10
Claire.
I wasn’t supposed to be here again. Not after everything, not after the hotel.
But I couldn’t stop myself. My body led me back to him, even when my mind screamed to turn around.
The estate was silent, just like before. Lights were low, shadows lingered everywhere.
I rang the bell once.
I expected a delay, but the door opened immediately.
Julian stood there in a black shirt, sleeves rolled up.
“You’re alone,” he said.
I nodded.
His eyes scanned me slowly and carefully, like he already knew what I was going to say.
“I’m not here to stay,” I whispered.
“I figured.”
“I needed to see you.”
“Of course you did.”
He stepped aside and I walked in.
The door closed behind me with a deep, final click. It echoed in my chest.
I turned to face him, hands twisting in front of
