02/06/2026
The music seemed to stop. The wealthy socialites nearby gasped and pulled back, waiting for the explosion. This was the man who fired people for making eye contact.
Julian looked down. His face was a mask of cold granite. He glared at this tiny intruder.
"Are you lost?" he rumbled, his voice deep and terrifying.
I was ten feet away, paralyzed. I was about to lose my job. I was about to be humiliated.
Lily didn't flinch. She tilted her head, looking at his stormy grey eyes.
"No," she said, her voice ringing out in the silent ballroom. "But you look like my daddy did before he went to heaven. You have the sad eyes."
Julian froze. His grip on the glass tightened until his knuckles turned white.
Lily reached out her tiny hand. "My mommy says lonely people need hugs. Do you want to dance?"...
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