He Never Loved Me Until the Day I Finally Left Him novel Chapter 488

"Lena?" Julian called out, glancing at her with deep concern.

"Yes?" She turned to him, her expression a mask of perfect serenity.

"If you're upset, let it out. Don't bottle it up. It's going to destroy you," he urged bluntly.

She offered a small, detached smile. "Okay."

She was being far too agreeable.

Agreeing with everything he said without a hint of hesitation.

She even reached out to reassure him. "Don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing."

"Lena, actually..." he hesitated, struggling to find the words.

She tilted her head. "What is it?"

He wanted to tell her the truth about Hope, but the words died on his tongue.

He was terrified that giving her that information would only drag her deeper into Sebastian's twisted games.

The updates from the medical team hadn't been reassuring.

Hope was fighting, barely clinging to life.

But everyone involved knew exactly how astronomical the odds were against her.

Offering Helena that fragile beacon of hope only to have it ripped away again would unequivocally shatter her soul.

He couldn't risk dealing that final, fatal blow.

"Nothing," he finally muttered, gripping the steering wheel.

She didn't press him, simply turning her gaze back to the rain-streaked window.

The suffocating gridlock finally began to ease once they merged onto the main highway.

Yet, as if cursed by fate, their SUV remained trapped right on the tail of Janetta's town car.

Julian was acutely aware of the vehicle ahead.

He kept shooting worried glances at Helena, but she appeared completely unfazed.

Deciding not to point it out, he kept his mouth shut.

He didn't let out a breath until they were safely locked inside her apartment.

While he made furious calls trying to secure a departure slot for the next day, she retreated to her bedroom.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she scrolled methodically through her phone.

Every search query was heavily focused on tracking Janetta's public itinerary.

Because the woman was a high-profile celebrity, tracking her was effortless.

The Press relentlessly published her every move for public consumption.

Besides, Janetta practically craved the spotlight.

He nodded in understanding.

She looked up at him with a soft, genuine smile. "Do you want a late-night snack? I'm actually a little hungry."

"What do you want? I'll make it for you," he offered immediately.

"I'd really love some pasta," she requested softly.

"Since when do you crave that? I thought Seafood Noodles were your absolute favorite," he noted, slightly puzzled.

She simply shrugged. "I guess my tastes changed."

Not thinking much of it, he pushed himself up and headed for the kitchen.

She followed silently behind him like a shadow.

He quickly got to work preparing the pasta.

The rich aroma soon filled the small apartment.

The truth was, she had always preferred pasta over anything else.

Seafood was Sebastian's favorite.

She was actually severely allergic and hated the taste.

But because of him, she had forced herself to swallow it down with a smile.