Julia's POV
"Julia? Julia! Listen to me!"
I completely shut him out, not even pausing as I stormed toward the house. My thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind of pain and bewilderment, though part of me felt grateful that Dad had left earlier to handle some business in Bradford before heading to the airport to collect Mom. They would meet us at the restaurant later. He had pressed his credit card into my hand before leaving, instructing me to shop for tonight's dinner, to dress appropriately, to uphold the family reputation. All of that seemed meaningless now.
What I hadn't anticipated was Gavin actually pursuing me home.
I headed straight for my bedroom and attempted to slam the door shut, desperate for solitude. But his foot blocked the doorway before I could close it completely. He pushed it open and entered, breathing heavily from the chase.
"Julia..." he said gently, his chest heaving.
