I stared at Julian, watching the conflict flicker across his face. For one precious moment, I thought he might be breaking through the wall of lies Natalie had built around him. My heart pounded against my ribs as I held my breath, waiting for him to say something—anything—that would show me he was finally seeing the truth.
"Julian, please," I whispered, my voice raw from screaming. "Where did Isabelle's kidney come from?"
He blinked, and just like that, the moment was gone. His eyes hardened, the amber depths turning cold and distant once more.
"From an anonymous donor," he said firmly. "The same answer I've given you before."
My fragile hope shattered. "That's a lie and you know it."
"No, Aurelia. The lie is this fantasy you've created about Natalie being some kind of monster." Julian ran his hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "I understand you're grieving—"
