CHAPTER 1 — THE FALL THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO END EVERYTHING
The train thundered across the ancient steel bridge, its wheels screaming against the rails as the canyon stretched endlessly beneath it. Hundreds of feet below, a raging river crashed against jagged rocks, swallowing every sound that dared to echo through the valley.
Most passengers admired the breathtaking sunset.
None of them noticed a marriage ending in silence.
Marina Volkov stepped onto the narrow platform between two train cars, wrapping her coat tightly around herself as the evening wind tugged at her hair.
She had always loved trains.
Ever since childhood, she believed railway journeys reminded people that life was about moving forward.
Ironically, she had no idea this journey had been planned as her last.
Behind her, the metal door creaked open.
Alexei walked outside with calm, measured steps.
His expression was unreadable.
No anger.
No panic.
Only chilling determination.
"You've always loved places like this," he said quietly.
Marina smiled without turning around.
"The view is incredible."
"It really is."
For several long seconds, neither of them spoke.
The silence felt heavier than the mountains surrounding them.
Finally Marina looked at him.
"You've been acting strange for weeks."
Alexei forced a weak smile.
"Have I?"
"You barely sleep."
"You disappear every night."
"And every time I ask what's wrong..."
She paused.
"...you change the subject."
Alexei looked away.
"I've just been thinking."
"About what?"
"Our future."
Marina sighed.
"I thought we promised never to keep secrets."
He slowly stepped closer.
One step.
Then another.
The wind howled louder.
"What if," Alexei whispered, "our future only has room for one of us?"
Marina frowned.
"What does that mean?"
She never received an answer.
Without warning—
His hands slammed into her chest.
Everything happened in less than a second.
The world spun violently.
The railing disappeared beneath her hands.
Her feet left the metal floor.
For one terrifying moment she floated in empty air.
Then gravity seized her.
The last thing Marina saw was Alexei's emotionless face shrinking above her.
Her scream disappeared beneath the roar of the river.
Then...
Silence.
...
Alexei froze.
His breathing became uneven.
He stared over the railing, expecting to see nothing but darkness swallowing her forever.
Nothing.
No movement.
No cry.
No witness.
Exactly as he had imagined.
He quickly straightened his expensive jacket and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"It's over," he whispered.
"No body."
"No questions."
"No Marina."
Inside the train, passengers laughed over coffee.
Children played cards.
An elderly couple argued about photographs.
Life continued as if nothing had happened.
Alexei calmly returned to his seat.
A middle-aged woman smiled politely.
"Where's your wife?"
He answered without hesitation.
"She wasn't feeling well. I think she went to lie down."
The woman nodded sympathetically.
Everything was perfect.
Or so he believed.
Twenty minutes later the train reached the next station.
Police officers suddenly appeared on the platform.
Not one.
Not two.
Nearly a dozen.
Their flashing lights reflected across every carriage window.
Passengers exchanged confused looks.
Alexei felt his heartbeat accelerate.
But then he forced himself to relax.
Impossible.
No one could know.
An officer entered the carriage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated."
Several more officers followed behind him.
Their eyes searched every passenger.
Finally...
They stopped directly in front of Alexei.
"Sir..."
The officer's voice was calm.
"We need you to come with us."
Alexei laughed nervously.
"There must be some mistake."
The officer didn't smile.
"We've received information concerning your wife."
Alexei felt the blood drain from his face.
"...What information?"
The officer slowly raised his radio.
Then spoke words Alexei would never forget.
May you like
"She survived."
Everything inside Alexei collapsed.
