This narrative details a woman's journey of profound betrayal and resilience, culminating in her reclaiming her life and power after enduring immense emotional and physical suffering caused by a manipulative partner and his circle.
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when I was two months pregnant. Julian
asked me to give his childhood friend a
blood transfusion.
I refused because I was anemic. But his
friends were all saying that I ignored
the overall situation dot and is lying
in the operating room and you're the
only one with a matching blood type dot.
What's wrong with donating a little
blood? After saying that, several of
them grabbed me and pushed me inside. A
fleeting moment of sympathy crossed
Julian's eyes, but he stealed himself.
It's just a blood transfusion. Dot. Our
child will be okay. I stopped
struggling. Dot. A tear slid down my
cheek. Dot. After the transfusion, I
dragged my weakened body to the
gynecology and obstetrics department to
have an abortion. Dot. I stayed in the
hospital alone for 3 days after the
surgery while Julian remained by inside
all the time. Dot. My womb was empty,
but the pain was piercing my heart. Dot.
I ran into Julian and and many of his
friends when I got discharged. I I was
carrying my backpack alone, but and had
Julian to help her walk. Dot. Julian
momentarily paused when he saw me. Dot.
Why are you still at the hospital?
Nothing. I had the miscarriage and
walked out the door with a pale face.
Dot. We<unk>ll leave together, he said,
grabbing my arm in a tone that left no
room for argument. and quickly entered
the front passenger seat when we reached
the car. Dot. Then she said with an
innocent expression and sparkling eyes.
Scarlet, I just had stomach ulcer
surgery and got car sick easily. Dot.
Could you please let me have the seat? I
didn't argue and opened the door to the
back seat. Dot. But his friends all
rushed in. Now dot. Three grown men
squeezed into the back seat at once.
They stared at me with hostility. Dot.
Scarlet and is still weak. dot. We'll
all come to your house to take care of
her. Dot. I looked toward Julian in the
driver's seat. Dot. His face was stiff,
but he didn't say a word to refute them.
Dot. I smiled bitterly as the sound of
cicas filled the air. Dot. How could I
still have expectations for this man?
Julian's friends hated me. They thought
he was perfect for and saw me as a
villain trying to break them up. They
treated me like a servant in my own
house. And Julian never once defended me.
me.
even if I was pregnant with his child. I
still had to give in a blood
transfusion. Dot. They didn't even say
thank you at the end. Dot. They just
said it was my honor. Dot. It wasn't the
first time I'd been mistreated. But it
was the first time I chosen to accept it
without a fight. Fine. I'll head home on
my own. I shut the car door and walked
off ahead of them. It was rush hour, so
I couldn't even catch a cab. Dot.
Someone who had recently had an
abortion. Dot. I wandered for an hour in
the searing heat to come home. Dot. I
was greeted by harsh complaints when I
pushed the door open. Dot. Scarlet, why
are you so slow? We've been home for
ages. We haven't eaten all night. Come
on, let's taste your cooking again. Dot.
I turned my gaze to Julian and then dot.
It was a sweltering summer day and the
air conditioning was off because they
didn't want the fragile and to catch a
cold. Dot. Julian sat beside her,
fanning her with a paper fan. Dot,
despite breaking into a sweat himself.
He ignored it entirely and kept fawning
over and dot. Sam shouted after seeing I
was quiet. Julian, we're<unk> all
starving, tell your wife to cook us
something to eat. Dot. Julian finally
looked up. Dot. He casually ordered
without noticing how pale I was.
Scarlet, go make us something simple to
eat. and make some soup for and dot.
It'll help her recover. A sharp pain
stabbed I had at my heart. Making it
hard to breathe. Dot. I turned and
walked into the kitchen trying to block
out their happy voices. Dot. I felt like
a stranger in my own home. Dot. I used
to argue with them hysterically. As if
it could restore my dignity. Dot. Still,
I didn't realize that my outbursts only
fueled their arrogance. Dot. And was
always patient and different from my
childish nature.
