Chapter 4 - The Father’s Defensive Stance
Julian lunged forward, snatching his son from my arms with an aggressive urgency that made the baby wail instantly.
The sudden separation triggered a piercing scream from the child, who stretched his small arms back toward me in absolute distress.
“Hush, Leo! We are leaving right now,” Julian snapped at the baby, his composure completely fracturing under the public gaze.
He threw a hundred-dollar bill onto the nearest table without waiting for change, turning sharply toward the exit doors.
“You can run from a photograph, Julian, but you can’t hide the truth forever!” I called out across the crowded room.
Julian froze for a split second near the doorway, his broad shoulders tensing before he pushed through the glass and vanished into the night.
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The entire restaurant remained dead silent, the diners whispering behind menus while staring at the empty doorway.
I stood frozen behind the bar, my mind racing through impossible questions that defied all logic and reason.
