Julian refused to let go.

Francesca, shattered and raw, turned her anguish into a question, her voice trembling yet resolute:

"A slap, my grandmother's life hanging by a thread, Grant losing half his hearing—"

"Julian, do you think I could ever look back? Every time I needed you, you weren’t there. You’re fine with a companion when you’re bored, but when things get tough, you vanish. Your so-called 'love' has always been a calculated handout, ...