“Everyone?”
Her voice rose.
“What about my daughters?”
Julian closed his eyes.
“I was selfish.”
It was the first honest thing I had heard him say.
But honesty did not erase fifteen years.
Chloe looked at him.
“Did you ever have children of your own?”
Julian nodded.
“A son.”
“Where is he?”
“He lives overseas.”
“Do you speak to him?”
“Not often.”
“Why?”
Julian looked at her.
“Because I made mistakes.”
Chloe nodded slowly.
“Then perhaps you understand more than you want to admit.”
He said nothing.
Elena backed away from him.
“You let me believe I had no choice.”
“You did have a choice.”
The words came from Julian before he could stop himself.
Elena stared at him.
“What?”
“You chose to leave. I didn’t pack your suitcases. I didn’t make you walk out of your house.”
His voice had become defensive.
“I told you what I thought would happen if you went back, but you made your own decision.”
