Chapter 5 - Clara’s Hand
Julian knelt beside Clara again.
Not because Eleanor allowed it.
Because he chose it.
That difference filled the room.
Clara’s hand lay on the blanket, trembling violently, fingers curled into fabric.
Julian reached toward her slowly.
This time, he did not grab.
He asked with his eyes.
Clara hesitated.
Then she let him touch her hand.
His thumb brushed her knuckles.
Her skin was cold.
He remembered suddenly how cold her hands had been during labor.
How she had asked where he was.
How Eleanor had told him Clara was resting and should not be disturbed.
How Dominic had texted him about urgent family protections less than an hour after the birth.
He looked toward the bassinet.
His daughter slept, swaddled and safe.
For now.
The words chilled him.
For now.
Clara whispered, “They said I would never leave with her.”
Julian’s head snapped back.
Eleanor lunged forward.
“That is a lie.”
Julian stood instantly, blocking her again.
“Do not come closer.”
Eleanor stopped as if slapped.
No one had ever spoken to her like that in her family.
Dominic’s mouth tightened.
“Julian, emotional confrontation is not advisable.”
Julian turned on him.
“You brought papers to a woman in a hospital bed.”
Dominic’s face hardened.
“I brought documents your family requested.”
Julian froze.
Your family.
Not your mother.
Not Eleanor.
Your family.
His eyes moved back to Eleanor.
She looked away.
Just for a second.
Enough.
Clara saw it too.
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“She told me you agreed.”
Julian looked at his wife.
The horror on his face deepened.
“No.”
Clara searched his eyes.
May you like
This time, she seemed to believe he might be telling the truth.
Read Chapter 6 👉 Because Dominic’s careful wording made Julian realize the papers had been prepared under his name, whether he understood it or not.
