Chapter 28
Julian’s hands trembled at his sides, his breath ragged, like he couldn’t get enough air. His entire body was tight with adrenaline, teetering between hope and desperation.
He watched Savannah’s stunned expression, and for a moment, it was like all the noise in his head had gone silent–replaced by pure, electric hope.
“I didn’t want to hand them over,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “Because you were
“Everyone should pay for what they’ve done. Every single one of us.”
right.‘
”
“I knew the truth before I even touched them. I’d already collected the evidence.‘
“}
“But I couldn’t stand the thought of them just sitting in a cell. It felt too easy. Too clean.”
Savannah let out a shaky breath, then finally spoke–her voice low, but razor–sharp.
“Julian, you keep talking like you’re some bystander. But let’s be honest–you were the reason my sister died.‘
“They were monsters, sure. But you? You handed them the match and poured the gasoline.
“You want justice? Then look in the mirror. The one who deserves to rot… is you.”
“}
”
Her voice rose at the end, cutting through the stale basement air.
And for a second, just a second, when she looked into Julian’s dark, unreadable eyes–she froze.
There was something in them.
Something… unhinged.
A chill spread down her spine.
Her voice trembled as she stepped back. “I need to go.‘
Julian followed immediately. His steps were quiet, but his presence pressed on her like a shadow.
He only asked one thing. “Savannah. Are you going to the cops?”
She didn’t answer.
She didn’t need to. He already knew.
And now, the way he looked at her–it wasn’t just sad or desperate anymore.
It was dangerous.
Still, when they reached the front door, Julian didn’t stop her.
Didn’t raise his voice.
Didn’t beg.
He just turned to see Ben standing at the gate, waiting to drive her home.
Julian’s voice came out flat. Almost hollow.
“Do whatever you need to do. I won’t stop you.”
“But don’t forget—you made a promise.”
Savannah didn’t look back.
She just walked faster.
Chapter 28
اور خون شده
ReelShort
R
Their secret romance is soon discovered, sparking a community–wide meeting
4.6 FREE
Google Play
INSTALL
100.00%
4”
Once in the car, she told Ben everything–every detail, every name, every room she’d seen.
Ben gripped the steering wheel tightly, glancing at her with a mix of worry and quiet frustration.
“You shouldn’t have gone alone.”
Savannah gave a sheepish shrug. “I didn’t plan to. It just… happened.”
“I snapped.”
“But now, I don’t know what to do. I really don’t.”
Her voice dropped, eyes fixed on the dark road ahead.
“Delilah and Travis… they were wrecked. I’m sure if Emily saw them like that, she’d be laughing from the clouds.‘
“But it still doesn’t feel right. Julian got to play judge and executioner. He still thinks he’s the hero in all this.‘
Ben reached over and took her hand, steadying her shaking fingers.
“Then let’s make sure he pays too.”
“You do what you need to do. I’ll handle Julian.”
Savannah looked over at him.
Something in his voice–steady, certain–gave her the strength she’d been missing.
She nodded.
”
P
TH
That night, she submitted every shred of evidence she had to the court. Not just about the original case, but everything Julian had done after–the illegal confinement, the torture, the manipulation.
It exploded online within hours.
Public outrage surged.
And just like that, Emily’s case was reopened.
Only this time, Savannah wasn’t a victim begging to be heard.
She was right.
h
When the final ruling came through, Savannah was at Everglade Resting Grounds, sitting cross–legged beside her sister’s grave, the crisp judgment papers folded in her lap, her fingers tracing the name etched into the stone.
Ben stood quietly next to her, holding a bouquet of white lilies.
They didn’t speak for a while.
Then he whispered, “The police found him.”
“He was on the lake. Lying in that same old boat. Empty bottle of sleeping pills next to him.”
“He didn’t make it.”
Savannah didn’t move.
She just stared at the headstone, wind brushing softly against her cheeks.
Like someone had reached out. Touched her gently,
And for the first time in a long time, she smiled.
“Goodbye, Emily.”
