CLAIRE

When I got home, the apartment was dark except for one light in the bedroom. Julian was waiting, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, still in his work clothes, looking exhausted.

"Hey," I said softly, closing the door behind me.

"Hey," he replied. "How was your day?"

"The last dress was delivered," I said, moving to sit beside him. "Everything's done. All perfect."

"That's incredible," Julian said, but his voice was distant. "I'm so proud of you."

I studied his face carefully, something was wrong. "Julian, what's going on?" I asked gently.

He was quiet for a long moment, then he took a deep breath. "I...