I Was The Backup Plan, She Was The Return Chapter 09

I Was The Backup Plan, She Was The Return Chapter 09

Tyler, more than a head shorter than Julian, was no match for him. He fled, still cursing.

I stared at Julian’s white–knuckled fists, too stunned to react.

He noticed me watching and slowly turned toward me.

Before I could speak, his eyes filled with tears.

“Nora, I’m sorry. I’ve been a coward.”

“I noticed you first. I left that book in the library on purpose because I knew you spent time there I

wanted an excuse to talk to you.”

I couldn’t process what I was hearing. My mouth fell open as he kept talking, faster with every

sentence.

“But I thought you were interested in someone else. By the time I decided to try to steal you away,

you’d moved off campus.

“And the café that day? I overheard you telling a coworker about your blind date. I went there to

ruin it.”

took advantage of you when you were vulnerable. I schemed to get you to marry me.”

He stepped closer and pulled me into his arms before I could react.

“Even now, I’m the one scheming to get close to you.”

“Nothing ever happened between me and Sloane. We didn’t date in college. She made it all up.”

“You can check my phone. Apart from telling her I’m married to you, I’ve kept things strictly professional!”

His tears were cool against my neck, and my own eyes began to sting.

“Then why did you take her to the hospital that night?”

“I didn’t! I didn’t go!”

He rushed to explain.

“I told her no. I said if it was an emergency, she should call 911, not me.”

“But you’d gone to your room. I thought you were tired and wanted to sleep, so I didn’t bother you.‘

“I never left the apartment. I was in my study working the whole time. I’ve got screenshots of the

work messages to prove it!”

He reached for his phone, but I stopped him.

‘s okay. I understand.”

His eyes brightened as my voice softened.

“Nora, I know I haven’t been a good husband.”

“I’m hopeless at this. I don’t know how to make a relationship work. Honestly, I’ve never felt good enough for you.”

“You’re wonderful, and I’m boring and awkward.”

He met my eyes, speaking deliberately.

“But I promise I’ll learn how to be the husband you deserve.”

“Will you give me another chance?”

“I’m yours. Tell me what you need from me, and I’ll learn.”

He looked almost helpless as he pleaded with me, his usual composure gone.

I smiled through my tears and couldn’t resist pinching his cheek.

“We’ll see how you do.”

“Julian,” I said softly, “I’ll give you a chance to win me over. Do you want it?”

He nodded at once, his voice still hoarse.

“I do!”