ette

tangled mess, replaying the events of the day on an endless loop. Harrison. Evelyn. Their bitter words. The hatred in his e

the weight of everything settle onto my shoulders, almost suffocating me. How was I supposed to work under him? How

st convinced myself to call my boss and tell him I couldn't take on the projec

om

my knees, scooping her up, holding her close as though she were the anchor I desperately needed.

y," I whispered,

mine. "Rosa, the nanny said you were worki

give her the best life possible. My work here wasn't just a job; it was a step toward a stable future, one where I could provide everyt

un. Not again. This was her future on the line, her chance for stabilit

an important project. Mommy has to finish

f leaving vanished. She gave me strength I didn't know I had, and for her, I would f

ughts. I glanced down, my heart sinking when I saw

" Lily asked, curiosit

," I murmured, my voice st

oid him forever, and I certainly didn't want to drag Lily into my complicated past. I ki

took a deep breath

rrison's voice was sharp, his tone a mi

ied to keep my tone steady, refusing to

straight, Juliette. I don't want any... distraction

ee him and not the other way around. I bit my tongue, clenching my fists. He had no idea of the

plied evenly, injecting as much

or a moment, I thought I heard him sigh.

s going to be a battlefield, and I knew it. But Lily's face-her innocent

s the uncertainty that had filled me the day before. Today, I was

his expression as stoic as ever, as though we were strangers meeting

l, shall we?" he murmured, h

al strength. "I wouldn'

, an unspoken tension simmered. I kept my focus, presenting my ideas with conf

facing. Just when I thought I'd reach my breaking point, the door opene

ting?" she asked,

er a glance. "We're in t

enge in them. "I thought I'd join in. After a

ound, refusing to give her the re

son. "You know, darling, I was thinking we s

though silently apologizing or so I thought. I was caught off guard by the look,

igned to rattle me. But with each jab, I only felt my resolve harden. I wasn't here for h

d my things, turning to leave.

e said quietl

ck, my puls

pressive," he said, his wo

e validation stirring emotions I'd buried long ago b

lied coolly. "I'm

strength settled over me. This city held my past, with all its painful

alking into, I was ready to