I had almost forgotten what peace felt like, but not completely. I start to remember my calm apartment in New York City.

Six months elapsed, after we fought last time, I was asked to sign what I thought were business documents, unknowingly finalizing divorce papers.

I had eliminated Max Edwards from my life.

Presently, I am learning how to breathe again by healing and rebuilding my life, finding peace and stability on my terms.

The quiet no longer reminded me of what I had missed after many years. I felt liberated as if I had no constraints.

I sat at my small kitchen table, taking my morning coffee, feeling a sense of connection as I gripped the cozy cup. Furthermore, I glanced at my schedule hastily, the day's to-dos were simple but related to me personally.

Although my new life wasn't exciting or glamorous, it was my own. I embarked on a fresh path as a marketing consultant, undertaking independent projects, slowly expanding my clientele, and rebuilding my professional image.

The pile of unpaid bills on the table was slowly decreasing, and the fatigue in my eyes was slowly fading away.

How about Max? Max was nowhere to be found. No more disagreements, deceit, or any kind of unnecessary disturbance.

I can confidently say that I am free of any unwanted interruptions. Currently, I am alone in my cozy one-bedroom apartment in the Lower East Side, far from the modern skyscrapers he used to bring me to.

Now I was starting to find myself again.

Until my phone rang.

The noise shattered the peaceful silence, bringing me back from my thoughts. I frowned and reached out my arm to grab it, feeling a slight twinge of irritation.

The number was unfamiliar, but something in my gut twisted as I stared at the screen.

Very early an unknown number. Around 8 a.m. I wondered who would call me by this early hours.

I hesitated but then swiped to answer. "Hello?"

"Ms. Dawson, this is James Porter."

The name hit me like a punch to the gut. James Porter. Max's lawyer.

His voice was smooth, and polite, the way it always was, but hearing it again felt like a slap to the face.

Memories start rushing back—long days spent in Porter's sterile office, his cold, unreadable expression as he walked me through the divorce, while Max tried to salvage whatever crumbling deal he had going at the time.

I'd spent months trying to forget all of that. So I could leave that life behind.

"James," I said, my voice tight. "This is… unexpected. Why are you calling?"

Silence on the opposite side of the call lasted long enough that make me feel uneasy.

Lila, I apologize for calling you at this early hour. He said, but this is important.

I wanted to speak to you before this… situation escalated."

"Situation?" My stomach clenched. I should've hung up. I would've thrown the phone across the room and pretended none of this happening.

But I couldn't. "What situation?"

"It's about Max," James said.

My grip tightened on the phone.

Merely mentioning his name filled me with a chilling sense of dread. I shut my eyes and rested against the counter, trying to remain composed.

"What is your opinion on him?" James, we are no longer married. I responded. No matter what trouble he's involved in, it's not my concern.

Another break, this time extended. James's next words were spoken in a tone softer than I had ever heard from him before. "It's more complicated than you think."

My fear intensified within me. I could hear my heartbeat thumping loudly in my ears. I had no desire to inquire or listen to the following words, yet they escaped me. "What are you trying to say?"

James cautiously mentioned that there was an issue with the paperwork. It appears that Max did not sign some important documents.

The final filing was not received in the court. From a legal perspective, you are still considered to be married.

I stood still, my breath escaping my chest. "What did you say?"

"He kept talking, emphasizing that the divorce was not yet completed, as though the mention of it was not fully destroying the image of independence I had built."

It appears there was an error that was missed. According to the law, you and Max are still married.

I sensed the world shift under me. I held on to the counter's edge, attempting to stabilize it, but it was ineffective.

Six months. Thinking I was free, of believing I'd cut every tie. And now this?

"What does that mean for me?" I managed to ask, though the words barely made it out.

"It means Max's affairs are still technically your affairs," James said, clearing his throat. "And there's something else.

Max has gotten himself involved with some… dangerous people.

He has made commitments he cannot fulfill, and acquired debts he cannot settle.

These individuals, you could say, are lacking in patience. Considering the legal circumstances, they might perceive you as being involved in the agreement.

I blinked, attempting to understand what he was telling me.

"I understand, but legally, you're still tied to him," James' tone was frustratingly calm.

"These aren't people who care about legal details. They see you as connected to Max, and they're starting to make inquiries."

"Do you have any questions?" I quivered as I spoke. The panic was growing, tightening its grip on my throat. "What types of questions?"

Lila, there is the possibility that they will pursue you. Max is missing — he is completely untraceable.

His debtors are running out of patience. If he eludes them… they will search for you.

I felt as if I was unable to catch my breath. I gazed at the wall, my sight becoming hazy as his words sunk in. Chase me? How did I transition from being rid of Max to becoming a liability for his debts?

"Why did you not inform me of this sooner?" I inquired quietly, barely raising my voice.

"I just found out myself," James replied, sounding more businesslike now. "Max has been missing for a week.

His creditors are getting restless, and your name has come up. I thought you should be prepared."

Prepared? How could I prepare for something like this? I wasn't equipped to handle this. I wasn't someone who dealt with threats and debts from dangerous people. Not only that, but I was just…me.

Simply a woman attempting to reconstruct her life.

"What should I do?" I inquired as I sensed the panic entering my tone.

James instructed me to stay out of sight. "Remain hidden."

If anything appears unusual, contact the authorities. And I suggest considering hiring private security as a preventive measure.

My mind spun, but one clear thought broke through the haze. "Is there any news on Max?"

"Where is he located?"

"Lila, that is the issue at hand." No one is aware. These people will continue digging until he emerges again.

And in case they are unable to locate him, they will turn their attention to you.

I took a deep breath, feeling the heaviness of it overwhelming me. Following all my struggles, after a long period of trying to recover from a disaster, Max managed to bring me back into the situation.

I found myself stuck again.

"Thanks for letting me know," I muttered, barely able to keep it together.

"Stay safe, Lila," James said, his voice softer now. "And remember—stay alert." The line went dead.

I stood there, the silence in my apartment now suffocating. I was still married to Max. I was tangled in his mess. And I had no idea how to get out.

Suddenly, a knock came at my door.

I froze, my heart slamming into my ribs. My pulse quickened as I stared at the door, every muscle tensing.