Her eyes soften, like the idea soothes something inside her. Like, she can stop worrying about me for five seconds.
“Oh,” she breathes. “Well… I’m glad someone is looking after you.”
The guilt hits like a physical thing.
I squeeze her hand carefully. “I’ll let you get some rest.”
She nods, already fading back into sleep.
As I stand, I have to brace my palm against the bedrail for a second because my legs feel… wrong. Like they belong to someone else.
When I step off the elevator on Julian’s floor, Claire is there waiting.
She looks immaculate as always, but her expression is… open. Almost kind.
“Lucy,” she says, and there’s something in her tone that makes my heart race. “He’s ready for you.”
My mouth goes dry. “Okay.”
Claire takes my coat, and as she does, she leans in slightly.
“If you need a moment,” she murmurs, barely audible, “you tell me.”
I blink. “Thank you.”
She guides me down the hallway. Every step feels louder than it should and then we’re at Julian’s office.
Claire opens the door and my body freezes.
They’re all there.
Why are they all here for this?
Julian, behind his desk.
Elliot, leaning against the window like this is a business meeting and not the most important decision of my life.
Harper beside him, posture perfect, expression unreadable.
Rowan standing near the wall, arms crossed, watchful.
Caleb seated, quiet, eyes sharp.
And Theo… Theo perched on the edge of a chair like he’s too restless for this room.
All of them turn toward me.
The attention hits like a wave.
Julian stands.
He doesn’t smile, but his gaze holds mine like he’s trying to ground me in the middle of the storm.
“Lucy,” he says quietly.
My flight or fight instinct is urging me to run, but I step inside anyway.
Julian crosses the room, takes the coat Claire handed him, and hangs it himself. It’s a small thing. But it feels… personal, intentional.
