The doctor laid out her condition plainly.
The calmer she appeared on the outside, the more violently she was suppressing her trauma on the inside.
Julian knew exactly what had set her off.
It was because Sebastian had returned.
The deep-seated terror he had inflicted on her was still running her life from the shadows, easily hijacking her mind.
Julian remained devastatingly silent.
Aware of the horrific history involved, the doctor quietly left a new prescription and saw himself out.
Julian slowly walked back into the bedroom.
The sedative wasn't meant to knock her out for long—just enough to short-circuit the panic attack.
When she groggily opened her eyes and saw him standing there, she immediately whispered, "I'm sorry... Julian."
Terrified of triggering her again, he didn't dare move closer.
But she pushed herself out of bed, walked over, and wrapped her arms tightly around him.
"I'm not disgusted by you. I'm just... I can't break through my own trauma yet. Please, just give me a little more time," she pleaded softly.
After an agonizing hesitation, he finally returned the embrace, holding her securely.
"I will," he vowed with absolute conviction.
She didn't say another word.
She just let him hold her, burying her face against his chest.
They stood there for a long time before he gently pulled back.
"Go take a shower and get some rest. I'll take you to the airport when you fly out to Riverton," he instructed softly.
"Okay," she nodded.
"I need to head to the capital for a few days, but I'll meet you in Riverton afterward," he added.
In truth, he could have easily flown straight to Riverton with her.
But that would make his protectiveness far too obvious.
So he had purposely scheduled a detour to visit the Everett family in the capital before doubling back.
She knew exactly what he was doing, but neither of them pointed it out.
"By the way, Hope called earlier. She's being discharged from the hospital tomorrow. I thought we could take her to the beach house for the night," he offered.
"I'd love that," her eyes instantly brightened.
The mere mention of Hope flooded her cold heart with warmth.
Seeing the life return to her face finally put him at ease.
Without pushing her further, he stepped out of her room.



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