Chapter 5 - THE FIRST TIME JULIAN SAW HIS SON
Julian arrived at St. Jude's thirty-six hours after the birth.
He entered Khloe's room carrying white roses.
She was sitting upright, reviewing a document on her tablet.
When she saw him, she didn't smile.
"Khloe."
She looked at the flowers.
"Take those away."
He stopped.
"Come on."
"Take them away."
Julian placed them on a table.
"I heard you had the baby."
Khloe stared.
"You heard?"
He looked uncomfortable.
"My phone died."
She glanced at his expensive watch.
"Your phone worked perfectly at Sienna's party."
His jaw tightened.
"Don't start."
Khloe closed her tablet.
"Julian, our son was born prematurely."
He looked away.
"I know."
"He needed help breathing."
"I know."
"I nearly died."
Silence.
Then Julian said:
"But you're okay now."
Khloe stared at him.
She had spent six years searching for the man she'd married.
In that moment, she finally accepted he wasn't coming back.
"Leave."
Julian frowned.
"What?"
"Leave my room."
"I'm your husband."
"Not for much longer."
He laughed nervously.
"You're upset."
"No."
Her voice was quiet.
"I'm finished."
He stared.
"You're not divorcing me over one argument."
Khloe looked directly at him.
"You left me bleeding beside a highway."
Julian's face hardened.
"You were trying to manipulate me."
She pressed the call button.
A nurse appeared.
"Mrs. Caldwell?"
"Please ask hospital security to escort my husband out. I don't want him in my room."
Julian stepped forward.
"Khloe—"
"Don't."
The nurse moved closer.
"Sir, you'll need to leave."
Julian stared at Khloe.
"You'll regret this."
She looked back at him.
"No, Julian."
Her voice didn't tremble.
"I already regret staying."
He left.
Only after the door closed did Khloe begin crying.
May you like
Not because she wanted him.
Because the last illusion of her marriage had finally died.