But I've had enough. These people, this
relationship, it's not worth the energy.
Dot. I was exhausted by the time I
brought out the food. And offered to
help, but flinched away as I handed her
the soup. The chicken soup spilled all
over the floor, and the bowl shattered
into countless pieces.
Watch out. Julian quickly shielded Anne.
But a large patch of my bare calf turned
red from the scalding liquid. Dot.
Scarlet, I know you don't like me, but
you didn't have to drop the bowl on
purpose. Dot. Even though not a single
drop of soup splashed on her and threw
herself into Julian's arms and acted
like she had been wronged. That's right.
What are you doing, Scarlet? You've been
targeting and for so long. Dot.
We're<unk> all just friends. Why are you
acting like this? She let go of the bowl
first. Dot. I coldly swept my gaze over
the people chastising me and spoke
calmly. Dot. Still, Julian cut them off
sharply before they could say more. Dot.
Scarlet, apologize.
You've gone too far this time. Dot and
just got out of the hospital and you
scared her even though it was a hot
summer day. I shivered uncontrollably as
if I had fallen into a cold cave. The
burning pain in my calf was nothing
compared to the agony in my heart. Dot.
The man who once gave me a sense of
safety and strength, now seemed like an
executioner, cutting me to pieces. The
final thread in my mind snapped. Fine,
I'll apologize.
I laughed bitterly, tears welling up in
my eyes. Dot. Julian was taken aback
momentarily and tried to reach out to
me, but I dodged him. Dinner is ready,
and I've apologized.
Can I go to my room to bandage my burn
now? I shook the blistered skin, hoping
he would finally leave me alone. Dot.
After saying that, I ignored the mess
and returned to my room. Dot. There was
a lot of noise outside the door. And I
heard Anne<unk>s agrieved voice. Dot.
I'm sorry. It's all my fault that
Scarlet is angry. Dot. I'm such a jinx.
I shouldn't cause you any more trouble.
Dot. I heard the door opening as and ran
out. And everyone worriedly ran after her.
her.
The door slammed shut with a deafening
noise. Dot. Just when I thought Julian
would follow her, he pushed open the
door and came in. He hugged me from
behind and his big hand stroked my belly
scar. Dot. Charlotte, why can't you just
give into her and is still like a child
dot? You need to be more understanding.
Dot. Besides, we're having a baby now.
Dot. Once I've sorted out work, I'll
make it up to you with a proper wedding.
Don't be mad. All right. His voice was
unexpectedly gentle with a hint of
coaxing. Dot. Oh, so you do remember
that I'm pregnant. I pushed his hand
away and couldn't help but sneer. Dot.
Julian's smile froze as his phone buzzed
in his pocket. Dot. He picked it up.
Sam's voice rang loudly in the quiet
room. Dot. Julian, hurry over and
fainted on the way here. And we still
need someone to pay for the hospital
fees. Julian grabbed the bank card we
had all been saving from the bedside.
table without hesitation. Dot. Are you
out of your mind, Julian? I blocked his
way, furious. Dot. You're going to take
the money we saved for our baby. Just to
pay for an His eyes darkened with
frustration, and he rushed out
regardless of my obstruction.
Enough, Scarlet. Someone's life is at
stake, and all you care about is your
petty nonsense.
Stop being so selfish. I pounded his
shoulder frantically. But he was so
strong, he pulled me out of the room.
Selfish. She's your childhood friend.
Not mine. Why should I spend my money on
her? Julian seemed enraged by something
I said and pushed me down like an angry
leopard. Dot. The shards on the ground
hadn't been cleaned up, and my exhausted
body collapsed onto them. Dot. Pain shot
through my body as I raised my hand to
find my back and arms covered in cuts.
Dot. Julian has already left, not even
looking back at me, staring at my bloody
hands. Dot. I used the last of my
strength to call for an ambulance before
blacking out in the haze of unconsciousness.
unconsciousness.
