He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 536

Thinking about everything Scarlett had endured, Julian felt a deep, overwhelming ache in his chest.

Even after she had disappeared out the front door, his eyes remained fixed on the hallway.

Watching him, Jacqueline felt a mix of relief and maternal concern.

She reached out and patted Julian's shoulder:

"Julian, don't let her tough exterior fool you. Deep down, she's incredibly kindhearted, and she's terrified of getting hurt again. I was mostly joking just now... but if you're truly willing to stay by her side, whether as a friend, a brother, or anything else, I'm happy."

"She's walking through the darkest chapter of her life right now, and I can't thank you enough for having her back. But there is one thing I must make clear—I refuse to let anyone else break her heart."

"The cruelest thing you can do to a woman is offer her hope when she's desperate, make her believe in it, and then hand her nothing but disappointment... If anyone ever tears my daughter down again, if anyone plays with her feelings, I will make their life a living hell, even if it's the last thing I do."

Jacqueline's tone sharpened, turning fiercely protective. She needed to know exactly where Julian stood and whether he was truly prepared for the reality of loving a woman with Scarlett's scars.

She looked him dead in the eye, fully expecting him to hesitate. Instead, Julian's gaze didn't waver. His expression only grew gentler, grounded in absolute certainty:

"I hear you, Jacqueline. Every word."

"When I was a kid, those feelings were just innocent puppy love. But I'm thirty years old now. I know exactly what I'm doing, and I know exactly what I'm signing up for."

"Scarlett and I have both survived terrible marriages. Neither of us has the time or energy for games. Since you've been so open with me, I'll be completely honest with you. Beyond just wanting to protect her, I am deeply in love with her."

"But you don't need to worry. I will never pressure her or make her uncomfortable. All I want right now is to see her smile like she did when we were kids. I'll stay right here, waiting for her. Whether she ultimately chooses me or not, that's entirely up to her."

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