Chapter 10 - THE APOLOGY HE NEVER EXPECTED TO GIVE
Julian came to see me six months after the night of the staged attack.
He arrived alone.
No guards.
No expensive gifts.
No demands.
Just a man standing outside my apartment with tired gray eyes.
I opened the door.
“Julian.”
He swallowed.
“Elena.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he said, “I owe you an apology.”
I folded my arms.
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“I lied to you.”
“Yes.”
“I made you believe I was helpless.”
“Yes.”
“And I allowed you to fear for your life because I wanted proof of your loyalty.”
My eyes filled.
Julian looked down.
“There is no excuse for that.”
I stared at him.
He continued.
“I was so afraid of being betrayed that I forgot what trust actually means.”
His voice broke.
“You gave me kindness when you believed I had nothing to offer you.”
I swallowed.
“And I repaid you with manipulation.”
I looked away.
Julian continued.
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
I wiped my cheek.
“Good.”
He nodded.
“I just wanted you to hear the truth.”
I looked at him.
“Do you love me?”
He froze.
Then answered.
“Yes.”
My heart pounded.
“Why?”
Julian swallowed.
“Because you saw a man everyone feared and treated him like someone worth caring for.”
Tears filled my eyes.
He continued.
“And because you were brave enough to walk away when I hurt you.”
I stared at him.
Then whispered, “Love isn't enough, Julian.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
I stepped back.
“Then prove you understand that.”
And I closed the door.
May you like
Not because I hated him.
Because I needed to know whether he could respect a boundary he didn't like.
