CHAPTER 74: PLEASE STAY

DAMIAN The knock on the door jolted me awake, my head throbbing from a restless night. I dragged myself out of bed, still disoriented, and shuffled to the door. My heart sank a little when I saw Julie standing there, her expression carefully neutral. "Morning," she said, her tone clipped but professional. "I'm here to get my things." I rubbed my eyes and nodded, trying to shake off the lingering fog of sleep. "Right. Come in." I stepped aside to let her enter. The room felt cold and impersonal, a stark reminder of the tension between us. Julie walked in with her usual grace, straight posture, and composed demeanor. It was clear she was here on business, but I couldn't help but notice the stiffness in her movements. It made me feel like I'd lost not just a colleague but a friend. "I'm really sorry for the way I spoke to you the other day," I said, trying to bridge the gap that had opened between us. "It wasn't fair, and I regret it." Julie's eyes softened slightly, but she remaine