Chapter 152

The night had swallowed the mountains whole, leaving only biting cold in its wake.

Julian ended the call and turned back toward their campsite. Isabella and Lily sat close together, sharing snacks and whispers. He ducked into the tent and emerged with two jackets - one oversized, one child-sized.

He handed the larger one to Isabella.

"I'm fine," she protested. "Not cold."

"Just take it."

Julian shook out the coat and draped it over her shoulders before carefully bundling Lily into the smaller one.

Isabella hadn't realized how chilled she'd been until the wind stopped slicing through her. She pulled the edges tighter without further argument.

After dinner, they joined the bonfire gathering.

Someone whistled. "Damn, you three look like a perfect little family!"

Isabella stiffened. "We're not."

The group chuckled knowingly, exchanging glances that said this was just a temporary technicality.

Lily soon scampered off to play with other children.

Clusters of families and friends filled the clearing - laughing, building snowmen, hurling snowballs. The energy was infectious.

Without Lily between them, silence settled over Isabella and Julian.

What was there to say?

Mentioning Alexander and Sophia would only reopen wounds.

Work talk risked stirring up InnovaTech memories.

Julian broke first. "Settling in at YodaVision?"

Isabella twisted dry grass between her fingers, shaping it into delicate wings. "Mm."

"Nathaniel seems to look out for you."

"Yes."

"Did you study AI in college?"

Another noncommittal hum.

"How'd you meet Nathaniel?"

Silence.

Julian recognized the wall when he hit it. He'd learned not to push.

He excused himself to take several calls at the tree line.

When he returned, darkness had fully claimed the mountainside.

Isabella had crafted an entire flock of grass butterflies. Lily treasured them, carefully tucking each one into her pocket.

The sight froze Isabella's smile.

Sophia used to collect her little creations with that same reverence.

Gone now.

That night, Lily begged to sleep beside Isabella.

Julian's questioning glance held no expectation, only quiet waiting.

Isabella nodded.

Lily burrowed close, radiating contentment.

They shared a tent, not a sleeping bag. No risk of midnight cuddles.

But mountain winds care little for boundaries. By dawn, Lily was feverish.

Isabella hadn't slept well either, shadows bruising her eyes.

Julian prepared to drive Lily to the hospital. Isabella intended to leave separately until Lily's weak fingers clutched hers, pleading through glassy eyes.

They piled into Julian's car.

Exhaustion claimed them both within minutes.

Julian's gaze traced Isabella's delicate features. His fingers twitched toward a stray curl brushing her cheek.

Her lashes fluttered.

He withdrew.