Page 250 of King of Sin
"What are you talking about?"
Juliet let out a soft, humorless laugh and lowered her gaze briefly.
"It was my birthday last year. I was crying because everyone around me had family with them while I had nobody." She paused, swallowing hard. "I told you how much it hurt not having parents. No siblings. No family."
Vincent's expression slowly changed.
Juliet looked directly into his eyes.
"And do you remember what you said?"
He opened his mouth.
No words came out.
"You asked me to marry you."
A sad smile touched her lips as though she were remembering a dream that no longer belonged to her.
"You wrapped your arms around me and told me that from that day onward, I would never be alone again."
Her voice trembled despite her efforts to remain composed.
"You told me that you would become my family."
Vincent's throat tightened painfully.
"You promised to take care of me."
Juliet swallowed hard, tears beginning to gather in her eyes.
"And you told me that you would love me."
Silence filled the room.
Even the people standing nearby remained motionless.
Juliet held his gaze.
"Did you keep even one of those promises, Vincent?"
Vincent immediately stepped forward.
"Juliet, I—"
"No." She shook her head before he could continue, tears slipping silently down her cheeks. "Answer honestly."
Vincent fell silent.
Juliet laughed softly, though the sound was hollow and broken, carrying none of its usual warmth. She lowered her gaze, her fingers curling tightly into her palms as if trying to hold herself together.
"I've spent months wondering what I did wrong," she said quietly. "Wondering why you changed so much."
She looked away, blinking rapidly as tears gathered in her eyes. For a moment, she pressed her lips together, struggling to regain her composure before continuing.
"But I've finally realized something."
Slowly, she lifted her head and looked back at him. There was no anger in her eyes now, only exhaustion and a deep, lingering sadness.
