The world stopped for a few seconds as my eyes traced Julia’s body — the same one growing colder in my arms.

I slam her against my chest, as if tightening my grip would somehow jerk her back to life.

It didn’t.

For the first time, I didn’t try to blink away the tears gathering at the corner of my eyes, nor did I hold back the sob building in my throat.

I had her in front of me — for years.

She was in my bedroom, at the mansion’s library, arranging things in my office, sneaking glances at me while I…

While I paraded the city with Lovie.

The...