Chapter 46

The realization hit Julian like a punch to the gut, sparking a furious fire within him. But even more intense than his anger was the growing unease and pain that had been creeping into his chest for days. Even with Rosalie sitting before him, it felt as though she was slowly, imperceptibly, pulling away.

Rosalie listened to Julian’s accusations, a deeper sneer tugging at the corners of her mouth. She chewed her steak slowly, bite by bite, the lump in her throat making each swallow difficult. It was as if, only by grinding the food to dust, could she force it down.

Slowly, she set down her utensils. Her gaze lifted to meet Julian’s, and she spoke with quiet finality, her voice cutting through the thick atmosphere between them. “I once had feelings too. But they’ve all been drained away, leaving nothing behind.”

Julian’s hand, resting beside his plate, trembled slightly before he clenched it into a tight fist.

She hadn’t said it directly, but he understood the weight of her words. She had once been full of passion for him, perhaps the only passion she had to give, and he had drained it from her over time with his indifference. His feelings were a confusing mess. His usually cold heart, so accustomed to distance, now felt an unfamiliar heat at the sting of her words.

He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but Rosalie had already turned away. She no longer cared about his response. Her words were spoken, and she had moved on.

She stood from the table, her movements graceful but deliberate, heading for the door without another glance in his direction. As for Helena’s fate—she didn’t give a damn.

When Rosalie’s heart was full of warmth and affection, it could offer comfort. But when it turned cold, it could freeze anyone in its path. And now, it was painfully clear that no one in her life was worth the effort of reigniting that warmth.

Rosalie’s voice rang out from the living room, cold and detached. “It’s good you’re here. Now I won’t have to waste my time looking for you.”