"Scarlett, why have you suddenly become distant from me? What's going on? You used to be my fan, crazy about me, hurt whenever I ignored you. You should be happy that I'm kind now, that I care, that I'm starting to see you as my wife."
Julian's voice was low, slightly restrained, as if he himself wasn't sure about the words that had just left his mouth. His car remained motionless in the underground parking corridor. White neon lights reflected coldly off the concrete floor, casting pale shadows across both their faces.
Scarlett stared at him for a long moment. Her eyes held no anger—but no warmth either. There was a distance she couldn't explain, a distance that had slowly grown since she stopped hoping for too much.
"Julian…" Scarlett's voice was soft, almost trembling. "I haven't changed. I just stopped hoping."
Julian frowned. "Stopped hoping for what?"
