Chapter 36: The Truth She Was Never Meant to Know
Cristoff finds them.
Of course he does.
"Step away from my wife," he says coldly.
Justin doesn't move.
"She deserves to know," he growls.
"There's nothing for her to know," Cristoff snaps.
But Tristana is already shaking her head.
"No…" she whispers. "There is something. I can feel it."
Cristoff's expression darkens.
"You're confused."
"No," she says, louder this time. "I'm empty—and I don't know why."
Silence.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
Justin looks at her like she's breaking his heart all over again.
"They took it from you," he says softly.
Her breath catches.
"What…?"
"Your choice," he continues. "Your love. Your self."
Cristoff lunges.
But this time—
Justin is ready.