Chapter 14 Sloane's first reaction was disbelief. She almost couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Home? Mr. Shaw, my home is here. We have no connection anymore. What do you mean, 'take me home"?" Seeing her dismiss their past so completely, Julian finally lost his composure. He stepped forward, jabbing a finger toward Elias, anger sharpening his voice. "Is it because of him? You'd choose some pretty boy over me? What can he give you that I can't?" The accusation was so harsh that Sloane's brows knitted. She exhaled slowly, choosing her words carefully. She reminded herself of his condition-how the people around him had always spoiled him, always centered the world on his needs, until he believed everything revolved around him. But even so... "Mr. Shaw, we've been divorced for years. There is no 'betrayal' to speak of." She paused, then added, firm and clear, "The man I care about is him. He's not some 'pretty boy.' He's my boyfriend. That is the simple truth." Elias lowered his eyes, standing quietly at her side. At her words, his lips curved in a small smile. Julian, on the other hand, couldn't take it. His chest heaved as he fought to control his breathing, but he couldn't contain the fury twisting through him. He lunged to grab her hand, but she stepped back, and his fingers closed on air. The easy, natural closeness between Sloane and Elias was undeniable. They stood together, a united front, their calm defiance a stark contrast to his turmoil. The sight made his vision blur with a furious, desperate redness. "Why, Sloane?" he demanded, his voice strained. "I knew you first. We married first. We lived together for twenty years. Why did you leave me behind?" She was stunned, not by his words, but by the fact that he could now speak them so smoothly. Still, when she absorbed the meaning, her lips curved into a bitter smile. "Mr. Shaw, it's true we lived together a long time. But that doesn't mean anything." She finally met his eyes, but her gaze was distant, as if he were a stranger. "Wasn't it you who pushed me away? I only gave you what you wanted-your freedom. And I took my own in return. Our marriage was never voluntary. The divorce papers were real. Every step was your choice. Where is the betrayal in that? The shop is closed, Mr. Shaw. It's time for you to leave." She gestured toward the door. But Julian didn't budge. He seized her wrist, his lips pressed thin, refusing to back down. "You are my wife. You should come home with me." Chapter 14 9.21% Sloane stared at him, startled. Never once in her life had he reached for her like this. Her gaze dropped to his hand on her wrist, and her mind drifted back. When she was a child at the Shaw Estate, Harold had told her to take care of Julian. She had followed him everywhere, always a step behind. But he hated her presence. His face tense, his words halting, he still forced them out whenever she came too close. "Don't come near me." So she learned to keep her distance. She only approached when he was sick-to give him medicine, cool his fever, feed him broth. And every time he woke, the first thing he did was wash himself thoroughly, as if her touch had contaminated him. He had hated her so deeply that every accidental brush felt like a violation. Sloane wasn't heartless. Being rejected so openly and consistently had hurt. But she was living under someone else's roof. No one ever asked how she felt. Over time, she grew accustomed to his contempt. She learned to face it with stoic acceptance. Before today before this moment-she had never imagined he would ever actively reach for her hand himself. Elias had finally seen enough. With a firm, deliberate motion, he pried Julian's fingers from her wrist. His arm wrapped protectively around her, pulling her securely behind him. "She said she's done with you," Elias stated coldly. "Are you deaf?" Chapter 14 9.21% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!