I dreamed of the young boy. Dot. He used
to be the one who climbed the hill with
me to pray at the old church. He clasped
his hands together, his expression
devout. I'll protect Scarlet for my
whole life. Dot. If I if I ever break
this vow, may I meet a terrible end.
Dot. When I woke up, it was already late
at night. Dot. I was the only one in the
dark ward. A nurse came in, handed me a
glass of water, and helped me sit up.
Dot. She looked at my bandaged arms, and
couldn't help but sigh. Miss, you just
had an abortion, and now you're like
this again. Dot. Please take care of
yourself and rest more. Dot. I closed my
eyes, letting the bitterness and pain
wash over me. After thanking her
quietly, I opened my phone. Dot. The
first thing I saw was a post from Sam on
his feed. Indeed, only Julian cares
about and dot. The photo showed Julian
sitting on a hospital bed. At the same
time, and rested her head on his lap,
smiling happily and contentedly.
A scumbag and a shameless woman. Dot. No
wonder people say they're made for each other.
other.
The ache in my chest turned into
numbness. Dot. I forced myself to push
the sadness aside. Dot. They didn't
deserve my tears or my pain. I logged
into my mobile banking app and checked
my account. Thankfully, the $14,000 I
had saved for myself was still there. I
calmly transferred the money into my
account. Dot. My marriage with Julian
also came to an end. With the loss of
this child, dot. I called the general
manager and asked, "Is Lily dot, is
there still a chance for me to be
transferred to the headquarters?" I was
offered a promotion to headquarters
because of my outstanding work a week
ago. Still, I turned it down because I
was pregnant and didn't want to be
separated from Julian. Now, none of that
mattered anymore. Dot. Scarlet, weren't
you pregnant? Don't worry about work
right now. Dot. Rest well and take care
of yourself. dot. There will be other
chances in the future. Dot. Hearing
Lily's gentle voice. I breathed deeply
to calm myself. Dot. Miss Lily, I lost
the baby. Dot. I'd like to return to
work as soon as possible. Dot. There was
a brief silence on the other end before
she spoke. Dot. I'll add your name back
to the list. Dot. Losing a child isn't a
small thing. Dot. Rest for a week and
then report to headquarters. Dot. I
agreed softly, my voice trembling a
little. Dot. Thank you, Miss Lily. Dot.
During my week in the hospital, Julian
never came to visit. Maybe he didn't
even realize I was still pregnant. Dot.
I wasn't surprised. That was just how he
was. Dot. I used to make excuses for him
all the time. But not anymore. After a
week of rest, my body had recovered
enough for me to be discharged.
During this time, I scrolled through and
social media. Every single post was
about Julian.
in the photos and looked like a little
princess surrounded by admirers. Dot.
She was always at the center filling her
table with nutritious meals and
countless gifts. Dot. Meanwhile, I was
alone in the hospital with nothing. Dot.
Even the pearl necklace Julian promised
to buy me. Now shown around neck. Dot.
It was odd seeing these things again and
feeling absolutely nothing. Dot. When I
got home, it was just as I'd left it.
Dot. Julian had been at the hospital
with N. Dot. He hadn't come home and
probably didn't even know I had been hospitalized.
hospitalized.
I quickly packed my things. Tossing the
photo from my nightstand and burning the
love letters he'd written me. I took off
my wedding ring and left it on the
coffee table. When I was done, I looked
around the empty house. It felt like it
did when we first moved in. Cold and
lifeless. I lowered my gaze to the
divorce papers. Picked up a pen and
signed my name on the back. Dot. Showed
up alone. Before I could call Julian to
come home and sign the papers dot. When
he walked in, I was talking to a
coworker about work. My coworker asked
me about my flight. And I replied, "It
tomorrow afternoon dot." I hung up as
soon as I saw him walk through the door.
