The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 139

Nora stopped dead in her tracks. She lifted her head, looking in the direction of the voice.

Parked in a temporary spot on the side of the office building was a dark luxury sedan. Julian Pierce, wearing a soft, light-grey trench coat, stood casually by the car door.

"Julian?"

Catching sight of Nora's pale, tear-streaked face, Julian immediately stepped forward, his long legs closing the distance quickly.

"What are you doing out here?"

Nora looked at the man who had appeared out of nowhere, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes.

Julian stopped in front of her. His gaze swept over her red-rimmed eyes and her lips, which had turned white from the biting night wind. His brow furrowed slightly, his eyes revealing undisguised worry and heartache.

"I just finished meeting a client nearby. The dinner ended early, and since I was passing by your studio, I figured I'd try my luck to see if you were working late."

Julian's voice was low and soothing, carrying a comforting warmth. "What's wrong? What happened?"

He took a small step closer, closing the gap between them. "Your eyes are so red. Who bullied you?"

Nora stood frozen, absorbing his explanation.

On this freezing winter night, right after her husband had mercilessly ordered her out of the room and she learned she would never measure up to another woman, this man was telling her he just wanted to try his luck to see her.

Grievance, helplessness, and crushing despair all found a release at that exact moment. The tears Nora had fought so hard to hold back on her walk suddenly flooded over her lashes again, entirely out of her control.

She lowered her head, her hands gripping the hem of her jacket so tightly her knuckles turned white, her shoulders trembling.

Julian didn't interrogate her further. He slipped off his body-warmed grey trench coat and stepped forward, naturally draping it over Nora's thin shoulders.

Julian smiled, choosing not to call her bluff.

"Work will never end, but your health is what matters most."

Julian looked at her, his tone shifting into deep sincerity. "Nora, you are an incredibly talented designer. There is a resilient strength in your work. I deeply admire your designs, and I admire your dedication to your craft."

"I'm sorry for making a fool of myself," Nora croaked, clutching the crumpled tissue in her hand.

Julian turned his head to look at her, his eyes deep and gentle behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

"In front of me, you never need to apologize."

Julian's voice was absolute, carrying a level of devotion that was impossible to ignore. "Nora, you are wonderful. It's the people around you who don't know how to cherish you."