Maya took the east side, her ability to sense emotions giving her an edge. She could feel the Collectors' fear, their hesitation, their doubt. She knew when they were about to strike before they did.Elena was on the roof, her speed making her nearly invisible. She'd already taken down three scouts before they even reached the property line.Sana was in the cellar, her fingers flying over a salvaged laptop. She'd hacked into the Collectors' communications, feeding us real-time updates on their movements.Nia stood beside me at the front door, her eyes hard and focused."Ho