Chapter 40

Lucian subtly observed her expression but didn't say anything. He picked up a piece of cauliflower and placed it on Julie's plate. Julie hesitated, eyeing the cauliflower. "Eat it. Why aren't you eating?" he asked, his tone light. Julie hesitated momentarily before picking up her fork and putting the cauliflower into her mouth. She didn't chew and just bit into it. Lucian noticed and said softly, "If you don't like it, you don't have to eat it." She froze. He reached for a napkin beside him and handed it to her. "Spit it out." Only then did Julie realize what he meant. She hesitated, then quietly said, "It's fine. It's just one piece." With that, she chewed a couple of times and swallowed. "Juju, you weren't like this before. Have you forgotten?" Julie paused. He was talking about a time years ago. She had long forgotten most of it. After her father's accident and the drastic change in Mandy's attitude, Julie had learned to please everyone around her. All these years, she ha