Julian's POV
Lucy sat beside me on the couch, our hands linked loosely between us. She looked up at me with a small, uncertain smile. "Seems like Catherine doesn't like me," she said quietly.
I leaned back, exhaling through my nose. "Don't overthink it, Catherine can be… very annoying."
Her lips parted, like she wanted to defend me for saying that but didn't know how. I shrugged. "When she first came here, we didn't get along either. Still don't, most days."
Lucy nodded slowly, brushing a strand of red hair behind her ear. "I really hope she'll come around," she murmured. "Maybe I should talk to her, try to make things better?"
I gave her a half smile. "You can do what you want," I said, "but I'd advise you not to waste your time. Trying to reason with Catherine is like pouring water on stone."
