The brothers who fought for me (by Levi Bennett) novel Chapter 4

**A Promise Lost Between Two Worlds by Jaxon Hale Ryder**

Just as Giovanni was poised to extract the divorce papers from the folder, a sudden cry shattered the tense silence. Leilani’s voice pierced through the air, laced with anguish.

“It hurts… Will it leave a scar on my hand?”

Giovanni’s expression shifted in an instant, a storm of concern replacing the cool detachment he had been wearing. The folder slipped from his fingers and landed with a soft thud on the floor as he swiftly bent down, scooping Leilani into his arms.

“Get the car. We’re going to the hospital!” he commanded, urgency lacing his tone.

Juliette stood frozen for a moment, her gaze fixated on the document sprawled out before her, the stark letters spelling “Divorce Agreement” glaring up at her. A small, bitter smile curled at the corner of her lips.

It was almost a relief that he hadn’t noticed it.

At least she wouldn’t have to confront him and turn this already delicate situation into something uglier.

With a resigned sigh, she bent down to retrieve the papers, her heart heavy as she treated the burn on the back of her hand. The sting was a sharp reminder of the chaos that had enveloped her life. Once she was done, she made her way to the nearest cab, her mind racing as she headed straight for the courthouse.

Ten minutes later, she emerged from the courthouse, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and trepidation.

As she stood by the road, waiting for a cab to whisk her away, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket, interrupting her thoughts.

It was a call from the photography director of ELLE. With a quick breath, Juliette answered, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

“Julie, are you truly going to throw away the opportunity to study at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London?”

The director’s voice was filled with disbelief.

“The photo you captured, ‘Grieving Beauties,’ has won the highest international accolade. You have an undeniable talent for photography.”

She recalled the director mentioning the training program before, but back then, she had been blissfully unaware of the truth lurking beneath the surface. Giovanni and Ezekiel had switched identities, and she had been ensnared in what she thought was a happy marriage. So, she had politely declined the offer.

But now, the reality hit her like a cold wave. The man who had shared her bed all these years wasn’t Giovanni at all; it was Ezekiel, the very man she loathed.

With that realization, Juliette felt the chains of hesitation shatter.

“Thank you for keeping the spot open for me. I’ve made my decision—I’m going,” she declared, her voice firm.

The director’s voice crackled with excitement on the other end.

“That’s incredible! I’ll submit your documents immediately. But… this means you and your husband will be navigating a long-distance relationship.”

As the call ended, a faint smile graced Juliette’s lips.

No, there wouldn’t be any long-distance relationship, because she was on the brink of freedom.

She tucked her phone back into her pocket, ready to hail a cab, when a sleek Rolls-Royce glided to a halt beside her.

The door swung open, and Ezekiel emerged, his demeanor deceptively charming. He took her hand, feigning concern in Giovanni’s gentle tone.

“Julie, I heard you burned your hand. Did you put any medicine on it? This is my fault. I shouldn’t have let Ezzie and Leila stay at our place.”

Juliette felt a wave of annoyance wash over her. She didn’t care how he had found her; she was exhausted from their endless charade.

Pulling her hand away, she replied flatly, “I’m fine. It’s already been taken care of.”

As her palm slipped from his grasp, Ezekiel’s eyes darkened momentarily, but then he masked his disappointment with a tender expression.

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