Running Away

Chapter 1

Two Years Ago

Just a few hours prior, Elias and Sera had gotten into a fight. It was their biggest one yet.

Sera felt as though she had given Elias five of the best years of her life. Her prime even. Despite the love they shared, Elias was unwilling to commit to Sera the way she wanted. He was faithful and true to her, but that wasn't enough, Sera wanted marriage, babies and the white picket fence.

But it just so happens that Elias wanted to continue his life as an international spy, and he wanted Sera to be by his side at the same time.

He was working his tail off to provide for her and keep her happy. On the other hand, she was tired of lying awake at night wondering if he was safe. Elias was always in one country or another, in disclosed locations. Sera wanted nothing more than for the two of them to get married and live a more stable life.

Their interests conflicted. Ultimately, Sera was done. At around 2 o'clock in the morning as Elias peacefully slept next to her, she crept out of bed. She shoved whatever clothes that she could into the overnight bag that she came with and zipped it shut. Sera never thought she could be the girl to end a relationship this way, but she knew that if she formally broke up with him, it wouldn't work.

All it ever took was one look into his dreamy eyes and Sera would be right back at square one.

With the filled bag in one hand and her six inch heels in the other, Sera tip-toed to the front door. Her mind was filled with a slideshow of memories they shared from over the years, pumping her heart full of doubt, grief and anger.

"He owes." She thought to herself, dropping the luggage down and going back into the bedroom. Sera kneeled down next to Elias's night stand. She knew that if he woke up it would be game over.

While holding her breath, she slowly and quietly opened the top drawer. There she beheld his guns, passports under different names, credit cards, a dagger and his CIA badge. Closing it slowly, she opened the second drawer.

Bingo.

Practically to the brim, the drawer was filled with dozens of money stacks, each neatly held together by a thick, gray rubber band. Sera grabbed as many as she could hold on to, then put a few back as to not push her luck. When she had made it back to the front door, she dropped it all into a bag and zipped it tight.

Sera had been completely reliant on him over the years. She was going to need some fiscal support to get back on her feet and stand on her own.

The cold, crisp, night time air filled Sera's lungs as she moved quickly, quietly and afraid. Silent tears rolled down her dark brown cheeks as she started up her car and drove away. She was leaving the life they shared behind with a suitcase filled with money, a few outfits...

And an 8 week old pregnancy that she kept secret from him.