Crossing Lines, Facing Loss

"There’s half a million on this card. If you need anything, just let me know."

I stared at the card, my heart pounding. "Mrs. Foster, you’re seriously the best!" I said, genuinely touched.

She glanced at Julian’s still body and sighed, her shoulders drooping a little.

"It’s tough on you. Stay here at night from now on, keep him company as much as you can."

I looked up, surprised. "Huh?"

"If he wakes up, I’ll give you another five million as a reward."

My eyes probably looked like cartoon dollar signs. "Mrs. Foster, you’re amazing!" I said, hugging the card to my chest.

---

It wasn’t until nightfall that Julian showed up again, drifting in like a shadow.

"You’re staying here tonight?" he asked, eyeing the cot I’d set up beside his bed.

I nodded, grinning. "Got a new job."

He seemed in a foul mood, sitting in the corner with his arms wrapped around his knees, lost in thought.

"Don’t worry, I sleep like a rock. I absolutely won’t touch your body," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

He snorted and looked away, refusing to take the bait.

Just then, my phone buzzed. I checked—messages pouring in like a waterfall.

[Check your Instagram! Ethan went public!]

[Sophia, did you really break up with Ethan?]

[Looks like he’s serious this time. You’re only the second girlfriend he’s ever posted, besides the last one!]