Chapter 4 - THE CORNERED RAT
Victoria realized immediately that her carefully constructed empire of lies was crumbling.
She lunged forward, trying to snatch the bank receipt out of Julian’s hands.
Julian easily sidestepped her, grabbing her wrist with a grip like cold steel.
“You are not going anywhere, Victoria,” Julian growled, squeezing her wrist until she whimpered.
“I did it for us, Julian!” Victoria suddenly cried out, dropping her aggressive facade.
“She was never good enough for you, she was weak, and she didn't understand our corporate world!”
“I loved you since we were in college, but you chose this pathetic, basic woman over me!”
Clara watched the breakdown in stunned, horrified silence.
Her supposed best friend had destroyed her entire life out of sheer, jealous obsession.
“You stole four years of my children's lives,” Clara said, her voice filled with newfound fury.
“You kept me locked in a dark room, drugged out of my mind, while you paraded around in my house.”
Julian shoved Victoria forcefully into a heavy armchair in the corner of the nursery.
“Sit down and keep your mouth shut before I forget that I am a civilized man,” Julian threatened.
He turned back to Clara, his eyes softening instantly.
He walked over to her and gently pulled her into his chest.
Clara completely collapsed against him, sobbing into his expensive suit as he held her tight.
He smelled the cheap soap on her uniform, but underneath it all, she still smelled like his Clara.
“I am so sorry I didn't find you,” Julian whispered into her hair, tears finally falling down his own face.
“I am so sorry I stopped looking for you.”
Clara wrapped her arms around his neck, holding onto him like a lifeline in a violent storm.
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“I am home now, Julian,” she cried softly.
“That is absolutely all that matters.”
