Amara had retreated to the darkened study, sitting on the floor with her head in her hands, the weight of the world finally crushing her. The sound of the door opening made her flinch, but the scent of cedar and expensive soap told her exactly who it was.
Julian didn't say a word. He sat on the floor beside her, pulling her shaking body into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on the top of her head as she wept into his shirt.
"I've got you," Julian whispered, his voice a low, steady anchor. "Let it out, Amara. You've been holding the weight of this entire family for three days. You don't have to be the CEO or the sister right now. Just be my wife."
"She hates me, Julian," Amara sobbed. "And Leo... he's changing her. She won't listen to me."