He frowned. What's happening tomorrow
afternoon? A prenatal checkup. I put
away my phone and replied flatly. Just
work stuff, not a checkup. Dot. Only
then did I notice the food container in
his hand. Dot. He met my gaze and handed
it over. Dot. I'm sorry, Scarlet. Dot.
Anne's been in the hospital these past
few days. And I couldn't leave her side.
Dot. I bought you a fish soup to help
you recover. I didn't take it because
the faint smell of fish made me
nauseous. Dot. We had been married for
years. And he still doesn't know I
couldn't eat fish. How ironic. I didn't
even have the energy to argue. Oh,
right. Dot. This is Anne's silk dress.
It can't go in the washing machine. Dot.
Can you hand wash it tonight? I suddenly
had doubts as I listened to these words
and looked at the person before me. Dot.
I didn't know if he had changed or if I
had always married someone like this.
I said through my gritted teeth. Just
leave it there. I need to grab some
clothes to change into. Then I'll head
back, he said quickly, heading into the
bedroom to pack. I took that opportunity
to walk over to him with the divorce
papers. Dot. Julian, our mortgage is all
paid up. Just need your signature here.
Dot. He didn't suspect a thing and
signed his name without hesitation.
I watched him leave with his bag of
clothes. Dot. Then I booked a flight. 2
hours later, I slipped off my wedding
ring and laid the divorce papers and the
abortion slip on the coffee table. Dot.
Those were the final things I wanted
Julian to see. Dot. It was over between
us. The apartment was quiet. Not the
peaceful kind of quiet, but the heavy,
suffocating silence of a place that had
been abandoned. Dot. Julian kicked off
his shoes, frowning at the unlit
hallway. Scarlet, he called out,
irritation lacing his voice. I told you
I was coming back to get the clothes.
Why is it so dark in here? There was no
answer. No smell of dinner, no sound of
footsteps. Dot. He walked into the
living room, flipping the switch. The
light revealed the starkness of the
room. It felt stripped. The cozy throws
were gone from the sofa. The vase of
Lily Scarlet always kept fresh was
missing. Dot. His eyes landed on the
coffee table dot. There, sitting at top
the polished wood, was his wedding ring.
It caught the light, gleaming with a
cold, metallic indifference. Beside it,
lay a stack of papers and a small,
crumpled hospital receipt. Dot. Julian
felt a strange thrming in his ears. He
walked over, his steps slow, as if
approaching a bomb. He picked up the
ring first. It felt lighter than he
remembered. Then he looked at the
papers. Dot. Divorce agreement signed
dot property transfer signed dot. And
finally, the receipt. It wasn't a
receipt for a prenatal checkup. It was a
discharge summary from the gynecology
department. Procedure deation and
curitage DNC following miss miscarriage.
Patient status anemia emotional distress.
distress.
Discharge unaccompanied.
The date was from a week ago. the day he
was at the amusement park with and
because she needed fresh air for her
recovery. No, Julian whispered the word
scraping his throat. This is a joke. She
said she was going for a checkup. He
pulled out his phone, his thumb
trembling as he dialed her number. Dot.
The number you have dialed is no longer
in service. He tried again and again.
Dot. Panic cold and sharp pierced his
chest. He ran to the bedroom. The closet
was half empty. Her clothes, her shoes,
her suitcases gone. The bathroom counter
was bare of her skin care bottles. Dot.
She hadn't just left. She had erased
herself. Dot. Julian didn't sleep. He
spent the night sitting on the floor of
the living room clutching the abortion
slip. When the sun rose, he drove to the
hospital, the same one where he had
forced Scarlet to give blood dot. He
stormed into the nurse's station, his
eyes bloodshot. I need to see the
records for Scarlet Vance. I'm her
husband. The head nurse looked up. Her
expression shifted from professional
courtesy to cold disdain the moment she
heard the name. Mr. Vance. We were
wondering when you'd show up. Where is
she? She was discharged. The nurse said,
her voice clipped. A week ago. Alone. I
know that. I want to know why. Why
didn't anyone call me? She lost our
baby. The nurse stood up, slamming a
file onto the counter. We called you,
Mr. Vance. Three times the night she
started bleeding. Do you know who
answered? Julian froze. He remembered
his phone buzzing that night. He had
been in the hospital room with Anne and
had picked up his phone while he was in
the bathroom. She had told him later it
was a spam call. Dot. A woman answered.
