He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 81

The voice sounded instantly familiar.

Scarlett looked up and saw a man striding into the store, dressed in sleek, casual black attire.

Standing well over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his striking presence seemed to immediately dim the bright store lights.

If this wasn't Julian Croft, who else could it be?

Scarlett paused for a moment before offering a polite greeting. "Julian, it's good to see you."

They worked in the same industry and had crossed paths professionally, so they were on a first-name basis.

Julian gave a slight nod. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze drifted past her and landed on the stroller behind her.

Dawn happened to wake up at that exact moment. Instead of crying, her big, round eyes darted around with pure curiosity.

Captivated by the baby's adorable expression, Julian stepped closer and leaned down to playfully engage with her. Dawn happily obliged, breaking into a bright, gummy smile. Her chubby little hands waved in the air, making her look like a perfectly crafted doll.

"She's absolutely adorable. Look at that radiant complexion. What's her name?"

Scarlett turned her head, her eyes softening as she looked at her daughter. "Dawn Langley. Dawn, as in the break of a new day."

Julian was visibly taken aback for a second, but he didn't press for details. He merely offered a gentle smile. "It's a beautiful name. A wonderful meaning."

Scarlett smiled in return.

Beside her, Talia was practically frozen in place, utterly mesmerized by Julian's striking, almost god-like features.

She sidled up to Scarlett, nudged her arm, and mouthed the words, "Is that Julian Croft?"

Scarlett nodded and smoothly introduced them. "Julian, let me introduce you. This is my best friend, Talia Gray. She's an interior designer."

Scarlett was completely taken off guard and immediately waved her hands in protest. "Oh, I couldn't possibly accept this. You really shouldn't have spent your money."

Julian offered a reassuring smile. "It's not an imposition. Just a small token of my affection."

Scarlett remained firm, refusing to take the bag. "I appreciate the thought, but I really can't accept it. You did me a massive favor with work recently, and I haven't even had the chance to properly thank you for that yet."

Seeing her stubborn refusal, Julian bypassed her entirely and gently placed the gift bag directly into Dawn's stroller.

He gazed down at the baby, a deep sense of tenderness softening his features. "This is for little Dawn. Consider it my blessing for her. You can't say no to a gift meant for a child."

He gently pinched Dawn's soft cheek. "She's so sweet. I've always wanted a daughter. It's a shame..."

He caught himself before finishing the thought, swallowing the rest of his words. Instantly, his expression reverted to its usual composed, distant mask.