He tried to force a kiss . I turned my face away desperately . " Let her go! " Julian's fist smashed into Damien's jaw with a sickening crack . Damien staggered back . I nearly fell with him , but Julian pulled me into his arms , holding me firmly . " Julian … " Tears streaked my face , and my body trembled in shock . Julian's arm tightened protectively around me . His hand didn't let go of mine for even a second . Damien wiped blood from his mouth . His eyes burned red " Estelle ! " I clamped my hands over my ears . I didn't want to hear him . " Estelle , please , don't do this to me ! " To Damien , my silence was a blade to the heart . " You're killing me , " he choked . " I can't live without you . Please … come back to me . " He sounded like a man who had lost everything - his pride , his control , his anchor . 1/2 Chapter 10 +25 BONUS " Damien , let her go , " Julian snarled . " You've hurt her enough . What gives you the right to ask her to come back to you ? " Julian's usually gentle expression had hardened into steel . Without another word , he swept me into his arms and carried me away , leaving Damien standing behind us like a broken shell of a man . From that day on , Damien followed me everywhere . His eyes , quiet and haunting , begged me to look at him . I never did . I went on with my life as if he were invisible . I opened the café , adjusted the machines , and rinsed the cups with practiced ease . Just like I always had . Then , one day , it hit him . He remembered the dream I had once shared with him - of a peaceful life and a quiet café . He remembered how I had given up that dream to fit into his world . How I had changed myself , softened my edges , faded into the background … just to be his . And for the first time in years , Damien cried . " Damien , there's nothing between us anymore , " I said quietly . " You're a married man . I've built a new life . " My voice was steady , indifferent . He finally understood - I no longer cared . " Estelle , I'm sorry , " he whispered . " I know the truth now . The child wasn't mine . It was all her lies and her accusations . I should've trusted you . I should've fought for you . " He looked at me , eyes brimming with tears , desperate for redemption . " I've punished her for what she did . I've made things right . Please … can you forgive me ? Can we go back to how things used to be ? " I froze . His words pressed heavily against my chest . For so long , I had imagined this moment - his remorse , his regret - but now that it was finally here , I realized … None of it mattered anymore . 2/2