The nurse said, her voice dripping with
judgment. She said, "You were busy and
couldn't be disturbed." She said, "If
Scarlet was in pain, she should just
deal with it because she was being
dramatic." Julian felt the blood drain
from his face. "An your wife," the nurse
continued, leaning forward, dragged
herself to the O after giving blood to
your friend. Her body was so weak, she
nearly went into shock on the table. And
when she woke up, she didn't ask for
you. She asked for water and then she
lay there in silence for 3 days. You
aren't a husband, Mr. Vance. You're an
executioner. Julian stumbled back, the
weight of the accusation crushing him.
Dot. Julian drove to Anne<unk>s
apartment. His friends Sam and the
others were there laughing, playing
video games. The air smelled of pizza
and beer. Dot. Julian. Sam cheered.
Where have you been? And was asking for
you. She wants to go to that new French
beastro. and came out of the bedroom
wearing the silk dress he had asked
Scarlet to wash. It was wrinkled. Dot.
Julian, she pouted. Scarlet never came
to wash this. It smells like dust. Can
you take it to the dry cleaners? For the
first time in 20 years, Julian looked at
and didn't see a fragile flower. He saw
a predator. "Did you answer my phone
last week?" Julian asked, his voice low.
Dot. The room went quiet. Sam paused the
game. Whoa. Tone man. What's up? Did you
answer my phone? Julian screamed,
stepping forward. Dot and flinched, her
eyes widening in genuine fear. I I might
have. You were busy with the doctor. It
was just some nuisance call. It was the
hospital. Julian roared. Scarlet was
miscarrying our child. And you told them
I was too busy. Anne<unk>s face palad,
but she quickly recovered, tears welling
up instantly. I didn't know. Julian,
you're scaring me. My heart. She
clutched her chest, staggering back.
Dot. Usually, Sam and the others would
rush to her aid. Usually, Julian would
catch her. Dot. But Julian just stood
there. Dot. Stop it, Julian said coldly.
Just stop acting. Acting? Sam stood up,
shoving Julian. She just had surgery,
you prick. Scarlet probably lied about
the miscarriage to make you feel guilty.
You know how manipulative she is. There
is a death certificate, Julian
whispered, holding up the crumpled
paper. My child is dead and my wife is
gone. He looked at his friends, these
men who had mocked Scarlet, who had
eaten her food and called her a servant.
He looked at Anne wearing the dress
Scarlet was supposed to clean. Dot. Get
out, Julian said. All of you. I don't
want to see any of you. You're choosing
that over us. Sam spat. She wasn't
a Julian said, his voice
breaking. She was the only person who
actually loved me. And you all helped me
kill that love. The skyline of New York
City was a jagged row of steel teeth
against the gray sky. On the 45th floor
of the LV Corp headquarters, Scarlet
Vance stood by the floor toseeiling
window sipping an iced Americano dot.
Her hair was shorter now, a sharp bob
that framed her face. The softness in
her eyes had been replaced by a cool,
calculated intelligence. She was the
youngest director of operations in the
company's history. Dot. Director Vance.
Scarlet turned. Her assistant Maya stood
at the door. The team from the West
Coast branch is here for the merger
talks. The CEO wants you to lead the
negotiation. Who is representing the
West Coast branch? Scarlet asked,
walking to her desk. Dot. A company
called Ethgard Logistics. Their CEO is
Julian Vance. Scarlet's hand didn't even
tremble as she picked up her tablet. I
see. Send them to conference room B.
