Chapter 183

Shelmaine hung up the phone and curled up on the couch, her laptop resting on her legs. She tried to focus on work but couldn't. Frustrated, she set the computer aside and closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind. She hadn't told Julien that Samuel was coming to see her. She hesitated, unsure if she should. After all, Julien was her boyfriend, and not telling him felt inappropriate. Would it be disrespectful to keep it from him? Her thoughts spiraled as she bit her lip. Feeling conflicted, she picked up the phone and dialed Julien's number. There was no answer. She tried again, but still, no one picked up. With the phone resting against her chin, Shelmaine sank into thought. Finally, she opened WhatsApp and typed, "Are you busy? I need to talk to you. Can you call me back when you're free?" But time passed, and there was still no reply. … Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Gallaghers' was tense. Elodie had called Julien home for dinner. As they sat at the table, the conversation