Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 275

Seraphina crumbled to her knees in front of Julian, sobbing hysterically.

"Julian, I'm begging you. Please... please don't let Hester take him..."

Julian stared down at her, his dark eyes entirely devoid of sympathy.

Fiona watched the dramatic display with a slight frown, eventually catching Julian's eye.

Julian let out a slow breath. He crouched down, his tone softening a fraction. "Calm down. He is your and Adrian's son. Hester is only taking care of him temporarily. She’s not stealing him."

Tears streamed down Seraphina's face. She clung to his arm. "You swear you aren't lying to me?"

"I swear. Now get up."

Julian helped her to her feet, adding, "Dr. Fuller's point is that Caden's memory was already compromised. Before you even came back, he suffered severe abuse, leaving him with deep psychological scars. Your outburst—whether intentional or not—reminded him of that trauma, which is why his reaction was so extreme."

Seraphina’s eyes widened in fabricated horror. "He... he was abused before?!"

"Yes. By the live-in nanny." Julian’s expression darkened with guilt. "That was my oversight. The blame falls on me."

"How could this happen..." Seraphina wailed, the tears flowing freely again. "I didn't know... I had no idea... Oh, my poor baby. It's all my fault. I failed him as a mother!"

She raised a hand as if to slap herself.

Julian caught her wrist effortlessly. "Get a grip on yourself."

Seraphina slumped against him, sobbing pitifully. "I'm sorry, Julian, I'm so useless. I couldn't protect our child. You're right. I shouldn't see him. I won't see him anymore. If he's better off without me, I'll stay away..."

"That's not what I meant."

"I know you aren't forcing me, but I just can't forgive myself..."

She clutched her chest, her voice choked with manufactured grief.

Afterward, Julian had Leon Hunt escort her back to her hospital room.

Once she was gone, Fiona lingered, looking as though she wanted to say something.

Julian noticed her hesitation, glancing at her coolly. "Speak your mind, Dr. Fuller."

Fiona bit her lip before stating professionally, "I don't believe she exhibits the behavior of someone suffering from clinical depression."

Julian’s face remained a mask of indifference.

Taking his silence as confirmation, Fiona pressed gently, "Did you already know?"

"She's not your patient, so don't concern yourself with it," Julian said quietly. "And keep this from Hester. I have my own plans."

Understanding the boundary, Fiona simply nodded. "Understood."