Chapter 444
Julie's point of view
The little boy gently withdrew his hand from my cheek, turning around to walk with small steps toward his grandfather.
I wiped away a scalding tear that had escaped my eye using my thumb. Suddenly, Robert's heavy palm rested over my shoulder, and he whispered in a low tone mixed with suppressed vigilance:
"Are you okay?"
He could feel it he knew a massive earthquake was raging beneath my ribs. I nodded silently, forcing a faint, fragile smile onto my lips before standing up steadily.
Harold shifted his astonished gaze between us, speaking in a tone brimming with pride:
"This is my son, Adam... and I am Harold, Robert's brother."
I swallowed hard, answering in confusion:
"I am Julie... and I'm sorry for hugging your son like that, I just... I mean—"
Robert's deep, velvet voice cut off my stammering as he placed his hand behind my back:
"Julie loves children very much, which is why she hugged Adam."
