Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 92

Chapter 92

Elena: POV

Julian’s hand found mine, squeezing gently.

“You’re distracted, he murmured, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “What’s wrong? Think I’m all talk?”

Before I could answer, he leaned in, his teeth grazing my earlobe. “Because trust me, I always deliver.”

I pushed his head away gently, my mind still on Mom’s pale face. “It’s not that. It’s my mom. Don’t you think she’s acting weird? Suddenly wanting to leave the estate after all these years? And did you see her face today? She looked like hell.”

Julian wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against his chest. His hands locked around my waist, and he buried his face in the crook of my neck.

“She probably looked like shit because you scared her half to death,” he said quietly. “Watching you go into that pool, not knowing if the baby…” His arms tightened. “And wanting to leave? Maybe she’s just tired of being stuck there her whole life. Can you blame her?”

His breath was warm against my skin. “A lifetime trapped in that place-she probably just wants out.”

I wanted to argue, to explain that something in Mom’s eyes had looked off. Scared. Like she was running from something she couldn’t name.

But Julian’s warmth was seeping into me, his steady heartbeat against my back making everything feel safer than it was.

“Maybe you’re right,” I whispered, though I didn’t buy it.

“Get some rest, he murmured, easing me back against the pillows. “Everything’s gonna be fine. I’ve got you.”

His hand slid down to rest on my stomach, protective and gentle. And despite everything, I let myself sink into the hospital bed, his presence solid beside

I woke the next morning to voices outside my hospital room.

Julian was already awake, sitting in the chair beside my bed. His hair was a mess, bis shirt wrinkled-he must have been there all night.

“They’re here,” he said quietly when he saw my eyes open. “My parents. Arthur. And…” His jaw clenched. “Victoria Catherine too.”

My stomach dropped. “Catherine? Why would she-”

“I made her come. His voice was ice-cold. “She’s gonna apologize.”

“Elena,” she said, her voice dripping with sympathy. “I’m so relieved you’re alright. When Julian td me what happened, i was devastated.”

I’m sure you were, I thought bitterly.

She moved to stand by the window, her posture perfect. The picture of gracious concern.

Made me want to throw something at her head.

Finally, Catherine walked in.

My hands clenched into fists beneath the hospital blanket.

She looked like she’d rather be literally anywhere else. Her face was pinched, her eyes darting between Julian and the door like she was thinking about bolting.

Julian stood, moving to place his hand on my shoulder. Then he leaned down, his lips brushing my ear.

“I called her this morning,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “Told her if she didn’t come apologize, I’d personally make sure every business connection the Vanderbilts have with Sterling Conglomerate gets cut off. Permanently.”