Chapter 21 - FOURTEEN MINUTES OF TRUTH
Julian requested one final meeting before the annulment decision.
Fourteen minutes.
My rule.
Rachel present in the next room.
We sat across from each other.
He said:
“I don't want you back.”
That surprised me.
Then:
“I mean, part of me does. But I don't want to ask.”
Good.
He continued.
“I wanted to tell you I remember throwing the rag.”
I said nothing.
“I thought you would cry.”
My skin prickled.
“I wanted you to.”
Truth.
Ugly.
Necessary.
“Why?”
“Because I was terrified.”
“Of what?”
“That after the wedding you'd realize you were better than me.”
I stared.
He continued.
“You earned more. Your parents were stable. You had savings. Friends. A career.”
“So you tried to reduce me.”
“Yes.”
The room hurt.
“I thought if you needed me, I wouldn't lose you.”
There it was.
Control was fear wearing armor.
Still unacceptable.
But intelligible.
I asked:
“Did you love me?”
“Yes.”
“Do you understand why that answer doesn't help?”
“Yes.”
Our fourteen minutes ended.
At the door he said:
“Elena?”
I turned.
“I hope nobody ever makes you prove you love them by needing them.”
I nodded.
“And I hope you learn not to need that proof.”
May you like
Then we walked in opposite directions.
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