I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart hammering against my ribs. Julian's presence in my apartment felt like a violation, his casual posture on my couch a mockery of boundaries he'd already shattered.
"Seraphina!" My mother's voice broke through my shock. "Julian has been so kind, waiting for you to get home. He's offered to help us with your father's legal fees!"
The hope in her voice made my stomach clench. She had no idea what kind of "help" Julian was offering—or what he expected in return.
"Mom, Julian needs to leave." My voice came out steadier than I expected. "Now."
My mother's face fell, disappointment and confusion washing over her tired features. "Seraphina! How could you be so ungrateful? Julian is trying to help our family."
Julian's lips curved into a sympathetic smile that didn't reach his eyes. "It's alright, Helena. Seraphina's been under a lot of stress lately. Maybe she needs to rest before we discuss things further."
