Chapter 365

Shelmaine couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Her cheeks were stained with them. "I'm so sorry, Julien. I've been avoiding you for two years, and I didn't think I could face you until now. I'm so sorry…" "Shelly, don't apologize. You haven't done anything wrong," Julien said. Samuel was the one in the wrong, not her. She shouldn't have to apologize. Julien grasped her hand and pressed it firmly against his chest, her reflection in his eyes. He looked so frail—a stark contrast to the vibrant, healthy man he used to be. Now, he lay in bed, pale and gaunt, noticeably thinner than before. Shelmaine's heart ached for him, making it hard to breathe. "Julien, you need to get better quickly. You can't keep falling like this. You shouldn't be this way because of me. I really don't deserve this." Julien didn't respond with words. He only held her hand tightly, unwilling to let go. "Promise me, Julien…" "Okay, I promise. But, Shelly, can you come back to me?" he asked. Shelmaine fe