Chapter 13
"Julian!" Nina's eyes widened as she rushed toward him, panic surging through her translucent form. "You finally let go of all those chains from the past - so why not live the life you always wanted? Weren't you the one who said you wanted to ride horses, to sail across the ocean? If you die now, how the hell are you supposed to do that ?" She didn't care if he could hear her or not - words just tumbled out in a frantic rush. Julian sat frozen, his eyes cast downward in silence. Then, slowly, he lowered the blade and returned to the hospital bed. Nina let out a breath, frowning as she floated near him. She didn't know why she was so nervous. He couldn't see her. Couldn't hear her. She was a soul - nothing more. Her presence didn't make any difference. She took two steps toward the door. But then, he picked up the knife again - this time, holding it to his throat. "Julian!" she snapped, rushing back in a blur of desperation. But just before she could speak, he set the knife down once more. She paused, watching him closely. When he stayed still, she turned back toward the exit again. The moment she did, he picked up the blade a third time. This time, she didn't speak. Just stared at him. A long, loaded silence stretched between them. "an you see me?" she asked quietly, hovering right beside him. Her eyes searched his face for any sign of recognition, but Julian simply studied the knife in his hand, expression unreadable - his stoic, ever - cold face betraying nothing. He didn't look at her. Didn't move. Didn't speak. But somehow... that silence screamed louder than words. It almost felt like he was saying: If you walk out that door, I'll do it. She sighed heavily. Every instinct screamed at her to leave, but her feet wouldn't budge. "You can hear me, can't you? "She muttered." Then take me home already." She hesitated, then added softly, "I miss my parents. Do you think... if I go back, I might see them again?" Julian's lashes fluttered. He placed the knife aside and laid back down. Nina's chest tightened. He didn't answer. Of course he didn't. Maybe he couldn't hear her after all. Disappointment settled in her chest like a stone. That afternoon, Julian discharged himself from the hospital. "You should really stay another couple days," the doctor advised. Julian shook his head. "No. I have something important to do. "Nina trailed behind him. He went straight to the medical facility where her ashes had been kept. He signed the release form, took her remains and the death certificate, and by nightfall, he was already on a flight back to the State. Floating beside him on the plane, Nina whispered, "I never thought … I'd get to come home." She had even bought a burial plot in Aspenridge, thinking no one would bring her back. She looked down at Julian and murmured, "Thank you." His fingers curled slightly. He parted his lips to say something, but a voice interrupted before he could get a word out. "You were really going to leave me in Aspenridge alone?" It was Samantha. Her eyes were red as she walked down the aisle and sat beside him. She looked down at the urn in his arms, her voice shaking. "What are you trying to prove now ? Playing the grieving lover , is that it?" she snapped. "You're all heartbroken now, but where was that when she was still alive?" Julian didn't speak. His lips had gone pale." She looked like hell that day - sick and weak - and even I could tell. You couldn't ? You didn't care, did you? She didn't even want to be at our wedding, and you forced her to be my maid of honor!" The air turned still and heavy.
Julian lowered his head - and suddenly burst into a violent coughing fit. He covered his mouth, body trembling as if his lungs were being torn apart. Samantha jolted, startled. And Nina … Nina remembered. He had a history of breathing issues. Instinct took over . She reached out, just like she used to, to pat his back gently. She didn't expect it to work. She wasn't supposed to touch anything anymore. But her hand made contact. A real, solid touch. Julian froze. Nina gasped. She tried to pull away in shock - but he caught her wrist. Her eyes flew to his. And for the first time... Julian looked straight at her.
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