Julian watched helplessly as Sophia ran back into the mansion, her cheeks streaked with tears and her eyes swollen and red.

The sight made it painfully clear how deeply he had betrayed and shattered her.

He was the far greater traitor. He had broken every promise he had sworn he would never break. He had spoken words he knew would mercilessly destroy her heart.

Damn it. Deep down, he had always known it was the wrong choice, yet his own doubts had pushed him forward. In the end, he had ruined everything.

Now he had lost Sophia, destroyed the friendship he tried so hard to preserve, and the very pain...