After I Left, His Empire Collapsed Chapter 13

After I Left, His Empire Collapsed Chapter 13

Julian’s mouth opened. Closed. Guilt crept into his eyes.

“Vanessa. I didn’t mean to stand you up.”

“I know it was wrong. I promised you. After Sadie’s immigration interview is over. I’ll marry you. If that’s not enough, I’ll throw you the biggest wedding. A real celebration. Whatever you want. Okay?”

I laughed.

“Julian. Even now. Sadie comes first. What else is there to say?”

“I should’ve ended this sooner. Let you two have each other.”

Sadie seized the opening. Voice dripping with fake sincerity.

“Julian. I know breaking up hurts. But it’s done. Don’t hang onto the past. Life moves forward.”

“You lost Vanessa. But you still have me. No matter what happens, I’ll stay by your side. I won’t leave you.”

I expected Julian to turn to her. Finally choose her openly.

Instead, he shoved her away.

Ran to me. Grabbed my hand. His eyes rimmed red.

“No. Vanessa. I won’t let you break up with me.”

“We got into this together. Both of us. You don’t get to end it alone. I don’t accept this.”

I blinked. He’d spent years pining for Sadie. I was handing him his dream. And he said no?

I didn’t have the energy to unravel it. I pulled my hand free.

“Julian. The breakup is a fact. You accepting it or not doesn’t change anything.”

I glanced at my phone. We’d burned too much time. The meal was long gone. My flight was closing in.

I turned to my friend.

“I’m sorry. The goodbye dinner. I don’t think we’ll make it. I have to get to the airport.”

She squeezed my shoulder.

“It’s fine. Just a meal. Your future’s more important. I’ll drive you.”

We turned toward the car.

Julian lunged forward. Grabbed my arm.

“No. We’re not done talking about this.”