"Sorry, Yara, something urgent just came up at the office. I have to go. Go ahead and eat; I'll have the driver pick you up later."
I stared into his eyes, my voice tinged with pleading. "Could you please just stay and finish dinner first?"
Julian averted his gaze, hesitation flickering across his face.
His phone rang again, cutting through the moment.
This time, he didn't even answer. He just bolted out of the restaurant without grabbing his coat.
My long-stilled heart ached again, threads of pain beginning to unravel.
Driven by an unseen force, I snatched his coat and hailed a taxi, reciting the address etched into my memory.
At the hotel entrance, my heart hammered wildly. After a moment's hesitation, I dialed Julian's number. The line rang and rang before he finally picked up.
