Chapter 7

Josie's POV

Leaving the apartment building with Olivia after signing the lease, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Everything that had happened over the past few days seemed to be pushing me in a new direction. There was still one difficult conversation ahead, though. I felt a flutter of anxiety thinking about how to tell Elizabeth and Richard about breaking off the engagement.

The sunlight hit my face as we stepped onto the sidewalk, and I took a deep breath. Change was coming, whether I was ready or not. But for the first time in days, I felt like I might actually be okay.

Back at the Brooks mansion, evening had already fallen. I stood in the center of the space I'd called my own for ten years, taking everything in. Each item, every corner held memories, but it was time to move forward. I opened the closet and began taking out my clothes, folding them neatly into my suitcase.

I didn't actually own much. I picked up a small photo frame from my desk—a picture from my twelfth birthday with the Brooks family. My fingers traced the frame's edges as complex emotions swirled inside me. Though I had just lost my parents then, Richard and Elizabeth had done everything to make me feel at home.

I carefully placed the frame in the box, followed by a few beloved books and personal items. As I packed, my thoughts drifted to tomorrow's moving plans. The apartment was small, but it represented my first step toward independence. No more enduring Connor's cold glances, no more pretending everything was normal.

"Miss Gray?" Jenkins's voice came from outside the door, interrupting my thoughts. "Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have returned, and dinner is ready."

"Thank you, Jenkins. I'll be right down," I replied, quickly smoothing my outfit.

When I descended the stairs, I was surprised to see Dylan at the dining table, engaged in serious conversation with Richard. Elizabeth spotted me and warmly motioned me over.

"Josie, dear, come sit by me," she patted the seat beside her. I smiled and sat down, feeling Elizabeth's warm hand cover mine.

Jenkins served the first course, and conversation flowed naturally around business matters and charity events. I remained quiet, picking at my food until Dylan's voice suddenly addressed me directly.

"Have you found a suitable apartment, Josie?" His deep voice carried genuine interest, drawing everyone's attention to me. The way he said my name—it was different somehow. Not the way an uncle would address a niece, but something more attentive.

"Yes, actually," I replied, feeling oddly nervous under his steady gaze. "It's in Greenwich Village. Small, but perfect for my needs."

Dylan nodded thoughtfully. "Greenwich Village has some beautiful pre-war buildings. Do you have everything you need for the move? Furniture? Security system?"

I hadn't thought about a security system at all. "I... well, the apartment comes furnished, but I hadn't considered—"

"I know someone who installs excellent security systems," Dylan said, cutting a piece of his steak with precision. "I'll have Kevin arrange it. Living alone in the city, security should be a priority."

"That's very thoughtful, Dylan," Elizabeth smiled approvingly.

I watched his hands as he handled his silverware—strong yet precise. Had his hands always been this elegant? I quickly looked away when I realized I was staring.

"How's the apartment? Do you like it?" Richard asked. "I'm worried you might not be comfortable adjusting to such a small space after living here."

"Yes, I like it. It's small but cozy, and it's close to the lab," I explained, unconsciously glancing at Dylan, only to find him watching me intently.

"When are you planning to move in?" Dylan asked.

"So soon?" Elizabeth said softly. "Well, I'll have Jenkins arrange for the staff to help you move. We can send a car and some of the household staff first thing in the morning."

I nodded gratefully. The Brooks family's efficiency was something I'd grown accustomed to over the years—problems identified and solutions implemented immediately.

"Actually," Dylan interjected, setting down his wine glass, "I have a meeting at a hotel near Columbia University tomorrow morning." He turned to me, his blue eyes holding mine with unexpected intensity. "If Josie doesn't mind the company, I could take her myself. Ensure everything is properly settled."

There was something in his offer that felt different from Elizabeth's practical arrangements. It wasn't just about transportation; it was personal attention. From Dylan, who rarely involved himself in household matters, this was unusual.

"That's thoughtful of you, Dylan," Richard nodded approvingly.

I found myself nodding too, though my heart had inexplicably picked up its pace. "That would be nice, thank you."

Dylan's eyes lingered on mine for a moment longer than necessary. "Nine o'clock work for you?"

"Perfect," I managed to say, suddenly very interested in the pattern on my plate.

"This will always be your home, Josie," Richard said warmly. "But I understand the need for independence, especially with your research schedule."

Elizabeth squeezed my hand. "And you must come back often."

The conversation moved on, but I remained acutely aware of Dylan's presence across the table. Occasionally I would feel his gaze, and when I dared to look up, there was something in his expression I couldn't quite decipher—something that made me feel both unsettled and strangely secure.