Julian’s POV
"Julian, can I see you for a minute?" Samantha's father asked as he stood up from the breakfast table.
I glanced up from my coffee and nodded, curious but not wanting to appear too eager. I followed him down the hall to his study and sat down in the chair he motioned to.
He poured a glass of something dark and handed me a cup. I took it, grateful for the gesture, and he sat down across from me, his gaze steady but kind.
"So… how are you enjoying your stay here for the holiday, Julian?" he asked, his tone casual but with an underlying sense of seriousness.
I took a breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Uh… it’s been amazing so far. I love your family, sir. I haven’t had one in a long time, you see." He raised an eyebrow, clearly interested, so I continued. "My parents died
