emotion from her previous life was now sharper and more painful. The afternoon sun had shifted, casting long shadows across the room as she tried to

yingly close. The memories were raw and vivid-Julian's lifeless body, her sister's cold, triumphant smile, and the sharp, searin

e of quiet thought and strategic planning. Now, it would become hers as well. She closed the door behind her, sealing her

and she began to go through the papers scattered across the desk. Contracts, financial reports, business correspondence

in the company's workings but it wasn't as intractable as this; her life had revolved around social obligations, charity events, and the superficial trappings of their world. J

d stand by as these incidents unfolded around her. If there was one thing s

derstand all of it, but there was something off about the numbers, something she couldn't quite place. A fee

st have noticed th

door. Erica looked up, momentarily disoriented. "Co

ed inside, her eyes downcast. "Madam, dinner will

maid a distracted smile. "T

standing of the situation. She knew she couldn't do this alone, but she wasn't ready to involve Julian yet. There was someone e

randf

g her into the perfect socialite than nurturing familial ties. But he was also a man deepl

lways been strained, fraught with misunderstandings and unspoken resentments. Despite

uard the future she had been given a second chance at, she would need every ally she could find-e

t she would gather her strength tonight. She pushed away the papers and left the

aming silverware and crystal glasses. Julian was already seated, his expression softening as sh

ading across his face as he took her hand. "I won

en again, I promise" she replied, squeezing his hand. The warmth of his touch eased the tension t

ture that made her heart flutter. As she sat down, he kiss

amusing anecdotes from his own. His deep, rich voice was a balm to her frayed nerves,

oking at her intently. "Erica," he began, his tone gentle but firm, "I can't shake the feel

in her demeanor never went past him, but she couldn't keep him in the dark for

e softer now, almost vulnerable. "About us, about every

n. "You know you can talk to me, right?" he said, reaching across the table to retake her hand. Hi

ould she explain the impossible, the fact that she was living

smile. "I know," she said softly. "I just need a little ti

entirely fade. "Take all the time you n

fterward, they retreated to the drawing room, where Julian busied himself with some p

the memories of her previous life. How had she been so blind? How had she allowed herself to b

ond chance and intended to make the most of it. Whatever Ophelia was p

for now, she would protect him however she could, gathering inf

ook and stood, moving to where Julian sat. He lo

e said, kissing him. "

hand through her hair. "I

before finally turning and heading upstairs. As she prepared for bed, her thoug

. And from there, she would unravel the

ould protect Julian and their future, no matter what it cost

eerie thought crossed her mind: