Julie's world felt like it had collapsed, the ground beneath her feet crumbling as the truth about Mike and Anna was laid bare. She had always trusted Mike—believed in their future, in their love. But now, nothing made sense. She ran, the pain in her chest more excruciating than anything she had ever known.
She stumbled down the hallway, her mind racing, but the tears clouded her vision. She couldn't stay here. Not after what she had heard. Not after what she had seen.
But just as she reached the stairs, a strong arm wrapped around her, pulling her into a firm embrace. For a moment, Julie froze, but then the soothing voice broke through the chaos in her mind.
"Julie, it's okay. You're safe now."
It was Daniel, the man who had been a silent supporter in her life for years. She had never seen him in this light, never thought of him as anything other than a close friend. Yet, in that moment, his presence felt like a lifeline.
"Daniel?" she whispered, her voice shaking. "What happened? How did this… how did I not see it?"
"I'm sorry, Julie," Daniel said gently, his tone unwavering. "I should've told you sooner. I saw it coming, but I didn't want to ruin your happiness."
Julie pulled away slightly, confusion clouding her expression. "You knew?"
He nodded, his eyes dark with a mixture of regret and anger. "Mike was never who you thought he was. He was playing a game all along, using Anna to control you. But I've always been here, watching. Waiting for the right moment."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Julie's voice cracked. "Why didn't you warn me?"
Daniel stepped back slightly, taking her hand in his. "Because you weren't ready to hear it. But now… now I will help you take control. You deserve better than this. You deserve the truth—and I'm going to help you get it."
Julie was still in shock, but there was something in Daniel's eyes that gave her strength. His unwavering confidence, the way he spoke, made her feel like she could stand again. For the first time since the betrayal, she wasn't alone.
As the days passed, Daniel stayed by her side, offering not only a shoulder to cry on but also a plan. He had connections, resources, and a determination to see Mike and Anna pay for what they had done to her. Julie, though still wounded, could feel her resolve building.
She no longer wanted to be a victim. She wanted revenge.
The wedding that was supposed to happen tomorrow—her dream wedding—was nothing more than a broken promise now. But Julie would not let Mike and Anna get away with it. They had thought they could destroy her, but instead, they had awakened a strength she never knew she had.
Julie looked at Daniel one evening, a new fire in her eyes. "Let's make them regret this. Together."
He smiled, his hand finding hers once more. "We'll do it. And we'll do it right."