Chapter 430

Juliana covered her mouth, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. She had never thought she would break down like this, but it felt as if someone had stabbed her heart—every beat only deepened the pain. Though she had never allowed herself to dream of a future with Arthur, the news of his return to his family and his upcoming wedding hit her like a suffocating blow. The pain was far worse than she had ever imagined. She wasn’t as strong as she thought. “Juliana…” Ruby approached with a tissue and gently offered it to her. A pang of guilt pierced Ruby’s heart. She had known this truth would hurt, but she couldn’t let Juliana stay in the dark. It was better she face the reality now—so that healing could begin sooner. “Ruby, I…” Juliana tried to speak, but the words broke into sobs. “It’s okay. I understand. If your heart is breaking, just let it out. I’m here with you.” Ruby sat down beside her on the couch, feeling Juliana’s pain deeply, yet powerless to ease it. The tears wouldn