Chapter 186

She tightened her grip slightly around the milk carton. Her eyes scanned the fridge—some fruits, and a hidden stash of face masks in the drawer... With a gentle push, the fridge door clicked shut. She didn’t take anything out. Instead, she sat dazed on the high stool nearby. No clue how long she’d been like that. “You're here? Not a sound at all,” Julian Archer's voice came from outside as he stepped in. He looked fresh, wearing loose lounge clothes that fit just right. Claire Richards stood up. “Oh, I was just walking around the yard. Thought I’d make some breakfast, but got tired halfway through.” Julian glanced at the oversized shirt hanging loosely on her. “You went outside like that?” Claire shrugged, “...There’s no one else here.” Julian gave her a light pat on the backside. “Then go take another lap, I’ll handle breakfast.” He headed toward the fridge. Grabbed a few ingredients. When he turned back, he caught her watching him out of the corner of her eye—but the second their eye