Three o’clock in the morning is the witching hour in a hospital. I’m awake, but I keep my eyes closed. Then, the door to my private room creaks. Julian. He shouldn’t be here. His shift ended six hours ago.

I feel the bed dip slightly. Then, the light, ghostly touch of his fingers against my forehead. "You always were a terrible liar, Elara," he murmurs. "I know you’re awake."

"Go home, Julian," I whisper. "Go back to being the Ice King."

"I can’t," he says. There is only fire. "I tried to leave. I sat in my car for three hours, Elara. Terrified that if I drove away, the universe would realize it made a mistake and take you back."

"You told me you hated me," I say.

"I do hate you," he whispers. "I hate that you have this power over me." And then, I see it. A single, heavy drop of moisture falls from his lashes. Dr. Julian Sterling is crying. He hides his face in the crook of his arm, his shoulders shaking with a silent, violent sob.

"I can stitch a heart back together, Elara. I’ve done it a thousand times. But I have no idea... I have no idea how to live in a world where yours isn't beating for me." He collapses forward, burying his face in the space between my neck and my shoulder. He doesn't kiss me. He just holds me. But as I stroke his hair, I remember the reason I left. The secret that is still waiting in the shadows.

🤫 "I remember the reason I left..." What do you think Elara is hiding? Drop your best theories in the comments! 👇 Hit ❤️ if Julian’s midnight confession broke your heart, and share this episode with a friend who loves a good mystery! 🩺💔 #RomanticAudioClub