Chapter 153

Anna's voice was barely above a whisper, soft and warm like a little kitten. Normally, Julian might've found that incredibly cute, but right now, all he felt was a gut-wrenching ache for her. No matter how tough or easygoing she usually came across, she was still just a 21-year-old girl. A delicate flower who'd been living a sheltered life with barely any hardships. To most parents, she was still just a kid. Now her mom was lying in there… of course she was scared. Hell, who wouldn't be? Julian pulled her tighter into his arms, trying to pass her some warmth through his own body. His voice was calm and steady, like an anchor in a storm. "Don't be scared. I've got you." His warm hand gently patted her back, and somehow, that anxious heart of hers began to relax a little. She nestled closer into his chest, gave a small, tired nod, and breathed out slowly. … Downstairs in the surgical ward. "That damn girl actually hit me!" Jessica was fuming. She had a thick bandage wrapped around her in