Chapter 7 - Scars and Confessions
That evening, rain lashed against the floor-to-ceiling windows of Julian’s penthouse.
Clara sat on the edge of the velvet sofa, a first aid kit open in her lap.
During the chaos at the center, Julian had caught his hand on a shattered glass door, leaving a deep gash across his palm.
“Hold still,” Clara scolded softly as she dabbed an antiseptic wipe over the wound.
Julian sat obediently, his intense gaze fixed on her face.
“You have very gentle hands,” he noted quietly.
“I’m used to patching up scraped knees and bloody noses,” she replied, focusing on the bandage.
“Not syndicate bosses?” he teased, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips.
Clara paused, looking up into his eyes.
“Tell me about your sister,” she asked softly.
Julian’s smile vanished, replaced by a profound sorrow.
“Elena was bright. Too trusting.”
He looked away, staring into the dark storm outside.
“She fell in love with a monster. I tried to warn her, but she pulled away.”
He swallowed hard, his jaw tightening.
“By the time I realized how bad the abuse was, she was gone in a staged car accident.”
Clara reached out, gently cupping his cheek.
“You can’t save everyone, Julian. Sometimes, people have to choose to be saved.”
Julian leaned into her touch, his eyes fluttering shut.
May you like
“I am choosing to save you,” he whispered.
“And I am choosing to let you,” she replied, leaning forward to press her lips to his.