I'll be there in 10 minutes. Are you
okay, Scarlet? A deep voice came from
the doorway. Dot. Liam Sterling, the VP
of the company, leaned against the
frame. He was tall with kind eyes and a
sharpness that matched Scarlet's. Over
the last two years, he had been her
mentor, her friend, and recently
something more. He knew her history.
Dot. I'm fine, Scarlet said, smoothing
her blazer. Just an old ghost coming to
haunt the castle. Liam walked over and
squeezed her shoulder. You aren't the
same person who left that ghost behind.
Remember that? I know. She smiled. And
it was a genuine, dangerous smile.
That's what I'm counting on. The
conference room was cold. Julian sat at
the table, fidgeting with his tie. He
looked older. There were gray hairs at
his temples and lines of exhaustion
etched around his mouth. Dot. Business
had been bad. Without Scarlet's
management of the household and her
silent support, his life had unraveled.
He was in debt. This merger was his only
hope to save his company. Dot. The door
opened. Dot. Good morning, gentlemen. A
clear authoritative voice rang out. Dot.
Julian looked up and felt the air leave
his long sto. Scarlet walked in, flanked
by three assistants and a tall imposing
man. She looked magnificent.
Expensive suit, immaculate posture, an
aura of absolute power. She didn't look
pale or weak. She looked like a queen.
Dot. Scarlet. Julian whispered, standing
up involuntarily.
Scarlet didn't even blink. She sat at
the head of the table, opened her file,
and looked at him with eyes as clear and
cold as glass. Dot. Mr. Vance, she said,
her tone professional and distant. I am
Director Vance. Let's keep this focused
on the agenda, shall we? Your liquidity
ratios are concerning. Scarlet, please.
Julian stammered, ignoring his
colleagues confused looks. I've been
looking for you for 2 years. I went to
your parents. I went to Mr. Vance. Liam
Sterling caught in, his voice low and
warning. If you cannot maintain
professionalism, we will have you
removed. Julian sank back into his
chair. He stared at her throughout the
meeting. She dismantled his business
proposal with surgical precision. She
pointed out every flaw, every weakness,
every risk. She was brilliant and she
was utterly unreachable. Dot. That
evening, LV Corp held a gala to
celebrate the potential partnership.
Julian attended, desperation clawing at
him. But he wasn't alone. Dot, and had
insisted on coming. She had clung to
Julian for the last two years, draining
his finances, using her fragile health
to keep him tethered. When she heard
Scarlet was the director, she demanded
to come, convinced she could intimidate
Scarlet-like before. Dot, and wore a
white dress, trying to look innocent.
But under the chandelier lights, she
looked washed out and tacky compared to
the elegance of the city crowd. Dot.
Scarlet was speaking to a group of
investors when Julian approached and
trailing behind him. "Scarlet," Julianne
said, his voice dot. "Scarlet turned,
holding a glass of champagne." Liam
stood protectively at her side. Dot.
Well, Scarlet said, her gaze sliding
over Anne. I see you brought your
baggage. Scarlet, how could you? And
started, her eyes filling with practiced
tears. You left Julian when he was down.
You ran away and hid. We were so
worried. Worried? Scarlet laughed. It
was a dry, dark sound. Did you worry
before or after you told the hospital to
let me bleed? The small group of
investors went quiet. Dot. I I never and
stammered. Dot. Oh, drop the act. And
Scarlet said, her voice raising just
enough to draw attention. We aren't in
that small town anymore. Your tears
don't work here. You aren't the victim.
You're a parasite, Julian. And cried,
grabbing his arm. She's bullying me
again. Julian looked at Anne. Then he
looked at Scarlet. Dot. She's right.
Julian said softly. Dot. And froze.
What? She's right. Julian said louder.
He pulled his arm away from Anne. You
aren't sick. You never were. I found the
pills. An vitamins. You were taking
vitamins, not heart medication. The
crowd murmured. Dot. Julian. Baby, don't
say that. And hushed. Dot. And you,
Julian, turned to Scarlet, tears
streaming down his face. I am so sorry.
