CHAPTER 88: FAKING CONCERN

Catherine’s POV

Kiera left super early, like she said. I felt really hungry when I finally woke up, but I wasn’t ready to have breakfast with the others, so I decided to sneak down to the kitchen, grab anything quick, and take it back to my room.

I slipped out of my room, moving as quietly as I could but as soon as I rounded the corner leading to the main corridor, I saw Julian coming right out of Lucy’s room.

A sickening, cold rush hit my stomach. He was closing the door slowly. Instinct took over. He can’t see me. I spun around as fast as I could, trying to run back into my room.

I wasn’t quick enough.

"Catherine?" he called out with a low but clear tone and I froze, caught dead in my tracks. There was no avoiding it now. Taking a deep breath, I forced my facial muscles into the most convincing, cheerful expression I could manage. I pivoted back.

"Yes?" I said, forcing a light, airy tone.

He walked over to me, covering the distance in a few quick steps. His face looked tired, maybe a little worried. "Gabriel told me about what happened to you last night," he started. "Are you feeling okay now? Do you feel any pain?"

I kept a bright smile. "I’m perfectly fine, Julian, thank you for asking. It was not that serious though. I ate something I am allergic to, nothing serious."

"Are you sure? We could still run some check ups on you. I need to be really certain that you truly are alright."

"Honestly, Julian, I am," I insisted, softening my voice slightly to convince him. "I’m good now. See?" I gestured vaguely toward the stairs. "Except my stomach is dying to be fed."

He gave a small nod, accepting that I was indeed fine. I started to turn, my mind already calculating the quickest route to the pantry but just as I took my first step, his hand reached out and lightly touched my arm, halting me again. That simple touch felt like an electric shock.

"Catherine, heard what happened to Lucy yet?"

I stopped and turned back to him, my expression shifting instantly. I had to look like someone who had just heard a sudden piece of bad news.

Concern, Catherine. Look concerned.

"Lucy? No. What is it? Is she ill?" I asked, sounding appropriately worried.

He shook his head and his face hardened slightly, while the worry lines deepened. "No, not exactly. Last night, she was assaulted."

"Yes, she was and I partook in it." I said in my head.

I pulled my brows up, blinking my eyes. My mind was also racing, in search of how to act.

"Assaulted?" I gasped, spreading my eyes apart. "Oh my goodness! How did it happen? Was she badly hurt? How is she doing now?" So many ratted out of my questions, while my voice shook just a little.

"Yes but she’s getting better now," he replied slowly. "It was traumatic. The family doctor came over late last night, right after it happened. He treated her wounds and gave her something strong to help her rest. She’s stable, but obviously very shaken."

I maintained the look of horrified sympathy. "Oh, poor Lucy. That’s so awful." I paused, and a silence followed. I hoped Julian would simply leave it there but he didn’t.

"She’s awake now. Just coming from her room," he let out a breath, then looked right at me. "I think you should go see her."

My stomach churned. See Lucy? Alone? That was the absolute last thing I wanted. I needed a reason to refuse, a reason that sounded compassionate, not heartless.

"Julian, I... I really appreciate the thought, but I don’t think that’s a good idea," I hedged.

The lines on his forehead creased. "Why not?"

I sighed dramatically, looking away and then back, letting a touch of vulnerability creep in. "Be honest, Julian. Lucy and I are not so cool with each other. I’m genuinely afraid that my sudden appearance might just upset her more. She doesn’t need to be stressed." I tried to make it sound like I was prioritizing her feelings over my own ease.

He gave a small, impatient shake of his head. "You misunderstand her, Catherine. She’s reserved, yes, but she doesn’t hate you. And right now, she needs to feel the support of us all, even if you two don’t gossip over tea. Go and see her, to show you care."

I knew if I kept arguing, I’d sound like the ice queen, so I thought of a way to get the Lucy talk off my back.

"Fine," I said, letting out a heavy sigh. "I will go and see her. I promise. But it has to be after I’ve eaten. Seriously. I’m famished. I feel weak. I swear I might pass out if I don’t get some food in me right this second." I emphasized the word famished.

"Sure, this works."

I thought I was free. I turned again, relief washing over me but guess what? Julian Vaughn wasn’t finished. His eyes softened, and he took a half-step closer, lowering his voice again in an intimate way. "Hey... about us."

My mind screamed. No. Not here. Not now.

He continued, oblivious to my inward panic. "You haven’t found a way for me to make it up to you yet. Have you not had time to think about what I could do?"

I had totally forgotten about that and to be honest, I didn’t have interest in it anymore.

"Julian, please don’t bother," I said, cutting him off with a gentle but absolutely firm tone. "I’m completely over it already. It wasn’t a big deal, and I’m ready to just forget it happened. It was a misunderstanding. There’s nothing to make up for."

"Catherine."

"Look, Julian," I murmured, and glanced around the hallway, "we can’t have a proper discussion about us here. Someone could overhear."

He followed my gaze, understanding what I was saying. "Alright," he conceded with a weary sigh. "I’ll come to your room later. After your breakfast, and after you’ve seen Lucy."

I gave him a brief, curt nod. "Okay."