He Told Me He Couldn't Dance, but His Secret Reasons Broke My Heart

The Shadows of the Sterling Family

Before Victoria could offer a comforting word, a harsh, familiar voice shattered the moment. Julian stepped out of the crowd, his face twisted in a sneer of pure disgust. He grabbed Victoria’s arm, his grip tight and unyielding.

"Victoria! What on earth do you think you're doing?" Julian hissed. "Stop embarrassing me by playing nurse to a broken man. Get back to our table."

Andrew flinched, pulling his hand away and staring at the floor in shame. Victoria felt a surge of hot anger. She wrenched her arm free from Julian's grasp, her eyes flashing with defiance.

"He is your brother, Julian! How can you be so cruel?" she whispered fiercely.

Julian merely scoffed, muttering a dismissive remark about Andrew being a charity case before pulling her away. But the damage was done. Victoria’s illusion of her marriage was completely shattered. Later that night, while Julian was deep in conversation with his business associates, Victoria slipped away. She searched the quiet, labyrinthine corridors of the estate until she found Andrew in the dimly lit conservatory.

He was holding an old, faded photograph, tears silently tracing down his cheeks. Victoria stepped inside, her voice a gentle whisper.

"Andrew? I am so sorry about Julian's behavior. You didn't deserve that."

Andrew looked up, hastily wiping his eyes. He warned her that Julian would be furious if he found her there, but Victoria sat opposite him, refusing to leave. She asked him about the accident that had confined him to the wheelchair.

With a trembling voice, Andrew finally broke his years of silence. He revealed that Julian had been the one driving drunk that fateful night, running a red light. Their powerful father had covered up the crime to protect Julian's future, forcing Andrew to take the blame and live in isolation. But then, Andrew looked down at his legs, his expression shifting to one of intense determination.