Chapter 194

Julien's cooking was superb. He had prepared three dishes and a soup, all light in flavor, reflecting the simple, homey style typical of Aurich's local cuisine. But dinner was unusually quiet as neither of them spoke. Shelmaine, never one for small talk, could sense that something was off with Julien. She tried to break the silence, but each time she spoke, he would glance up at her with a faint smile that never reached his eyes. After a few awkward exchanges, Shelmaine gave up. The tense atmosphere weighed on her, and she knew it was her own doing. Julien had seen Samuel earlier. He was likely suspicious, maybe even upset. Given the circumstances, his reaction was natural. They were in a relationship now, after all. Feeling the need to clear the air, Shelmaine spoke again, "Julien, there's something I need to tell you." "Go on," Julien replied, his tone calm, but there was a distant look in his expression, as if he were holding something back. Shelmaine set her utensils down.