"Why did you lie to me?" Julian snarled contemptuously.
His fists clenched at his sides as the reality of the situation began to fully sink in. For days, he had believed that Esme was angry with him, distancing herself because he hadn't been there when she needed him most. But now, the truth was laid bare before him.
His wife had pushed her away, forcing her to break ties with him. He thought Daphne was kind and caring, but he had never imagined seeing this ugly side of hers.
"You made her cut ties with me!" Julian growled, his voice rising in anguish. "How could you be so heartless?"
His words hit her like a slap, the sheer force of his anger unsettling her.
"You knew how much Esme meant to me. I told you everything—how our friendship was important, how I wanted to make up for my past mistakes by being there for her – if not as her lover, then as a good friend. But you snatched that chance from me. Why?"
