Julian fell instantly silent. The commanding, unyielding gaze that usually defined him softened, dims by a shadow of hesitation. He faltered slightly, his grip on Elena's waist slackening in an instant.His mind raced through an agonizing dilemma. If he came clean and laid everything bare right now, Elena, already overwhelmed with emotion, would undoubtedly explode. Yet, if he lied or swept it under the rug, he knew the fallout would be catastrophic. If Elena ever learned the truth from someone else, especially from his mother or Amanda, she would be utterly crushed and lose all faith in him.Catching the clear hesitation etched across Julian's handsome face, Elena let out a short, icy laugh hollowed by disappointment."Why the silence?" she fired off bitterly. Her swollen eyes locked onto him, blazing with an encroaching jealousy. "Why are you flustered? Why are you struggling to find an answer? Oh, you must be scrambling to cook up an excuse, aren't you?""Elly, that's not it—"
Last Updated : 2026-10-01 Read more