Chapter 27 Letting go of the past
Chapter 27
Julian's POV
I stepped out of Victoria's house and ripped the envelope into shreds. She had told a big lie to my grandfather spun so expertly that my grandfather had believed them without question. But I had managed to reveal the truth to him, and for that, I felt a flicker of satisfaction amidst the turmoil.
Victoria was cunning, capable of doing anything to get what she wanted, but I swore I wouldn’t let her succeed this time. I wouldn’t allow her to hurt Sophie.
I pulled my phone from the inner pocket of my suit and dialed Marcus's number.
“Put a tail on Victoria. I want to know her every move,” I instructed, my voice steady, betraying none of the anger boiling beneath the surface.
“Okay, sir,” Marcus replied, and I hung up, my mind racing with thoughts of what Victoria might do next.
As I climbed into my car and drove home, I noticed a black sedan parked in my compound. “Who owns that car?” I asked the gatekeeper.
“He said he’s your friend,” he replied, his tone nonchalant.
“Okay,” I said, trying to suppress the unease bubbling in my chest.
“Did Caleb just buy this car?” I muttered to myself as I head inside.
I got inside and saw a man sitting, his back facing me, he doesn’t look like Caleb.
I cleared my throat and he looked back and I saw that it was Ethan!
PAST
I entered the living room and found it empty, the silence amplifying my anxiety. I assumed Victoria was in her room—she often preferred solitude when she was lost in thought. I didn't tell her I was coming from my business trip today, I can't wait to see the surprise in her eyes.
Standing in front of her door, I heard muffled sounds, almost like whispers or... moans? “Is Victoria watching x-rated videos again? Did she miss me that much?” I pondered, a mixture of curiosity and disbelief washing over me.
“Baby,” I called out, pushing the door open, only to be met with the biggest shock of my life. Victoria was tangled in the sheets with another man.
My heart dropped as I recognized him—Ethan, my best friend.
“Julian, I can explain…” Victoria stammered, her voice drenched in panic, but I slammed the door shut behind me, racing down the stairs, my mind reeling, unable to comprehend what I had just witnessed.
They followed me, and soon Victoria stood at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes wide with fear. “Wait... when did this start?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. They both fell silent, and my irritation flared.
“Wait... my baby...” I pointed at Victoria's stomach, panic gripping me. “Is he the father?”
“No, Julian. You are the father,” Victoria said, her voice trembling.
“Keep quiet and tell the truth!” Ethan barked at her, his eyes dark with something I couldn't decipher. "He was the father."
“What do you mean 'was'?” I shot back, glaring at Ethan, my heart racing. “Well... since you asked, the baby is gone,” he said, locking his gaze on mine. “She aborted it.”
“What?!” I gasped, the reality crashing down on me like a tidal wave. I fell to the ground, the air leaving my lungs in a rush.
Ethan remained silent, and I could only watch as he dragged Victoria outside. Panic surged within me as Marcus rushed in, tapping my back urgently. “Breathe! Breathe!!” he urged, his voice breaking through the haze of shock.
I hadn’t even realized I was holding my breath. I finally gasped for air, the reality of the situation clawing at me. I jumped to my feet and bolted outside, frantically searching for them. This couldn’t be happening! Victoria loved me—she had told me so!
“Marcus, where did they go?” I demanded as he joined me outside.
“I told someone to follow them,” he said, his voice steady.
“Call him now! Find out where they are!”
Marcus quickly dialed, his expression shifting as he listened. “They headed to the airport,” he relayed, and my heart sank.
I jumped into my car with Marcus beside me, the engine roaring to life as I sped towards the airport, my mind racing with despair.
Once we arrived, we rushed to the checkpoint, showing the attendant Victoria’s picture. “They booked for California. It will take off in two minutes,” she said, and I felt the ground shift beneath me.
Victoria was slipping away, and there was nothing I could do.
PRESENT
“Hi, Julian,” Ethan said, rising from the couch to approach me.
I was speechless, my heart pounding in my chest. What was he doing here? “What are you doing here?” I managed to ask, my voice strained.
“Julian, I’m sincerely sorry about everything,” he said, his expression earnest and regretful.
“Did you plan to come back to New york with Victoria? This can’t just be a coincidence,” I replied, my suspicion flaring.
“I honestly didn’t know she was here. I found out after I arrived. I’m so sorry, Julian. I divorced her a while ago,” he said, his tone heavy with remorse.
“Are you back here because you divorced Victoria?” I probed, needing clarity.
“No, Julian. I regretted it long ago but didn’t have the courage to come to you. I know I’ve done more harm than good, but can you please forgive me?”
Just then, I noticed Sophie descending the stairs,
I glanced back at Ethan, the weight of his words hanging between us. “Well... it’s gone. I already have someone who makes me happy,” I said, gesturing for Sophie to come closer. “You should have seen it in the news that i got a wife, meaning i have moved on.. So, I have forgiven you.”
Ethan pulled me into a tight embrace, almost squeezing the breath from my lungs. I wriggled free and turned to Sophie, who stood watching with wide eyes.
“I just wanted to see you before I head back to California. Thank you for forgiving me. I’ll take my leave now,” he said, and I nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and lingering hurt as he walked away.
As the door closed behind him, I felt some kind of relief as if I had finally let go of what had been holding me down; my past