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Julian’s grip on Mara’s hand was an anchor in the spinning room. As she found her footing, the heavy wool of his overcoat settled around her shoulders, carrying the faint, crisp scent of winter air and cedar. He kept his arm firmly around her waist, shielding her swollen belly from the surrounding crowd. / Chapter 1 / 15

Chapter 1: The Departure

Chapter 1: The Departure

Julian’s grip on Mara’s hand was an anchor in the spinning room. As she found her footing, the heavy wool of his overcoat settled around her shoulders, carrying the faint, crisp scent of winter air and cedar. He kept his arm firmly around her waist, shielding her swollen belly from the surrounding crowd.

Vivienne stood frozen by the crushed orchids, the embroidery scissors slipping from her grasp to clatter loudly against the marble floor. The severed braid still hung from her other fist like a dead thing.

"Julian," Vivienne said, her voice finally losing its polished edge, cracking into something brittle. "You are making a colossal mistake. Think of the foundation. Think of the board."

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Julian didn't even turn his head. He kept his eyes locked on Mara, his thumb gently smoothing over her trembling knuckles. "My lawyer will contact you in the morning, Vivienne. Do not attempt to speak to me, and if you ever come within fifty feet of my wife again, I will ensure you spend the rest of your life answering for it in federal court."

He guided Mara forward. The sea of wealthy guests parted instantly, no one daring to meet Julian’s eyes. They walked out of the ballroom, leaving a suffocating silence in their wake. As the heavy mahogany doors closed behind them, shutting out the glaring crystal chandeliers, Mara finally let out a breath she felt she had been holding for months.

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