I Was The Backup Plan, She Was The Return Chapter 09
Tyler, more than a head shorter than Julian, was no match
for him. He fled, still cursing.
I stared at Julian’s white–knuckled fists, too stunned to react..
He noticed me watching and slowly turned toward me.
Before I could speak, his eyes filled with tears.
“Nora, I’m sorry. I’ve been a coward.”
I noticed you first. I left that book in the library on purpose
because I knew you spent time there. I wanted an excuse to talk to you.”
I couldn’t process what I was hearing. My mouth fell open as
he kept talking, faster with every sentence.
But I thought you were interested in someone else. By the
time I decided to try to steal you away, you’d moved off campus.”
*And the café that day? I overheard you telling a coworker
about your blind date. I went there to ruin it.”
I took advantage of you when you were vulnerable. I
schemed to get you to marry me.”
He stepped closer and pulled me into his arms before I could react.
“Even now, I’m the one scheming to get close to you.”
“Nothing ever happened between me and Sloane. We didn’t
date in college. She made it all up.”
“You can check my phone. Apart from telling her I’m married
to you, I’ve kept things strictly professional!”
His tears were cool against my neck, and my own eyes began
to sting.
“Then why did you take her to the hospital that night?”
“I didn’t! I didn’t go!”
He rushed to explain.
I told her no. I said if it was an emergency, she should call
911, not me.”
But you’d gone to your room. I thought you were tired and
wanted to sleep, so I didn’t bother you.”
I never left the apartment. I was in my study working the
whole time. I’ve got screenshots of the work messages to prove it!”
He reached for his phone, but I stopped him.
“It’s okay. I understand.”
His eyes brightened as my voice softened.
“Nora, I know I haven’t been a good husband.”
“I’m hopeless at this. I don’t know how to make a relationship
work. Honestly, I’ve never felt good enough for you.”
“You’re wonderful, and I’m boring and awkward.”
He met my eyes, speaking deliberately.
“But I promise I’ll learn how to be the husband you deserve.”
Will you give me another chance?”
“I’m yours. Tell me what you need from me, and I’ll learn.”
He looked almost helpless as he pleaded with me, his usual composure gone.
smiled through my tears and couldn’t resist pinching his cheek.
We’ll see how you do.”
“Julian,” I said softly, “I’ll give you a chance to win me over. Do
you want it?”
He nodded at once, his voice still hoarse,
“I do!”
END