Before I walk away

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air, wet from the shower, had mostly slipped out of the loose bun she'd tied. Her skin looked pale under the harsh bathroom light. Her lips were parted like she might speak-but no words came. That bathroom had seen her cry once before, years ago. But this moment... This hurts more. She tucked the test away, sliding it into the drawer beneath a stack of cotton pads. Just for now.The front door clicked open. "Nic?" Julian's voice echoed down the hallway. She rushed to the sink, splashed her face with cold water, then patted it dry. Her fingers worked quickly, smoothing down her hair, tying the sash of her robe tighter. By the time she stepped out, her face was neutral, composed. He was already in the hallway, fiddling with the cuff of his expensive watch. Julian looked like a magazine spread-charcoal-gray suit, maroon tie, that fresh shave she used to love. And that scent... the same dark cologne she'd always bought him. It clung to him now in a way that made her stomach tighten. "You're dressed up," she said, keeping her tone even. He glanced at her, smiled faintly, then turned back toward the full-length mirror. "Board meeting in New York. Last-minute." She blinked. "New York?" "Yeah. Just overnight. Fly out tonight, pitch tomorrow, back by Wednesday." "You were gone two nights ago." His fingers stilled on his cuff, only for a beat-barely noticeable, unless you were paying attention. "This one's different," he said casually. "Strategy session. They moved the timeline." She nodded, even though everything about it felt familiar. The last-minute trips. The vague meetings. The new password on the second phone he never let out of his sight. "You want me to pack something for you?" she asked, watching him closely. He finally turned to her. "No need. I'm traveling light." He stepped clos