Chapter 6: B: Trapped by Doubt

👉 Previous Decision: You chose to argue with Julian in front of Ethan about the DNA report.

“He’s lying, Ethan!” Maya insisted, stepping closer to her brother. “I saw the paternity test. Lily isn’t his. He’s trying to kill us for my inheritance, the trust fund that comes through when I turn twenty!”

Julian laughed, a sound that grated in the confined space. “Listen to her, Ethan. Inheritance? Doctors said the postpartum psychosis might return if she stopped her medication. This is a classic delusion.” He sighed dramatically. “I’m just trying to keep my family safe.”

Ethan looked from Maya, wild-eyed and desperate, to Julian, who was calm, rational, and seemed genuinely concerned. The argument escalated, Maya listing details, Julian smoothly refuting each one, painting her as unstable.

The train’s speed increased, a violent shudder running through the car. The noise was deafening. Ethan, caught between two conflicting realities, looked overwhelmed. His gaze darted nervously between them.

“This is madness,” Ethan finally muttered, shaking his head.

Before he could decide, Julian moved. With a surprising burst of speed, he shoved Ethan back into Berth 2A. Maya cried out, reaching for her brother. But Julian was quicker. He slammed the door shut, and the heavy thud of the lock engaging echoed through the corridor.

Maya stumbled back, staring at the closed door. Both she and Ethan were now trapped, separated by Julian’s calculated manipulation. Julian smiled, a cold, triumphant gleam in his eyes, before turning and walking away.