The Boy I Forgot to Hate
Behind him, Valeria walked unhurriedly, like a queen who had just claimed her throne, wearing a subtle smirk of victory meant for Elena’s eyes only.
Julian halted at the edge of the crowd. His eyes locked onto Elena standing frozen in front of the lab door, cornered right across from Arthur in a cheap setup.
"Julian..." Elena called softly. A stupid, fleeting flicker of hope sparked in her chest—hoping he’d stand up and fight for the truth.
She searched his eyes, looking for even a trace of guilt, accountability for last night, or protection from this vicious slander. But Julian just stood there like a statue. He glanced back and forth between Elena and Arthur, his jaw clenched so tight the