Catherine's POV
I stood in front of my full-length mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt. Today was the first day of the new semester, a day that would give me freedom from this hell of a house. I checked my bag one last time, ensuring my notebooks and pens were in place, before heading out of my room.
As I stepped into the hallway, Julian's door flew open. He looked polished, as usual, in his usual black outfit and expensive pair of shoes. Before I could cross to the stairs, he caught my eye and offered a brief nod.
"Good morning, Catherine," he said.
I didn't reply. I kept my gaze fixed on the stairs ahead and continued walking. I could hear his footsteps following me down the corridor.
"I'm heading to school in ten minutes," he added, his voice bouncing off the high ceilings. "I can give you a ride."
