**Scene: Vivianne and Julian – Evening, the old study**
The rain tapped softly against the windows of the old study, the kind of sound that filled the silence without breaking it.
Julian sat in the chair by the hearth, his elbows on his knees, eyes flickering with the light of the fire. He looked tired—but not from lack of sleep. From carrying too many thoughts in a head that had always been too sharp for its own good.
Vivianne poured tea into a worn clay cup and handed it to him. He took it without a word, grateful for the warmth in his hands.
“You’ve been quiet,” she said, settling across from him.
Julian gave her a small shrug. “Just thinking.”
“About Asher?” she guessed.
“About everything.” He leaned back, staring at the flames. “It feels like no matter what I do, I’m either bet
