"My reputation's solid. Even when clients lose, they don't blame me. And opposing parties don't usually break the law like this. I can'tthink of anyone..." He paused. "Though the last couple days, they've backed off a bit. Not sure why."
"Maybe they're scared of pushing you too far," I said, trying to comfort him. "Keep it up, and they'll slip up eventually."
Julian nodded weakly, the shadow in his eyes remaining. But he collected himself, pulling a stack of files from his briefcase and sliding them toward me.
"This is what I've prepared—for fighting for Olei's custody." He switched to professional mode. "I've reviewed cases, consulted colleagues who specialize in this, asked my old professor. Even though the other side has resources, we're not without a shot—"
"It's fine, Julian. I'm sorry." I cut him off, voice guilty.
He froze, confusion flooding his face. "What?"
"I'm not fighting for custody anymore." I looked at him. "All this work you did... thank you, really. I'm sorry I wasted your time."
Julian looked like he'd been struck by lightning.
"Why?" His voice went sharp, disbelieving. "You were so determined before. What happened?"
I looked down at my coffee cup.
How could I explain? That Silas and I had made up? That I might be... falling for him again?
"Things changed," I said, deciding not to hide it from Julian after all he'd done for me. "Olei's father agreed to let me see him anytime. He won't keep us apart. So I don't need legal action anymore. And... we've reconciled. We might be starting over."
Julian stared at me for a long time, emotions swirling in his eyes—confusion, hurt, and a hint of anger.
"One more thing." I decided to lay it all out. "Julian, I don't... I don't have feelings for you. I know you've been good to me. I'm grateful for everything you've done. But I don't want to mislead you."
Julian was a good friend, the gentle older brother I'd known since childhood. But that was all. Julian said nothing. Head down, I couldn't read his expression. Light music played in the café, afternoon sun streaming through the windows, casting dappled shadows on the table.
"I see. Guess I never had a chance." He looked up with a bitter smile. "It's okay, Anthea. Don't feel guilty. You can't force feelings. If he makes you happy, I'll be happy for you."
Julian's words made my eyes sting. He really was a good person.
"Thank you, Julian," I said softly, voice firm. "You'll find someone better. You'll find your own happiness."
He smiled. Said nothing.
We talked a bit longer about other things, then I stood to leave. Julian's expression was broken, but I knew I'd made the right choice.
I couldn't keep stringing him along, giving him hope only to cause him pain.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Anthea
By the time I got back to the manor, lunch was over. Not that I cared—I'd grabbed a muffin at the coffee shop.
Afternoon sun washed the manor's white walls in gold. I stepped into the living room. Silas wasn't there.
I searched the manor and finally found Olei in his room, sprawled on the carpet with his crayons. The second he saw me, he dropped everything and ran.
"Mommy!" He crashed into my arms, face bright with joy.
"Baby." I crouched and pulled him close, kissed his forehead. "What are you drawing?"
"Our family!" He dragged me to the carpet and pointed at three stick figures on the paper. "That's you, that's Daddy, that's me! We're having a picnic on the lawn!"
I looked at the crude drawing. Three figures holding hands on green grass. The smallest one hung between the other two, feet off the ground like on a swing. The figure on the left had long yellow hair and a flowered dress, eyes scrunched in a smile. The one on the right had flat lines for eyes and mouth—somehow he'd captured Silas perfectly. At their feet, a messy blanket covered with food.
