Chapter 7

In the days that followed, Daniel spent every night sharing a bed with Camille. Valentina lay in the room next door, listening to those intimate sounds, losing sleep night after night. On the morning before the divorce was set to be finalized, Daniel pushed open her door to find Valentina sitting at the table, her face frighteningly pale. "Val, what's wrong?" His voice was full of concern. "Why do you look so pale?" Valentina lifted her bloodshot eyes. "You two were too loud last night. I couldn't sleep." A flash of embarrassment crossed Daniel's face, quickly followed by guilt. He walked over and gently took her hand. "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful from now on." He paused, as if suddenly remembering something. "Oh, didn't you always want to see the military theater troupe perform? I happen to have two tickets. How about I take you later?" Before Valentina could answer, Camille poked her head out of the bedroom. "What performance? I want to go too!" Daniel frowned. "I only have two tickets." "Then I won't go," Valentina said quietly. "You two can go." "No!" Daniel immediately refused. "I'll make a phone call and get another ticket." He turned and left, and sure enough, returned shortly with a third ticket in hand. "Let's go." His tone was casual. "I pulled some strings to get this." Valentina looked at the ticket in his hand, her heart turning ice-cold. This was the first time Daniel had ever used his influence, and it was for Camille. The military theater troupe's performance was excellent. Throughout the show, Daniel carefully attended to Valentina's needs, asking if she was thirsty or needed a rest. But Valentina only felt the irony of it all. His tenderness now was nothing more than compensation for his guilt. During intermission, Valentina got up to use the restroom. On her way back through the hallway, she unexpectedly ran into Benjamin from the Forest Service office. "Ms. Frost!" Benjamin greeted her warmly. "When are you heading out to Montanias? Everything's been arranged on our end." "Tomorrow," Valentina replied quietly. "Tomorrow what?" Daniel's voice suddenly came from behind them. "Val, where are you going?" Valentina's heart jumped, but her expression remained unchanged. "It's nothing, just some training program." Daniel looked skeptical and was about to ask more questions when an aide quickly approached. "Captain, the base needs you urgently!" "Val, you two keep watching the show," Daniel said hurriedly. "I'll come pick you up when I'm done." Watching him walk away, Benjamin asked in surprise, "You didn't tell him you're leaving?" "No, there's no need," Valentina said calmly. Back at their seats, the performance on stage continued. Valentina stared at the brilliant stage lights, but couldn't focus on the plot at all. Suddenly, a shrill alarm pierced the night air. "Fire! Everyone get out!" The entire theater erupted into chaos as screams, cries, and the sound of people pushing filled the air. Valentina was knocked around by the crowd and fell hard, her knees hitting the ground with a painful thud. "Ah!" Camille's scream came from nearby. "I twisted my ankle!" Fighting through the pain, Valentina crawled over to Camille in the darkness. "I'll help you up." Thick smoke billowed everywhere as flames began licking at the curtains. They were trapped in a corner, the searing heat burning their skin. "Are we going to die here?" Camille sobbed uncontrollably. "I have a baby in my belly..." Valentina's whole body went rigid. "You're pregnant?"