LOGINIn the visitation room, I looked at Judd through the thick glass.He was wearing a prison uniform, his hair was a mess, and his face was mottled with bruises. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked utterly exhausted.When he saw me, his eyes reddened. He slapped his palm against the glass and hoarsely said, "Julie… were you the one who saved me in the fire back then? Was it you?"I stayed silent as memories of the past surfaced in my mind.That day, all the adults in the military housing were at a meeting, so they gathered all the kids at my house for safety.We were watching a movie when Judd suddenly announced that he was going home to take a nap. The other kids stayed glued to the screen. I was the only one who noticed him leave, so I nodded as he went.Not long after he left, smoke started billowing from the Garrison residence. When I saw it, my mind went blank. All I could think was "Judd's still in there," so without a second thought, I dashed in.The smoke was thick,
Eric immediately shoved Judd's hand away and pulled me behind him. His expression was dark and thunderous."This is our wedding, Judd. Don't start trouble!"But Judd seemed not to hear a word. His eyes were fixed on the back of my neck as he muttered over and over, "How is it on you… How could it be…"Frank rushed over to play the peacemaker. "Judd, you've had too much to drink! Apologize and come home now!"Judd finally snapped back to reality. He muttered a dazed "I'm sorry" and let Megan lead him away. Even as they left, he kept glancing over his shoulder with eyes full of confusion and unease.That night, Vanessa texted and told me that Judd and Megan had a massive fight at home.As soon as they returned to the Garrison residence, Judd dragged Megan into their bedroom and locked the door. He gripped her shoulders and stared coldly into her eyes."Megan, do you remember how you saved me that day?"Assuming he was trying to reminisce about their past, she gave a shy, sweet
A chill flashed in my eyes.Nothing owed? Judd owed me more than two lifetimes could ever repay.Tears shimmered in Megan's eyes as she looked up at him in admiration. "Thank you, Judd."Looking down at her, Judd gritted his teeth, as if he was finally making up his mind. "Mother, I'm marrying Megan!""Have you lost your mind?"Eleanor rushed over and smacked his arm, practically jumping with anger. "She's scheming and vicious, so why would you bring her into our family?"But he stood his ground, grabbed Megan's hand, and pulled her toward the gate. "My decision's made."I watched as they hastily felt and felt nothing. If anything, it felt like I'd finally been lifted from the weight of the past.…The following days were filled with festive joy in our residence. While we picked out gourmet chocolate for the wedding, Eric would pop different flavors into my mouth."You used to steal my candy and chocolate when we were kids," he said. "Now you can eat as much as you want."Ev
The smile on Judd's face froze in place.He clearly hadn't expected such words from me. His throat bobbed as he tried to respond, but I turned and ran toward Eric with a bright smile.Throwing my arms around his neck, I hung onto him and pressed my cheek against his warm shoulder. My voice rang out clear and firm. "I'm getting married to Eric!"Eric froze for half a beat, then locked his arms securely around my waist. His palms carried a familiar warmth as he patted my back as a silent gesture of support.The crowd of childhood friends immediately erupted in whistles, laughter, and cheers.Martha was beaming so widely her eyes disappeared into crescents as she tugged at Father's arm. "Look at the two! They've always been close as kids, and now, they're a perfect match!"Judd's expression darkened. He took two steps forward, and his voice dripped with narcissistic certainty. "Are you done yet, Julie?"Yesterday, you had Eric hit me up, and today, you team up with the Graysons t
I was shaking with rage, but before I could speak, Judd was grabbed by the collar and yanked around. A fist slammed straight into his face.It was Eric.As the man who was usually carefree, he now looked grim. His voice was tight with restrained fury. "Get the hell out of the Whitlock residence now!"Judd's temper flared, too. He spat out a mouthful of blood and raised his fist to strike back, but at that exact moment, the wailing Megan suddenly went silent. Her body swayed, and she collapsed in a heap on the ground.Panic immediately filled Judd's eyes. He scooped her up, shot a glare at both of us, and rushed out.I took a moment to steady myself before inviting Eric inside. But he headed straight into the kitchen and returned with an ice pack.When I stared at him, stunned, he clicked his tongue in annoyance and pressed the ice pack firmly against my swollen cheek."I can't believe you just stand there and take it when he hits you. What an idiot."This isn't over. Just w
Next, the heavy wooden ladder tipped toward me.I instinctively squeezed my eyes shut and raised my arms, but the pain I braced myself for never came. When I opened my eyes, Eric had rushed over and caught the ladder. But just before it fell, a bucket of red paint had come crashing down from above, drenching me from head to toe. I must have looked like a humiliated, dripping mess.Megan tumbled to the ground. Since she hadn't been very high up, she only twisted her ankle and scraped her palms.Not far away, Judd turned around. His face paled as he came sprinting over."Megan!"He didn't even spare me a glance as he bent over to help her up. She leaned weakly into his arms and looked at me with tears brimming in her eyes.Her voice was full of doubt and disbelief. "Julie… why did you shake the ladder and make me fall?"Paint dripped from the tips of my hair, and I was stunned by her baseless accusation.Judd frowned and glared at me with anger blazing in his eyes. "You've gone







