A threat. Naked and ugly. And I didn't have the strength left to fight it.
I clutched that check and sobbed until I couldn't breathe, but there was nothing I could do. So I gritted my teeth and told Julian it was over.
When he jumped off that building right in front of me, I truly believed he understood my pain.
I didn't learn the truth until our wedding day. His so-called devotion had been revenge, planned from the start.
Five years. That's how long it took him to break me. To strip away my pride piece by piece and grind my dignity into dust. Using my mother's life as his leverage.
I wanted to die, but I could only clench my jaw and endure.
At least now, finally, I was free.
I couldn't bear his hatred anymore. I refused to carry accusations I didn't deserve.
I forced myself upright, calmly removed my coat, and set it in front of him.
I turned to leave—and strong arms yanked me backward into his chest.
Julian's eyes burned with fury.
"Where do you think you're going, looking like that? Have some dignity."
"Drop the hard-to-get act and come home with me."
I opened my mouth to refuse. Blood sprayed out instead.