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.

didn't always have the sharpest mind. She doted

Scott always away on business or caught up in dinners, Juliana poured all her love into Layna. A woman without a man's affection feels like a flower

place today. Are you mad

beat Paradise for sure. And remember what I told you-one

eight, but Juliana was already drilling these ideas into her.

with a stubborn spark. “Justin is

take you to the coast 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 you

to Pattie at the sports day still ate at Layna. She hated coming

her heart

some would sleep like babies, while others would toss

at the

spun with

already knew about

He'd called,

to answer. If

would get ugly, and

already passed out beside her, snoring

The house was silent until her phone rang-loud and sharp in the quiet Her heart leapt cold sweat prickling