Cameras swarmed the hospital entrance like vultures scenting blood. Julia barely had time to breathe before the first reporter shoved a microphone toward her. “Miss Bailey, is it true? Are you engaged to Brandon Hughes?”
Brandon stepped in front of her so fast the air shifted. “Yes,” he said. One word. Clean. Sharp. Final.
Julia’s breath punched out of her. Reporters erupted like they’d been waiting their whole lives for this lie. Flashes burst, questions flew, and all she felt was his hand tightening around hers—steadier than her own heartbeat.
Inside, once the doors shut behind them, she whispered, “Brandon… why would you say that?”
He didn’t meet her eyes. “Because if I denied it, they would’ve eaten you alive.” He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles, voice low. “And I won’t let th
