Chapter 509

Helen's heart pounded violently, each beat thumping against her chest. Her mind felt like it had exploded—he said it wasn't just playing around. However, if that were true, why had Josie said otherwise? "Are you sweet-talking me? Or lying to me?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I'm not lying," Julien replied. But his feelings weren't entirely pure. Love, for adults, was rarely simple. It was a careful calculation, a balance of gains and losses. There were motives, doubts, and complexities—but pure, unselfish love was rarely part of it. Julien studied her profile as she refused to meet his gaze. He didn't push her. "But, Lennie," he said quietly, "I have to admit, I'm not a good man." Her grip on the seat belt tightened as he continued. "You're still young. Someday, you'll meet more people, better people. If that happens, I won't stop you from choosing someone who's right for you." Helen bit her lip hard, struggling to keep her emotions in check. This was the first time she h