Chapter 231
Chapter 232
“But, Julian p>
“I’m serious, Amber. Mom doesn’t need your help, okay? Just stay out of it p>
I tried to be understanding, but those words were delivered just on the wrong side of cutting. They sliced into me, showing that he not just doubted me as a healer, but that he also didn’t want me there as a person, as his partner.
Suddenly, I felt much more tired than I had before, like the weight of everything that I had been pushing
back was now crashing down on top of me.
I started to pull away, relieved now when his arms fell away. I stood. “It’s been a long day. I think I’m
going to call in early p>
He didn’t try to stop me, or make any effort to call me back or repair things.
Instead, he said, “I’m going to head back to the hospital, but I’ll call you in the morning p>
I nodded as I walked away. When I made it to my room, which had once been one of the guest rooms, I
closed the door and wondered if I had made a mistake in coming here.
Perhaps I had acted too hastily, and selfishly. I had wanted to get away from Rafael’s pack and my
troubles there so desperately that I hadn’t thought what my presence here might do to Julian. He wasn’t
in a state of mind to offer me comfort, or even to accept the comfort I was trying to give.
Maybe all I did by coming here was run away from my problems, hoping Julian would save me. I didn’t
give any consideration that he might need saving.
If we were both drowning, who was going to be the one to save us?
Julian’s POV
Things were tense with Amber, and I knew I was to blame for that. But the thought of her going to the ‘hospital and having to deal with my family – with my mom who hated her – was too much.
I couldn’t allow her to put herself in that position, no matter how much good she thought she could do. No
matter how much I actually wanted her by my side at all times.
For her sake, she had to be far, far away from here.
I was particularly glad that she wasn’t beside me tonight, because when I walked into the hospital, I saw that Tony had someone beside him who had the same hair and shape as Olivia. Her back was to me, but I imagined this was a look alike, an actress, hired to fool Mom.
I’d told him that this was a terrible idea, and yet he seemed to go along with it anyway.
1/2
Chapter 232
+15 BONUS
Worse, the rest of the family seemed okay with the plan. They circled this actress like sharks in the water.
“She looks so similar,” Uncle Peter said. “Why, she could be Olivia’s twin p>
“It’s truly uncanny,” Aunt Kathy agreed, nodding along with her husband.
“You know Tony from the theater?” Penny asked.
The actress nodded. “Yes. He is a true patron of the arts p>
Sheesh. Even her voice sounded similar.
Yet she shouldn’t be here at all. I certainly hadn’t agreed to this farce. Lying to Mom like this was not only unethical, it also made things more difficult.
Mom should have a chance to meet the actual love of my life, and have a chance to know our daughter.
I’d pay the actress for her time, but send her on her way. No harm, no foul.
But then, she turned.
I nearly tripped over myself as I came to a halt.
This wasn’t some Olivia impersonator. This was Olivia herself!