Chapter 355

Julian Mercer gazed down at Claire Dawson resting on the grass, her eyes peacefully shut. His expression softened with undeniable tenderness.

With careful movements, he unwound the cashmere scarf from his own neck and draped it gently over her shoulders.

When he lifted his gaze to the approaching stranger, his eyes turned icy.

"No," he stated firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "She's with me."

The girl flushed, muttered an apology, and hurried away.

Claire hadn't been asleep. She'd felt the warmth of Julian's scarf settling over her, the brush of his fingers against her collarbone.

Her eyes fluttered open, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Using me as a shield now?"

Julian pressed his lips together, a faint pink dusting his cheeks.

It was the first time Claire had ever seen him look flustered, and the sight sent a thrill through her.

Right then, she decided the hours spent shivering under the winter sky had been worth it.

When the first meteor blazed across the darkness, Claire nudged Julian's arm. "Make a wish," she whispered.

The medical school stood atop a secluded hill, far from the city's glow. Darkness enveloped them, broken only by the scattered light of distant stars.

A cool breeze whispered through the open field. Julian stood motionless, his hands pressed together, his gaze fixed on the heavens with quiet awe.

His lips parted slightly, voice barely above a murmur yet carrying clearly in the stillness. His eyes flickered toward Claire as he breathed a single word.

"Claire."

Though soft, the name hung in the crisp mountain air.

Claire hesitated, then smirked. "Should I be worried there's another Claire in your life?"

Julian remained silent for a heartbeat before shaking his head.

"My wish... is you."

The night was surprisingly mild for winter, the air fresh and invigorating.

Claire's pulse stuttered at his words.

After a long pause, she exhaled. "Your campus stars aren't as spectacular as I imagined." A beat. "But tonight wasn't wasted."

She hadn't anticipated Julian taking her casual remark so seriously.

Perhaps he'd misread her meaning entirely.

The words might have planted the wrong seed in his mind.

As her thoughts wandered, Claire's eyes flickered with mischief when they landed on Julian.

"Julian, you're 21, and I'm nearly 25. I'm four years older than you, and I'm keeping this baby."

She tilted her head, studying his reaction. "Do you realize what that means? I doubt you'd want to become a father in your early twenties."

His gaze dropped to her stomach, unwavering. "How do you know I don’t?" His voice was steady, firm. "Claire, that’s my child. I’m its father."

At that exact moment, the electronic lock on Claire’s front door beeped.

Lucas had cracked the code.

The first thing he heard as he stepped inside was Julian’s declaration.

"I’m its father."

Lucas didn’t hesitate.

His fist connected with Julian’s jaw with a sickening crack.

Blood instantly welled at the corner of Julian’s mouth.

Lucas seized him by the collar, fury burning in his eyes. "Did you touch her? Did you sleep with her? Did you get her pregnant?!"

The misunderstanding spiraled out of control.

Lucas had already convinced himself—the child in Claire’s belly was his.

Blind fury consumed Lucas as his fists rained down on Julian's face.

Claire's heart pounded in terror as she rushed forward. "Lucas! Have you completely lost it?!"

"Yes, I have!" Lucas snarled, his voice raw with rage. "I'll kill him!"

The fire in his eyes was terrifying. Claire wanted to stop him, but fear for the baby in her womb held her back.

"Lucas, we're supposed to be at the courthouse in an hour to finalize our divorce."

Her words were sharp, deliberate. "Once we're divorced, who I choose to have a child with is none of your concern."

She stepped between them, shielding Julian with her body. "Julian is the man I love. Don't make me hate you, Lucas."

The air crackled with tension.

Lucas's fists trembled at his sides, his chest heaving.

Claire met his gaze, unflinching.

The clock was ticking.

Their marriage was over.

But Lucas wasn't ready to let go.