Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45

MA

She didn’t see you fall. She wasn’t there. I ran a hand through my hair. “But when I walked in, you were on the floor bleeding.

That you could trust her. That your could believe her when she says she didn’t do it.

I pushed that voice down. Deep down where it couldn’t fuck with my head.

Victoria’s eyes were watching me carefully. Too carefully. There was something in her expression–something sharp and calculating-but it disappeared so quickly I thought I’d imagined it.

Julian,” she said softly. “You don’t have to defend me. I know Elena doesn’t like me.”

“This is about respect. She should’ve apologized. It’s basic decency.”

Victoria’s lower lip trembled slightly. “I don’t want to cause problems in your marriage.”

Too late for that.

“Look, Victoria. I’m sorry Elena spoke to you that way. She was out of line.”

“You don’t have to apologize for her.”

“Yes, I do.” I met her eyes. “But you need to understand something. Elena doesn’t handle you well. And honestly? I think it’s better if you two just stay away

from each other.”

Victoria’s expression shifted. Just for a second, I saw something flash in her eyes. Something cold. Dangerous.

Then it was gone, replaced by hurt and confusion.

“Stay away?” she repeated. “Julian, I came to New York to be close to you. To try to rebuild what we had.”

“Victoria. You need to stop.”

“Stop what?”

“This.” I gestured between us. “Whatever you think is going to happen between us… it’s not

Her face crumpled. “But you said-”

“I know what I said.” I cut her off. “Three years ago, I told you I’d marry you. I meant it at the time.”

“Then why-

“Because I was paying back a debt.” The words came out harsher than I intended. “You saved my life when we were kids. I owed you. I thought marrying you was the right way to settle that debt

1:59 pm

Chapter 45

MA

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