Chapter 533 Sydney's question cut straight to the point. On the other end of the line, Julian's cold eyes darkened, dangerous for a heartbeat, but not toward her. The fact that she could ask so plainly instead of sulking actually pleased him. The fact that she sounded a little jealous pleased him even more. A quiet laugh rumbled from his chest. "So, who's been whispering in your car?" he drawled. Leaning against the balcony railing, Sydney felt the tightness in her chest begin to loosen. "Don't change the subject." Her voice steadied. "Just answer me honestly.
Did you, or did you not, accompany another woman to a prenatal checkup?" Julian didn't deflect. He didn't even pause. "I did." Sydney's breath caught. She trusted him-she knew she did-but hearing him confirm it still hurt. A dull ache spread through her chest. She didn't even know who the woman was. Maybe someone from the years they'd spent apart. Someone important enough for him to fly halfway across the world for. Hurt, confusion, and jealousy tangled together. It was impossible to sort them out. It wasn't wrong for him to have female friends. It wasn't even wrong to help one.
Maybe it was nothing more than that-a friend in trouble, and he happened to be there. Sydney wanted to believe that. She really did. But "prenatal checkup" hit too close to home. Maybe it was hormones. Maybe insecurity. Either way, her chest tightened again. Just as her thoughts began to spiral, his unhurried voice came through. "She's my cousin. Something happened, and my aunt was worried. I came to help." "What?" The word slipped out before she could stop it. "Your cousin?" For a second, her mind went blank. Eloise had always forbidden him from contacting his mother's family.
Over the years, that branch had drifted so far away she'd nearly forgotten he even had cousins. Julian must have heard her bewildered edge her voice carried because he gave a short, amused huff. "What did you think? That I've got a secret lover abroad? Or a soulmate so precious I'd fly across continents to hold her hand at a checkup?" Her cheeks warmed instantly. "How was I supposed to know?" she muttered. "You didn't say anything beforehand. And 1/3 +25 Bonus what happened to your cousin? Is she alright?" "Alright might be pushing it," he said.
"But she's still full of fight, at least." He pinched the bridge of his nose, faintly exasperated. "As for the rest, I'll tell you when I'm back, if she's comfortable sharing." Sydney understood the subtext. It was personal. Something he couldn't discuss. "I didn't tell you in advance because it's her private matter," he said quietly. "But next time, I'll let you know beforehand." 'So no one can twist the story again,' he thought darkly. The night air had turned cool, but Sydney didn't feel it.
She said softly, "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions." "You should." His voice dropped low, smooth as silk brushing her ear. "If you get jealous, it means you care. I like that." Heat rushed to her face again. Why did he always know exactly how to fluster her? Sydney pressed a cool hand to her cheek and forced her tone to sound even. "Anyway, I'll forward you the number that sent the photo. Whoever did it clearly had bad intentions." "Alright," he said. "I should be back in Jouleston the day after tomorrow." "Okay." Neither hung up.
The silence between them stretched-two people breathing on opposite sides of the world, perfectly in sync. After a long pause, Sydney fidgeted, tightening her grip on the phone. "Then, I'll hang up now 11 She didn't get the chance. His low, coaxing voice came first. "Don't I get to ask if you missed me?" Her heart gave a small, helpless stumble. The warmth that had just faded returned in a rush, flooding her from head to toe. Of course she missed him. Hence, she said it simply, honestly, without hesitation. "I do. I miss you so much, Julian." Especially now, more than ever.
2/3 cape 4 +25 Bonus Mark Twain