Chapter 10 - Awakening to AshesElena opened her eyes.
The hospital room was dim.
A monitor beeped beside her.
Pain radiated through her ribs and abdomen.
Then she saw Julian.
He was sitting beside her bed.
His eyes were red from crying.
“Elena…”
She turned her head.
“I am so sorry.”
He reached for her hand.
She pulled it away.
Julian froze.
Her eyes were no longer filled with anger.
They were worse.
They were empty.
“Get out.”
“Elena, please.”
“Get out before I scream.”
Julian stood slowly.
He wanted to explain.
He wanted to tell her that he had been manipulated.
But no explanation could erase what had happened.
He walked out.
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And for the first time in his life, Julian understood that forgiveness could not be demanded.
It had to be earned.
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Chapter 13 - The Son's RebellionVictoria stared at her son.
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