Chapter 6 - SHATTERED PEARLS
Julian took three slow, heavy steps across the foyer.
He didn't look at his mother’s elegant face.
He looked down at the tiny plastic star stuck to Clara’s shirt collar, then at the distinct red outline on her cheek.
He reached out, his hand gently lifting Clara by her arm, pulling her and Leo behind his frame.
"Julian!" Eleanor snapped, her composure finally fracturing into sharp anger. "You dare believe a four-year-old over your own mother?!"
Julian turned to face her.
His dark eyes were devoid of any warmth.
"Get out of my house," Julian said quietly.
"Julian, I built this family—"
"Get out," he repeated, his voice rising into an absolute, unyielding command.
Eleanor stared at her son, her mouth opening in shock, her hand instinctively clutching her pearl necklace so hard the string snapped.
White pearls scattered across the hardwood floor, bouncing silently in every direction.
Julian didn't watch them fall.
May you like
He turned his back on his mother, kneeling down to wrap both his arms around his wife and son.
THE END
