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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 4 / 15

Chapter 4: The Morning After

Chapter 4: The Morning After

Sunlight reflected blindingly off the fresh snow outside the bedroom windows. Mara awoke to the sound of hushed voices in the hallway. She sat up, the realization of what had happened crashing over her. She touched the left side of her head. The hair was gone.

The door opened, and Julian walked in holding a silver tray with tea and toast. Behind him was Dr. Evans, a discreet and trusted family physician. After a thorough examination, the doctor smiled warmly. "Mother and baby are perfectly healthy. Your blood pressure is slightly elevated from stress, but nothing alarming. Rest and hydration, Mrs. Mercer."

Mrs. Mercer. The title echoed in the room.

Once the doctor left, Julian sat on the edge of the bed. He looked exhausted, having clearly been awake for hours. "Vivienne has already started," he said quietly. "She released a statement to the trustees claiming I suffered a 'stress-induced breakdown' and that you manipulated me."

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Mara’s hands tightened on her teacup. "What are we going to do?"

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