The Bound Between Us

Chapter 1015

That night was an endless tangle of longing, the air thick with unspoken desire.

Her body was a temptation he could never resist.

Southridge Estates glowed with warmth and laughter, but at the Stranz house, the atmosphere was colder than Emmie's frosty glare.

It was already eleven, and Scott still hadn't come home. Juliana sat by the window, eyes searching the night, loneliness gnawing at her. If it weren't for the little one at her side, the silence would've swallowed her whole.

"Aunt Juliana, can I sleep with you tonight?" Layna asked, her voice as sweet as honey, always so well-behaved with Juliana.

"Of course," Juliana answered, more than happy for the company. "Tonight, you're with me."

"Aunt Juliana, why isn't Uncle Scott home yet?" Layna curled up in Juliana's arms, her voice small and worried. "Is it because he doesn't like me? Is that why he doesn't come home?"

Juliana smoothed Layna's hair, her tone gentle. "No, sweetheart, not at all. Your uncle's just got a lot going on at work. When you're older, you'll understand. My Layna is the best girl ever."

Scott was the oldest son, running the Goad Group, but Mr. Goad had more than one kid to keep track of.

Juliana and Scott lived with Layna in their own cozy place, not at Salstrom Manor. The kids were all grown now and liked having their own space.

Juliana moved out after marrying Scott.

though she didn't always have the sharpest mind. She doted

love into Layna. A woman without a man's affection feels like

I didn't get first place today. Are

pressed a kiss to Layna's forehead. "You're amazing. Everyone slips up sometimes. Next time, you'll beat Paradise for sure. And remember what I told you-one day, you'll marry into the Wisman family. Your job is to

these ideas into her. If Scott

with a stubborn spark. “Justin

so you can spend time with the Wisman family," Juliana schemed, laying the foundation for Layna's future. "And remember, when you're with them, keep that little temper in check, okay?" Layna nodded. "Aunt Juliana, you're the best. No one treats me like

the sports day still ate at

Juliana said, her heart

would sleep like babies, while others would toss and

the Walker

with ways to keep the truth from

already knew

He'd called,

to

ugly, and

was already passed

the living room sofa. The house was silent until her