Chapter 2: The Smile That Wasn't Love
Ryan's smile sent a chill through Emily's entire body.
It wasn't warm.
It wasn't playful.
It was the smile of someone who had already decided how this day would end.
For one endless second, neither of them moved.
The wind screamed around the cliff, carrying the scent of salt and rain.
Emily forced herself to smile back.
"What?" she asked softly.
Ryan lowered the camera completely.
"You know," he said almost casually, "I've always wondered how easy it would be."
Emily frowned.
"How easy what would be?"
"A tragic accident."
Her heartbeat stopped.
She laughed nervously.
"Ryan... that's not funny."
"I wasn't joking."
The words landed like ice.
Emily instinctively stepped backward.
The gravel shifted beneath her boot.
Ryan immediately reached forward—not to help her—but to steady her just enough to keep her from falling too soon.
His touch felt wrong.
Cold.
Calculated.
"I've spent months planning this trip," he continued. "Perfect weather. No witnesses. Spotty phone service. One slip, one scream... everyone believes the grieving husband."
Emily stared at him, unable to breathe.
"Why?"
Ryan sighed as though she had asked an annoying question.
"Because divorce is expensive."
His eyes never left hers.
"And life insurance pays much better."
Emily's knees weakened.
Every sweet memory she'd shared with him suddenly felt fake.
Every anniversary.
Every promise.
Every kiss.
They had all been rehearsals for this moment.
Then Ryan took one slow step toward her.
"So..."
May you like
He smiled again.
"One more step."
