I stood frozen in the study, staring at the closed door, my heart in pieces on the floor.
He thought I wanted to leave. He thought I'd choose Julian. After everything he'd told me, everything he'd revealed, I'd hurt him in the worst possible way.
I had to fix this.
I ran after him, flinging the door open, but he was already gone. Edgar stood in the hallway, his usually impassive face troubled.
"Where did he go?" I demanded.
"His office, Miss. But I would advise—"
I didn't wait to hear the rest. I raced down the corridor, my bare feet silent on the marble floors. When I reached his office, the door was closed. I could hear movement inside—sharp, violent sounds, like something being thrown.
I knocked. "Damien, please. Let me explain."
Silence.
"I don't want Julian. I never want to see him again. I was lying to him, not to you. Please, just let me—"
"Go away, Claire." His voice was muffled, hollow.
