Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 18

She only knew how to massage because of Julian.

Back then, he was swamped with work, constantly pulling all-nighters that triggered brutal migraines. Her heart broke for him, so she went out of her way to learn professional massage techniques, waiting up every night just to rub his head and shoulders.

Whenever she did it, he would pull her into his lap, rest his chin on the top of her head, and murmur with possessive affection, "Honey, from now on, you're only allowed to massage me."

At the time, those words made her heart melt, convincing her that every sacrifice was worth it.

Now, he was ordering her to massage Evelyn.

Hazel stood rooted to the floor, her mind spinning.

Seeing her hesitate, Julian's face flashed with irritation, but he forced a coaxing tone. "Honey, Evelyn is dying of pain. Hurry up."

Hearing him call her 'honey' felt like a sick, twisted joke.

Hazel took a deep breath, keeping her voice entirely flat. "My hand is hurt. I can't do it."

Julian frowned, a flicker of doubt crossing his eyes. "When did you hurt your hand? Let me see."

Hazel remained silent. She didn't even have the energy to explain anymore. His entire focus was glued to Evelyn; he obviously had no clue if her hand was injured or not.

Assuming she was just making excuses, Julian stood up, walked over, and grabbed her hand, inspecting it with a serious, intense focus. "Honey, this isn't a big deal. You just need to rest it later. It's fine."

He lowered his voice, dropping a bomb of blatant favoritism that turned her blood to ice.

"Evelyn's headaches are flaring up because she's been working so hard for the project. Why do you think she went to the banquet tonight? She was trying to secure investment for the Institute. Helping her is basically helping yourself."

Hazel froze.

Evelyn had gone to the banquet to pitch to Apex Holdings too?

Before she could even process the information, Julian had already dragged her over and forced her hands onto Evelyn's temples.

His voice was thick with suppressed fury as he glared at Hazel. "Why are you pressing so hard?"

He instantly dropped to his knees beside Evelyn, frantically inspecting her forehead, his face painted with a sickening level of heartbreak. "Evelyn, are you okay? Does it hurt?"

Hazel had learned to massage entirely for him. She had massaged his head a thousand times, and he had never once asked if her hands were tired.

Now, as she massaged Evelyn, his only concern was whether Evelyn felt a pinch of pain.

Hazel lowered her gaze, saying absolutely nothing, and silently walked upstairs.

Behind her, Julian was still cooing over Evelyn. "Evelyn, is it any better? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

Evelyn's voice was breathy and soft. "It's fine, Julian. Ms. Garrison was just a little too rough. I'll be okay in a minute."

Hazel walked into her room and shut the door, only just realizing how suffocatingly small the guest bedroom really was.