Elara kept the secret because she knew Julian would not approve of the adoption. 'You were so firm in your beliefs,' she said, her voice breaking. 'I was afraid you’d leave us.' Julian felt a pang of guilt. He had been so rigid, so unbending. 'I thought I did the right thing,' he muttered. Elara’s eyes softened. 'I did what I thought was best for everyone,' she added. The room was thick with shared regrets.