Chapter 20 - Julian's Gaze
The evening after resolving the crisis, I stayed late at the office.
It was just me and the dim, golden lights of the city visible through the glass.
Julian walked in.
He brought two cups of hot chocolate.
"I figured the boss needed some sugar after executing a rival corporation."
He smiled, handing me a cup.
"Thank you," I took it, the warmth seeping into my palms.
He pulled up a chair and sat across from me.
"You're terrifying, you know that?" Julian joked.
I laughed.
"In this world, if you aren't terrifying, they'll chew you up and spit you out."
Julian was quiet for a moment.
He looked at me. A very deep look.
"I don't find you terrifying."
"Then what do you see?" I asked.
"I see someone who took all of her broken pieces and built a castle."
My heart skipped a beat.
He reached out, lightly touching the back of my hand where it rested on the armrest.
May you like
"You don't always have to wear your armor when you're with me."
For the first time in years, I didn't pull my hand away.
