Chapter 9 - THE MAN WHO HAD TO LEARN TO TRUST AGAIN
Julian ended the engagement.
The announcement was brief.
No accusations.
No dramatic press conference.
Just a statement that the wedding would not proceed.
Sloane responded publicly.
She accused Julian of emotional cruelty.
Claimed he had abandoned her during a difficult pregnancy.
And suggested he had become paranoid.
Julian's attorneys advised him not to respond publicly while investigations continued.
He agreed.
Tess watched the headlines with growing frustration.
People online called Julian heartless.
Some accused him of abandoning his unborn child.
Others defended Sloane.
The truth remained hidden behind legal proceedings.
One afternoon, Tess found Julian in Central Park.
He sat on a bench overlooking the lake.
She approached.
“Mind if I sit?”
He smiled faintly.
“Please.”
They watched the water.
Then Julian said:
“I don't know how to trust anyone anymore.”
Tess nodded.
“I understand.”
He looked at her.
“Do you?”
She smiled sadly.
“My father left when I was twelve. My mother worked three jobs. I learned early that promises are easy.”
Julian studied her.
“And yet you told me the truth.”
She shrugged.
“Because someone had to.”
He looked down.
“Tess, I don't want you to feel responsible for me.”
She smiled.
“I don't.”
He laughed softly.
“Good.”
For the first time, Julian understood that love couldn't be built on gratitude alone.
It required two people choosing each other freely.
May you like
And he wasn't ready.
Not yet.
