The air in Julian’s office was heavy, the tension almost tangible. The city lights of Vienna stretched beyond the glass walls, but his focus remained on the phone call he was about to make. His fingers drummed against the polished desk as he exhaled sharply.
He had spent the past few days watching Emily struggle, seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, the way she flinched at shadows that weren’t there. He had tried everything—giving her space, being patient, even holding her in silence when the nights became unbearable.
But it wasn’t enough.
Emily needed more than him.
He needed someone who knew her beyond the chaos. Someone she trusted before all of this.
Julian dialed the number.
It rang twice before a familiar voice, light and slightly teasing, answered.
“Julian Blackwood. Now this i
