Chapter 15 It was only when Elias spoke that Julian deigned to look at him properly. His gaze swept over him from head to toe, dismissive and contemptuous, before quickly turning away. "This is a private matter between us. It does not concern you." He was so eager to declare the bond he believed he had with Sloane that he seemed to forget she had been standing at Elias's side from the very beginning. Elias's voice was calm but firm, with a hint of challenge. "I'm her boyfriend. Her life is my life. And when my girlfriend is being harassed by a stranger, you can bet it concerns me." His confidence came from knowing Sloane never hid anything from him. They shared no secrets, no misunderstandings. He trusted her completely. He would always stand behind her, offering support and protection, chasing away anyone who meant her harm. Next to their quiet harmony, Julian's expression grew uglier by the second. Just as he had been unable to accept her departure before, he now found it impossible to accept that she had moved on, released him, and found companionship with another. "Sloane, you can't leave me. We're married. That means forever-" Sloane cut him off, her patience gone. "Julian, you were the one who said you hated me. You brought Lena into our home while we were still married. You took her side every time. You hurt me again and again for her." Her voice grew stronger, each word pointed. "What gives you the right to tell me I can't leave you?" Memories surged, each one sharper than the last. She had thought time dulled them, that she could look back with a calm heart. But standing here, listening to him order her around as if nothing had changed, she realized the wounds were still raw. Why should she be kept when he wanted her, then discarded the moment he didn't? She was a human being, not some lifeless possession. If he didn't love her, why couldn't he just let her go? Her words came harder, sharper, every one a demand. For the first time, Julian was struck silent. As he has said, they had shared two decades together. In his memory, Sloane had been the epitome of passive endurance. She had always been gentle, pliant, steady-never raising her voice, never allowing her calm exterior to crack. In all their years together, she had only lost control twice. Once when Lena broke her grandmother's brooch. And now. Chanter 15 9.87% He opened his mouth, wanting to soothe her, but no words came. Instead, what she said stirred a dangerous flicker of hope inside him. If she still cared about Lena, didn't that mean she hadn't truly let go of the past? Didn't that mean there might still be a way back for them? He had worked so hard, submitted himself to every painful treatment, endured every round of therapy without fail. All for this-for the day he could stand before her with nothing in the way, to finally speak his remorse and his heart. "Sloane, I didn't know back then. I didn't realize Lena wasn't who she seemed. I'm sorry. I was wrong, and you suffered for it. But I've sent her away. She's been punished. So please, come back with me." His tone was earnest, so much so that Elias turned to Sloane, a flicker of unease in his chest. He trusted her, but twenty years left deep marks. Marks not easily erased. His worry didn't last long. Sloane reached for him, threading her fingers through his. The warmth of her palm spread to his, and when she smiled at him, he knew-there was nothing to fear. Then she turned back to Julian. Her heart pounded, her memories loud in her mind, but she forced her voice steady. "Julian, I don't need your late apologies." Back then, no one had ever sought justice for her. She had clawed her way out of that suffocating cage by herself, not to return to it again. "You never loved me. Letting go is better for both of us. Go back, Julian. I'm not going with you." Chapter 15 9.87% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!