Chapter 48

Juliet Taylor POV

"Hi, Chris," I said, trying to mask the pain in my voice. I wasn't going to burden him with the chaos of my life, but deep down, I desperately needed reassurance.

"Hey, I just wanted to check on you. Are you doing okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. For a moment, I wanted to spill everything, to let out the storm of pain and hurt swirling inside me. But... no. It didn't feel right. Not now.

"I'm okay," I lied, forcing a lightness into my tone. "Honestly, I'm a bit surprised you called. It's nice to be checked on once in a while." I tried to sound playful, masking the ache within.

He chuckled softly. "Are you free tomorrow? I could come by, and we could talk or... hang out. You know, catch up," he said nervously. I could picture him running his fingers through his hair—a habit of