Chapter 31 – Julia's POV
Days passed.
Scarlett never contacted me.
And I didn't contact her either.
I guess that's it. The end of whatever we had… if it was ever real in the first place.
I sat in my apartment, eating cereal straight from the bowl with one hand and sipping lukewarm coffee with the other. My eyes were glued to my phone screen. The video—that video—was still trending everywhere. Lana's slap. My shocked face.
Replayed. Reposted. Ripped apart in the comments.
I hadn't left the apartment in days. Not because I couldn't, but because I didn't want to face the stares. Or the pity. Or worse—the silence.
My dad was furious. Beyond furious. He was suing Lana and her father, and had already paid David Likons for the number of the person who tipped him off.
David gave him the number, sure.
But it was registered under a fake name. And now? That number didn't even work anymore.
But my father wasn't letting it go. He wanted to know who humiliated his daughter on live TV. He wanted blood.
And I knew exactly who it was.
But I couldn't tell him.
Because if I did, he would destroy Scarlett.
I kept chewing my cereal, numb, when a sudden knock at the door broke through the quiet. I checked the time. Too early for Dad—he usually came after work.
Still chewing, I stood up, crossed the room, and opened the door.
And there she was.
Scarlett.
I didn't even think. Instinct kicked in. I started to shut the door in her face.
But her hand slammed against it, stopping it mid-swing. And then… she walked in.
Just like that.
She closed the door behind her and looked at me, her voice low but firm.
"We need to talk."
I snapped. "Talk? Talk? Now you want to talk? You're a liar. You don't deserve my friendship. Or anyone's. What—did you come for money?"
Fuming, I grabbed my purse, pulled out all the cash I had, and threw it at her.
It hit her face, her chest, scattered across the floor like guilt in physical form.
But Scarlett didn't say anything. Not at first.
She stood still, eyes glossy, shoulders tense.
Then finally—softly, brokenly—she said, "Julia… I'm so—"
She stopped, took a breath, then said it again:
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm a selfish person. I don't deserve your friendship. I'm not a friend—I'm a player. I was so focused on revenge, I lost sight of the only person who truly supported me. I'm sorry, Julia."
Her words stung—but not as much as what I'd been through.
I laughed bitterly. "Your sorry won't save me from the damage. Everyone saw it, Scarlett. The slap. My humiliation. Your plan worked—Lana's ruined. Congratulations."
I clapped mockingly.
"But me? You destroyed me, too. I became collateral. A joke. My dad's out for blood. My family's worried sick. You didn't even send a message. You used me, Scarlett. You're becoming the exact monster you claimed you were fighting."
Scarlett lowered her head and dropped onto the sofa.
Then… she started crying.
Real crying.
Her breath came fast, shallow. She shook like a child, and for a second, I was shaken too. I'd known her for years. And I'd never seen her like this.
Had I gone too far?
Was calling her a monster too much?
Come on, Julia… Don't forget everything she's did to you ! .
I sat beside her, unsure of myself, my heart battling my pride.
"I didn't tell my dad it was you," I said finally. "And if you need money—fine. I'll help. But our friendship? That's over. You killed it."
Scarlett looked at me, still crying. "I don't want your money, Julia… I want you. My friend. My anchor. I can't do this without you. Even with Jason on my side—I need you."
I froze.
"Wait… Jason knows?"
Scarlett wiped her tears and nodded. "Yeah. He's known from the beginning , but he just confesed to me ."
I blinked. A full, stunned silence fell between us.
"He knew?" I whispered. "And he didn't tell anyone? Not even Sharon?"
Scarlett sniffled, then gave a small, sad smile. "He said he loves me."
My jaw dropped.
A few weeks off the grid and suddenly Jason Hastings was in love? With Scarlett Prescott?
This wasn't just revenge anymore.
This was a drama series with a love plot twist.
I stared at her. She looked different—stronger, sadder, but… almost hopeful. As if for once, life wasn't only taking from her. Maybe Jason could help her now. Maybe he could help her take her revenge without turning into a villain herself.
She reached out, taking my hand in hers. Her grip was trembling, but her eyes were steady.
"Julia… please. Stay with me. Let's be the powerful duo again."
In my head, I whispered:
You mean trio now.
And the truth?
I didn't know yet if I could trust her again.
If I should.
But a part of me, a very stubborn, loyal part, still wasn't ready to let her go.
Not completely.
Not yet.