THE DAY I WOKE UP

FORGIVVEN

Julian's words hung heavy in the air, each one stabbing at my heart with its accusation. His voice cracked with pain and regret as he continued, laying bare the turmoil he had been grappling with.

"He said... he said my Gina, my beloved Gina cheated on me with him and that she is a slut who will sell her body for money," Julian confessed, his voice trembling. "He knew where you said you were going two days ago, where you were in that moment, and so many other things. At first, I dismissed it, but as I dwelled on it, especially after you lost your memory, I... I started losing my mind, Gina."

He went on, his words pouring out in a rush of anguish and guilt. "Yesterday evening, you texted me about why we fought back in college. I overthought it, and I even wondered if you faked the amnesia to avoid remembering anything, including what happened between us. In that moment, I... I acted out of desperation to hear it from you, to reassure myself that my Georgina wouldn't do something like that. But I know I crossed the line. I'm sorry, Gina. I know 'sorry' can't erase the pain I've caused you, but... but I can't bear the thought of living without you and Cassandra. I'd rather die than live like this."

Julian's admission left the room heavy with emotion. I struggled to process his words, the accusation of infidelity cutting deep despite my insistence that I had no memory of such events. The pain in my head intensified, throbbing with each heartbeat, mirroring the ache in my heart.

Tears streamed down Julian's cheeks, falling onto my hand, as I realized he had been misguided by a manipulative person intent on causing harm to good families. Despite this, he had chosen to believe an outsider over me, his supposed love, without discussing it with me first or trusting in our relationship.

"I get it, but you still fucking believed a psychotic asshole instead of your so-called love of your life??? Julian, do you know how terrified I was of you? Do you realize how much pain and shock I'm going through? You even unbuttoned my shirt, Julian! You... you tried to..."

My voice cracked, and I broke down into tears again. Lisa wiped my tears and gently soothed my head, trying to calm me down amidst the turmoil.

"I know!! I'm sorry!! And not just that. This morning, I woke up and saw your note that you were going to work. Then he called and said that you would meet him after work and come home late, just like before. I should have asked you about it instead of jumping to conclusions that you had actually gone somewhere without telling me. And when you came home, you didn't even look at me or say anything, just went straight into the room and started working... I know there was no evidence, but the fact that you don't remember me anymore drove me mad!"

Julian's words tumbled out, filled with remorse and regret. "At first, I thought he was lying too, but slowly over these two months, he manipulated me without me even realizing it. He turned me against you until I did what I did yesterday. Then I got the call from the hospital, and it hit me... I was a monster yesterday. I can't forgive myself, Gina. Please, can you forgive me? I can't bear to see you like this. I can't live without you and Cassandra. Please, princess, give me another chance. I promise I won't mess up again. Please..."

Julian pleaded, his voice desperate. I looked at Lisa for guidance. She nodded approvingly and intervened with a stern warning directed at Julian.

"Gina, I think he means it this time. Giving him a chance is worth it. But, Miller, I will never let you go. The next time I see even a single tear in my bestie's face—I repeat, not a single tear—I won't stop her from getting a divorce. I will even arrange the lawyer for her. Do you understand?!"

I took a deep breath, sobbing, and continued through my tears, "Fine, Julian, but swear... swear you will not be rude to me until you hear my side of the explanation. Swear! You won't come to any conclusions without asking my opinion on the matter! Fucking swear it!! Though I might not remember us from the first, for the past two months, I started to like—no, love you!! I believed you completely. I trusted you and thought you would never hurt me. I thought I was blessed to have you. But yet, you did that to me. What did I do? What did I do? I didn't do anything! Why do I have to go through this?!"