When Amara walked back to the table, the candlelight seemed harsher than before. Jullian stood up immediately, his eyes scanning her face with an intensity that made her want to flinch.
"Are you okay?" Jullian asked, his brow furrowed. He stepped toward her, his hand hovering near her arm. "Did you see anyone there? You were gone a long time."
Amara looked at the half-eaten food, the expensive wine, and the man who was trying so hard to protect a version of her that no longer existed. The air in the restaurant felt too thick to breathe.
"No," Amara said, her voice flat and exhausted. "I just want to go home. Please... take me home."
Jullian searched her eyes for a moment longer, sensing the wall she had just built between them. He didn't push. He reached for his coat and signaled for the check.
"Alright, Amara," he said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment he couldn't quite hide. "If you say so."
