Chapter 17 - Shadows of RegretJulian stared at his ex-wife through the crack in the door. Part of him felt a sudden wave of pity for the broken woman standing in the rain, but his protective paternal instincts quickly cut through the sympathy. He couldn't risk Lily's safety or her fragile recovery.
"She is safe, Victoria. She is happy," Julian said firmly, his voice devoid of anger, filled only with resolute finality. "Because I am protecting her from the pain you inflicted."
Victoria sank to her knees on the wet wooden deck, sobbing uncontrollably. "I didn't mean to... I was so angry, so broken inside... my father's pressure, the debts... I projected all my hatred onto her... I see her face every night in my nightmares, Julian! On that cold floor..."
"Then live with that memory and become a better person," Julian said quietly. "Get help, Victoria. Real help. But stay away from us."
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He slowly pulled the heavy oak door closed and locked the deadbolts. Through the thick glass, he watched her slowly stand up, pull her hood back over her head, and stagger back into the dark storm.
Julian stood in the quiet hallway for a long time, his heart beating fast. He walked upstairs to check on Lily. The little girl was fast asleep, holding her favorite stuffed bear, breathing softly in the safety of her warm room. Julian pulled the blanket over her shoulders, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. He had successfully shielded her world from the darkness outside.
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