Chapter Seventy-One—Julie Finally Hears Michael’s Truth

Julie stepped into the bathroom and slammed the door in Michael’s face. She couldn’t believe she did that, but she couldn’t listen to him anymore. She didn't do it to him because it would make him furious. The dread built as the seconds ticked by. However, he refrained from yelling or knocking on the door.

He simply said, "Your clothes are on the door, Julie." You have ninety minutes to get ready. You don’t need to worry about makeup.” Then he was gone. He’d sounded disappointed or sad. She wasn’t sure which.

He said he loved her. Really? How could he live with her for three years without truly knowing her, only to suddenly declare his love for her? When he said that, he looked surprised at himself. As if he’d said something he’d not expected to.

If he loved her, then she’d achieved more than she’d ever dreamed of.

Julie pondered whether she could still love him despite everything that happened. Could she trust him not to change his