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“I really did take the half a million your mother offered and promised to cut you out of my life. So what I’m doing right now–technically, I’m breaking that promise.”
Julian watched Niamh’s cool, indifferent expression and felt a pang of hurt. It was as if he was nothing more than a stranger to her now, not the friend he used to be.
“It’s not like anyone else is around…”
Niamh realized that unless she went along with him, Julian wouldn’t take her back. So, with no other choice, she fell in step beside him, and together they walked toward the Juvenile Rehabilitation Center.
At first, Julian kept silent.
Niamh didn’t try to force conversation either. She simply walked quietly at his side, waiting for him to speak.
“You… You and Jonathan aren’t divorced yet, are you?” Julian finally broke the silence, but the question caught Niamh off guard.
“Almost. Jonathan and I were planning to get the paperwork done while we’re in Blackspire for your wedding.”
Niamh didn’t try to hide anything; she answered honestly.
“So… what are you planning after the divorce?” Julian pressed.
“Hm?” Niamh tilted her head. “After the divorce? I’ll keep running my studio and living my own life, of course.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Julian’s voice sounded suddenly impatient.
Then, out of nowhere, he grabbed her hand.
Startled, Niamh tried to pull away, but Julian’s grip was too tight.
They were standing right in front of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, hardly the place for such a scene. Still, Julian’s gaze was intense, his eyes burning with
determination.
“Niamh, once you and Jonathan are divorced, you’ll finally be free. You’ll be able to love whoever you want without holding back…”
She could see the flush creeping up Julian’s cheeks.
“I… I’ve actually liked you for a long time, Niamh…” His words tumbled out, halting
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and awkward, but he couldn’t keep them in any longer.
He’d tried to accept his family’s plans for his future. It was like some inescapable fate, stamped on him from birth.
But the more time he spent with Susy, the more he found his mind drifting back to Niamh–her kindness, her strength. If he could, he’d happily spend the rest of his days working as an instructor at the center, just to have a simple, sweet office romance with her.
“Back when you stood up for me at the center, that’s when I first realized how much I liked you…”
Hearing Julian’s confession, Niamh felt something stir inside her.
The Juvenile Rehabilitation Center… That place was where her feelings for Jonathan had first begun to bud. She’d never imagined it was the same for Julian–that his affection for her had started there too.
“And then, seeing you–so talented and driven–getting hurt by Jonathan and his affair, I just couldn’t stand it. I wanted to defend you, to protect you… I started caring about you, feeling sorry for you. And little by little, that turned into something more…”
It was no longer pity. It had become love–a man’s love for a woman.
Suddenly, Julian pulled her into a tight embrace.
Niamh tried to push him away, but he held her fast. She could hear his heart pounding in his chest.
She knew Julian still had more to say.
“Niamh… I don’t love Susy. I don’t want to marry her. There’s nothing between us–it’s just some business arrangement for our families…”
Julian’s voice was raw, as if he’d been holding these words back for years. He had to let them out now, or risk never getting another chance.
“Niamh…” His tone was hoarse, pleading. “I swear, I’d treat you a thousand times better than Jonathan ever did. I’d do anything for you. So… will you choose me?”
Chapter 913
