Elena's POV
"I stopped by," I said, my voice calm. Too calm. "Didn't think I needed an appointment."
Julian glanced at Sophia, then back at me.
"She was helping me with something," he said.
I nodded once. "She seems helpful."
A beat passed.
Sophia cleared her throat, like she didn't know whether to leave or stay. Julian didn't dismiss her.
So I did it for him.
"I'll make this quick," I said, eyes locked on his. "I came to check on you. To see if… we're still us."
Sophia turned, quietly walking out. No words. No looks. Just her heels on tile.
Julian stepped closer. Not too close.
"Elena," he said softly, "you left."
"I did," I replied. "Because I was falling apart."
He didn't argue.
"But I didn't walk away to make room for her," I added.
His jaw clenched. "It's not like that."
"Then what is it like?" My voice cracked before I could stop it. "You trust her. You defend her. You let her into places that used to be mine."
