Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 97

As she spoke, tears cascaded down her cheeks. She looked so utterly heartbroken that anyone would have taken pity on her.

Julian's features softened. He let out a weary sigh and reached out to wipe away her tears. "Alright, don't cry. I believe you."

He turned back to Hazel, his tone laced with exhaustion. "You're misunderstanding her, but let's drop it for now. Let's just go home. I've been worried sick about you."

Hazel stared at Julian's gentle expression, suddenly feeling entirely drained.

She turned her head to look for Zachary, only to find empty space behind her. He had vanished without a single word of goodbye.

Gazing at the empty spot where he had stood, a strange sense of disappointment settled over her.

Julian opened the car door and guided Hazel into the backseat. Evelyn slid into the passenger side, buckling her seatbelt and keeping her head down in silence.

Julian started the engine, catching Hazel's reflection in the rearview mirror.

"Let's head to the hospital and get you checked out. We need to make sure you don't have any hidden injuries."

Hazel leaned against the seat, watching the city blur past her window.

Hearing his suggestion, the ugly truth behind his words dawned on her. He wasn't worried about her physical well-being. He was paranoid that Sean had slept with her.

Her breath hitched. She hit the button to roll down the window, letting the biting night air rush in. Only when the fresh breeze hit her face did she feel slightly less suffocated.

"There's no need. He didn't do anything to me."

In the front seat, Evelyn grew increasingly frantic upon hearing this.

"Come back to our house tonight. If Professor Finch sees you looking like this, she'll be terribly worried," Julian said cautiously from the front seat.

Hazel's initial instinct was to refuse, but she reconsidered. If her mentor saw her battered face, she'd lose sleep over it. Reluctantly, she agreed.

She pulled out her phone and texted Dr. Finch. "Professor, I need to pick up a few things from my place tonight. Don't wait up for me. Get some sleep."

Watching her text in the rearview mirror, Julian's lips curved into a smile, his entire demeanor softening.

"That's my good girl."

Hazel tilted her head, avoiding his gaze entirely.

The car navigated the quiet night streets. All three occupants were buried in their own chaotic thoughts, maintaining a suffocating silence.