Chapter85: Julia--Packed

Braxton’s face has my heart leaping up into my throat. After my initial statement, letting him know that I have to go, I don’t know how to explain myself to him, to tell him that I can’t stay or why. “What do you mean you have to go?” Braxton asks, taking a few cautious steps toward me but stopping well short of touching me. “Why would you need to go?” I clear my throat, swallowing hard. “Because… it’s for the best if I do.” His eyes widen in shock. “For the best? For who?” “For everyone,” I tell him. “Especially you.” “No, Julia,” he says as he shakes his head emphatically. “It is most definitely not best for me.” I disagree with him. “Braxton, I heard what happened today. Jeff didn’t take the settlement, right?” He doesn’t answer, only continues to stare at me, unblinking. I don’t need him to answer. I already know I am right. “For him to turn down that sort of money, it tells me he will be relentless, Braxton. He’s never going to stop. Never. He won’t leave us in peace. I need to go