He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 826

The study also featured a quaint tea corner, fully stocked with premium teas Julian had requested his mother bring over from the Croft family estate.

Once they sat down, Julian began brewing a fresh pot. Remembering that Scarlett had coughed a few times that morning, he thoughtfully added a hint of honey and lemon to soothe her throat.

Scarlett sat across from him, her mind racing as she tried to organize her thoughts. She desperately wanted to voice her concerns without wounding his pride, but finding the right words felt impossible.

After letting the silence stretch for a moment, Julian took the initiative. His voice was smooth and calm. "Since you're having trouble finding the words, how about I take a guess at what's on your mind?"

Scarlett blinked, completely caught off guard.

"Were you going to tell me that you still aren't emotionally ready to start a new relationship?" He held her gaze, gently dissecting her inner turmoil.

Scarlett’s breath hitched. Her eyes widened in sheer disbelief as the words slipped out. "How did you know?"

A soft, affectionate smile touched Julian's eyes. "And... just now, hearing Dawn call me 'Dada' made you feel incredibly conflicted and overwhelmed."

Scarlett was speechless. It was as if he were living inside her head. How could he possibly read her so perfectly?

Feeling a sudden, urgent need to regain control of the conversation, she stammered, "Y-you're right. I really am—"

Julian’s gaze locked onto hers. He leaned in closer, until his face was mere inches from hers, their noses almost brushing.

His warm breath, carrying the faint, sweet scent of black tea, caressed her skin. His eyes burned into hers, a devastatingly attractive smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Because from the moment I met you, I've been studying you."

"Just like one of my architectural designs. I've analyzed you. I've obsessed over you. Every tiny habit, every subtle reaction, every thought that crosses your mind—I’ve mapped them out in my head like a blueprint."

His voice deepened further, carrying a potent, electric charge that shot straight through her heart. "So tell me, why wouldn't I understand you perfectly?"