Chapter 6

When I got home, someone was sitting in the living room.

My… step-brother.

Julian hadn't even had time to change out of his work clothes; it was clear he'd rushed straight from the office.

I frowned slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Julian's calm eyes met mine, completely unruffled.

He placed the book he'd been casually flipping through back in its spot.

He looked me up and down.

"You've lost weight."

Julian didn't seem to pay attention to my question.

I put down my backpack.

Julian handed me a glass of water.

I took it and drank it all.

Only then did Julian say, "Came to see you."

I lowered my gaze, sitting on the sofa.

"There's nothing to see."

The room fell silent. The tiny old house occasionally filled with the chirping of small insects.

It was a bit grating.

Julian looked completely out of place here.

"I bought you an apartment near your university. Move in this weekend."

I just noticed the keys on the table.

After staring at them for a while, I slowly looked away.

"No, thanks. I'm fine living here."

"Move in." Julian said, leaving no room for argument.

I looked up, staring at Julian.

Word by word, I said, "I told you, I don't want to move there."