Chapter 2: The Scar Shaped Like a Crescent Moon
Julian didn't move.
He stood in that hallway staring at the maid as if seeing her for the first time.
She hadn't looked up once.
Her hands were still gently stroking Leo's hair.
Her head was slightly bowed.
And she was trembling.
"What is your name?" Julian asked quietly.
"Rose, sir," she whispered.
Victoria stepped forward.
"Julian, this is ridiculous.
She's a maid.
Fire her and let's—"
"Rose." He said the name again, slower.
"Where did you learn that song?"
Rose finally looked up.
Her eyes were dark.
Steady.
Filled with something that wasn't fear.
It looked like grief.
"I…
I don't know how to explain it, sir."
"Try."
She opened her mouth.
Then closed it.
Leo tugged her apron and whispered, "Tell him, Rose.
Tell Daddy."
Victoria's voice cracked.
"Stop this.
Stop it right now."
But Julian wasn't looking at Victoria anymore.
Because he had just noticed something on Rose's wrist.
A small scar.
Thin.
Faded.
Shaped like a crescent moon.
He had kissed that scar once.
On a cold November night, in a hospital room, four years ago.
His hands went cold.
"Show me your wrist," he said.
Victoria grabbed his arm.
"Don't."
He pulled free.
May you like
Rose slowly raised her sleeve.
And Julian Sterling — a man who had buried his grief for four years — felt his legs go weak.
