riek cut thro

ind going blank from the

head ringing, she stared in disb

're the one who said you wanted to apologize. But don't think

nd again, aiming for the oth

lted into action. He strode forward and shoved Evelina back, hi

ed an arm around Isabelle, pulling her into a pr

e shove, Evelina simply watch

Julian? Or just blind? I gave her one slap. Is that really so excessive compared to what you two did to me? You're a pair of hypo

by her tirade that h

oked silence, he finally blurted out, "Even if she offered to apologize, you don't just hit

merciless as she casually rotated her wrist. "Since you thi

her, utterly unprepare

e wondered if this wa

ar. She had provoked Evelina countless times before, and the wo

nds, a different sor

lina be doing this on purpose,

nd found him staring intently at Evelina

his firmly in her grasp. She absolutely

ly measured tone. "Julian, just stop. She's probably just upset. I'm fine, rea

ian feel a fresh surge of protectiveness. Comp

na. You were never this aggre

must have been out of my mind to give you everything I had. Now my eyes are open. On

her luggage to leave, her f

never seen such a cold, dist

alk away, a sharp, unfamiliar panic s

by the gut-wrenching certainty that he was abo

out, instinctively m

like that. Without a second thought, she burst into tears, pressing

halt. He turned back, his

s cheek. On closer inspection, the shape

't cry, Isabelle. I'll take you to the doctor

, she's really leaving," she said deliberately. "M

e. I can't keep indulging her. Let her struggle for a few days. She'll

of pure adoration. She snuggled up aga

ed. A swell of triu

could ever compete with

Julian couldn't feel the slightest

he feel s

soothed Isabelle, but his gaze unconsciousl

would definitely be back. Julian tol