JULIAN

EXPLICIT CONTENT AHEAD

I woke up early the next morning with a heavy head and a heavier heart. Lying there in the guest room, staring at the ceiling, I knew I couldn’t keep hiding.

The silence was only making everything worse. I needed to talk to Claire, apologize for ignoring her all day yesterday, explain why I had assumed the worst, and hear her side without letting my hurt twist everything.

I showered quickly, pulled on a clean t-shirt and sweatpants, and headed downstairs. The apartment smelled warm already, coffee brewing, something sweet in the air.

Claire stood in the kitchen with her back to me, reaching for ingredients...