Chapter 4: A: The Corridor Confrontation

👉 Previous Decision: You chose to confront Julian immediately with the paternity document in her hand.

Julian stepped into Berth 4B, his eyes scanning the small compartment. “What are you doing, Maya? You look pale.”

He paused, his gaze landing on the white document clutched in her hand. A flicker crossed his face, too quick for anyone else to see.

Maya unfolded the paternity report, holding it out with a trembling hand. “This. What is this, Julian?” Her voice shook, but she forced herself to meet his eyes. “Lily isn’t your daughter.”

His smile didn’t falter, but his eyes hardened. “Oh, Maya.” He reached out, his fingers brushing hers, then snatched the paper. He glanced at it, then let out a theatrical sigh, shaking his head.

“This is exactly what I was talking about,” he said, his voice dropping to a low, concerned tone. “These episodes. You’re hallucinating again. Remember the last time? The things you said, the wild accusations.”

He crumpled the report in his fist. “You’re forging documents now? Creating these fantasies? You need help, Maya.”

He moved closer, stepping between her and the door. The narrow corridor suddenly felt impossibly small. The train swayed violently, throwing her slightly off balance. Julian used the moment, pressing her back against the cool, unforgiving bulkhead.

“Marcus is dead, Julian!” she hissed, trying to push him away. “You killed him! You sabotaged the train!”

His grip tightened on her shoulders. “Don’t be ridiculous. Marcus is perfectly fine. You’re upset, exhausted. This is all in your head, darling. You’re having another psychotic break, just like after Lily was born.” His eyes bore into hers, chillingly devoid of warmth. “You remember what happened then, don’t you? The doctors, the medication.”

He leaned in, his voice a whisper that barely cut through the train’s roar. “No one will believe you. They’ll just think you’ve lost your mind again.”