A large, firm hand wrapped around me and pulled me into its embrace. A faint scent of cedar brushed past my senses, cool and clean, yet strangely comforting.
I lifted my head, meeting a face that felt more unfamiliar than familiar.
The last time I saw Julian in my past life was when my father was still alive.
He had visited our home, bringing gifts. By then, I was already with Ralph, so I had treated this so-called arranged fiancé with nothing but hostility.
I had snapped at him, telling him to take his things and leave. If I remembered correctly, Julian hadn’t argued at all.
He had only nodded slightly and taken his leave with quiet courtesy. "I will be going now."
A sharp pain twisted in my chest.
How could I have failed to notice him back then, the one person who truly loved me
