Julia's POV
"I cannot believe this happened," Mom whispered, her voice barely audible as she shook her head in slow, deliberate movements. Without another word, she turned and walked straight toward the door. Her steps were sharp and measured, her spine rigid with a mixture of fury and heartbreak that made my stomach drop. When the door slammed shut behind her, the sound echoed through the room like a final judgment.
"Mom!" The scream tore from my throat as pure panic flooded my system. I struggled to push myself up from the bed, but my legs felt like they were made of water. Gavin's hands were on me instantly, catching my shoulders and easing me back down with gentle but unyielding pressure.
"Julia, slow down," he said, his voice strained but controlled. His grip on my arms was steady, anchoring me when everything felt like it was spinning out of control. "She needs time to process this. She'll come around eventually."