I know sorry doesn't fix it. I know I
killed our family, but please tell me
there's a chance. I'll leave her. I'll
do anything. Scarlet took a sip of her
champagne. She looked at the man she had
once loved more than life itself. She
felt nothing, no hate, no love, just a
dull pity. Dot. Julian, she said softly.
The scarlet you knew died on that
operating table. You killed her. You
can't resurrect the dead. She turned to
Liam. Shall we go? Wait. and shrieked.
She lunged forward, grabbing a glass of
red wine from a waiter's tray, intending
to throw it at Scarlet's white gown.
Dot. But Scarlet was faster. She
anticipated the move. She knew
Anne<unk>s patterns too well. She
stepped aside gracefully. Dot and off
balance tripped over her own heels. She
crashed into the waiter, sending a tray
of drinks and appetizers cascading onto
herself. She landed in a heap of broken
glass and cocktail sauce. Dot. Silence
fell over the ballroom. Then someone
snickered. Then laughter rippled through
the room. Dot. And lay there covered in
filth, humiliated, waiting for Julian to
help her up. Julian looked down at her.
He looked at the woman who had cost him
everything. Dot. He turned his back and
walked away. Dot. The merger went
through, but on Scarlet's terms.
Julian's company was absorbed, and he
was stripped of his CEO title. He was
given a mid-level management position,
reporting to a board that Scarlet
controlled. Dot. He accepted it. He had
no choice. He had debts to pay, debts
accumulated by Annes of medical bills
and his friends leeching, and tried to
sue him for support. During the legal
proceedings, her medical records were
subpoenaed. It was revealed to the
public that she had faked her stomach
ulcers, her heart condition, and her
need for the blood transfusion that had
cost Scarlet her pregnancy. Dot.
Julian's friends Sam and the others
turned on her the moment the money ran
out. They abandoned her just as they had
abandoned decency years ago and was left
alone, branded a fraud, socially pariah
in their hometown.
6 months later dot Scarlet sat on a
bench in Central Park. The autumn leaves
were falling, painting the ground in
gold and red. Dot. She felt a presence
and looked up. Julian stood there. He
looked hollowed out. He had lost weight.
He looked like a man serving a life
sentence of regret. Dot. I'm leaving the
company, Julian said quietly. I can't. I
can't be near you and know that I can
never have you. It hurts too much.
Scarlet nodded. That's probably for the
best. I visit the grave, he said, his
voice trembling. I bought a pla for the
baby. I named him Leo. I go every week.
Scarlet's breath hitched just for a
second. Thank you. But that is your
penance, Julian. Not my comfort. He
knelt in front of her, right there on
the dirty pavement. If I had that day
back, I would have burned the world down
for you. But you didn't, Scarlet
replied, her voice steady. And that is
the only truth that matters. Liam
appeared in the distance, holding two
coffees. He waited, respecting her
space. Julian followed her gaze. He saw
the way Liam looked at Scarlet with
respect, with patience, with adoration.
The way Julian should have looked at
her. Dot. He's a good man. Julian asked.
Dot. He is, Scarlet said. He never asks
me to bleed for him. Julian closed his
eyes, tears leaking out. He stood up
slowly. Goodbye, Scarlet. Goodbye,
Julian. She didn't watch him walk away.
She stood up and walked toward Liam.
Dot. Everything okay? Liam asked,
handing her the coffee. Dot. Everything
is perfect, Scarlet said. She took a
deep breath of the crisp autumn air. The
pain in her chest, the ghost of the
piercing ache she had felt for so long
was finally gone. Dot. She took Liam's
hand. They walked out of the park, into
the bustling city, into a future that
belonged entirely to her. Dot. Julian
paused at the park gate and looked back
one last time.
He saw them laughing, heads leaning
together. A picture of a happiness he
had held in his hands and crushed. Dot.
The wind blew cold and biting. He pulled
his coat tighter, turned into the crowd,
and disappeared into the gray, forgotten
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