CLAIRE

Monday morning arrived earlier than I expected. I woke up to find Julian already dressed in a dark suit, standing by the window staring out at the city.

"Hey," I said softly, sitting up.

He turned, his face tight with tension. "Morning," he replied.

"How did you sleep?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"I didn't," Julian admitted. "Kept thinking about today."

I got out of bed and walked over to him. "It's going to be hard," I said gently. "But you're ready."

"Am I?" Julian asked, his voice uncertain in a way I rarely heard.

"Yes," I said firmly. "You're strong enough for this."

Julian pulled...