Within minutes, sirens wailed and officers forced the two groups apart.
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
After the police dragged everyone to the station for a stern talking–to, nobody dared take sides. In the end, they just let it drop.
Nathan’s name was known all over the city–his influence didn’t need explaining.”
But Vincent wasn’t someone you wanted to mess with, either. He was a duke, here on official business from his country, and one wrong move could turn the whole thing into a diplomatic nightmare.}
The two of them stared each other down, neither willing to give an inch. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, and the police officers around them were so nervous they barely dared to breathe.
That’s when Julia walked back in, medicine bag in hand.
Both Vincent and Nathan looked up at her instantly, identical hope flickering in their eyes.
But Julia didn’t hesitate–she walked straight over to Vincent in front of everyone.
She dabbed a cotton swab soaked with antiseptic onto his face, leaving dark marks across his skin.
“Hiss… that stings” Vincent winced, playing up his injury, his long fingers clinging to Julia’s sleeve like he was looking for comfort. Julia didn’t even blink. She pressed a little harder on his wound, making sure it hurt. “Oh, now you know what pain feels like? Funny you didn’t remember that when you were throwing punches.”
Vincent grinned over at Nathan, a clear challenge in his eyes, and squeezed Julia’s hand gently. “I just wanted to stand up for you, that’s ali. And hey, I’m fine. As long as you’re here to take care of me, a couple of bruises don’t matter.“}
Julia’s lips curled up at the corners. She wasn’t angry anymore, and she carefully finished tending to his wounds.
She never even glanced at Nathan.
Nathan practically radiated cold. With his bruised face set in
Only now did he really get what it felt like–to be left behind, to
stone, ho
It hurt, like something gnawing away at his heart.
so furious he could barely catch his breath.
someone’s backup plan.
But then, he remembered all the times he’d left Julia behind, only to reach for her whenever things got tough. Did she feel a hundred, a thousand times worse than he did right now?”
The thought left him hollow.D
He tried to speak, but his voice was rough and shaky. “I’m sorry, Julia. I r was wrong.”
never
should’ve left
you for Sarah, not again and again. I know !
“I’m hurting too… Could you help me with my wounds? Please, I’m asking you.”
He looked at her, holding on to hope he knew he didn’t deserve.
Julia didn’t even pause. “No.”
“I’m not that nice, and I’m not going to take care of someone who means nothing to me. Respect the boundaries between us. I have a boyfriend, and I don’t want to give him any reason to doubt us.”>
The moment she finished, Vincent smiled and added, “You’re the best, babe. And don’t worry, I’ll do the same–I won’t waste time on people who don’t matter, and I’d never leave the person I love for anyone else.“}
“No one’s more important to me than my girlfriend.“W
Their words hit Nathan like a punch to the gut.
His face went pale, and he swayed before passing out cold.
His bodyguards rushed to get him to the hospital.
Julia left with Vincent without a backward glance.
The next morning, Nathan opened his eyes to the blinding white hospital ceiling, dazed for a second.
He looked over at the bedside, but Julia wasn’t there–only Aiden sat by his side.
Whatever hope Nathan had left vanished right then
He knew she wouldn’t come. Still, he couldn’t help wishing.
Nathan shut his eyes, replaying everything from the day before.
How did things end up like this?
It had only been a year. How had everything changed so completely??
Chapter 24
