JULIAI stepped under the shower and let my brain recall everything Adam said earlier. He said he was falling for me, which was way too hard to believe. I wasn’t even sure if I felt the same. I just wanted to be with him. He was utterly irresistible, but that’s it.Also, I still worry about Henry. I didn’t know what happened to him. I was still so pissed at him for the show he pulled with Demi, but it was also right to tell him about his brother and me.After the shower, I came out of the bathroom and slipped on the fresh shirt and jeans—which Adam had provided for me before we came here. I didn’t find him in the room, but I heard voices outside the slightly opened door.“Just don’t mind her, Adam. She’ll be alright.”“She won’t, Ed—” Adam stopped as soon as he saw me.“Adam?” I called. It was Edward and Dominic he was talking to. They all looked at me as if they had just seen a ghost.“What’s going on?” I asked curiously.“Nothing,” Adam said. “Are you ready for dinner?”“Sure.” I fo
JULIAWe went back and found everyone playing volleyball by the swimming pool. One of the girls tossed the ball to the guys on the opposite side, but none of them hit back. A rich laugh came out from Adam at the sight of his friends that seemed to be on the losing team. I just loved seeing him like this... so carefree and so normal.“Would you like to join them?”He looked at me, still smiling. “How about you?”“I’m fine. You should join them.”He brought my hand to his lips. “I know how this is new to you, but I want you to join us.”“You are right. This is new to me, and you already said that I’m not ready. I’m giving myself a little time.”He nodded, agreeing. “Of course, you’ll feel that way. But I’ve never brought anyone here. Just you.”“That’s good enough then.”“When I told you that I’m falling for you, I mean it. I want you to be part of this,” he said softly.What he said struck me again. “Honestly, I just can’t tell you that I feel the same. I feel we are rushing things.”I
JULIA“Open the door, Julia. Please.” I didn’t know how long he had been knocking on the door the next morning, but I managed to leave it unanswered. I was still so mad; I didn’t want to see his face. All I wanted was to go home.“I’m so sorry,” he said. “Let’s talk, and please hear me out.”I swallowed hard as I felt my stomach growling in extreme hunger, but my pride was eating me. It was the only thing I had. I wanted to chastise him for not being honest with me. I wanted him to rot in front of the door for making me wear his wife’s swimsuit. It was so sick.“Just get mad at me and face me, but not like this,” he spoke again. “I’m tired of looking at the door. Please come out. You’re driving me crazy—Shut up, Edward! I told you not to bring Vivian here.”“I know, but give her some time. I’m sorry, man,” Edward said calmly, then I heard him walk away.Adam knocked again. “Julia, please talk to me.”I grabbed the pillows and covered them on my ears. Did he think saying he’s sorry was
JULIAIt was an arranged marriage,” he began, then wiped his mouth with a napkin. We were sitting now at The Bistro.“What happened?” I said, then ate a portion of my orecchiette.“I was depressed back then because of Demi and Henry, and my father was ill as well. Bianca is the daughter of a family friend. They wanted us to get married for business, of course, and no questions asked—I married her. She was sweet and responsible, and she cared for me. Those were the times, I thought she was different. Though it was my father’s last wish, I married her because she also needed my help. She was broken like me. Her boyfriend left her when she was pregnant with his child. She couldn’t tell anyone about it.”“Let me guess, you told them the baby was your child?”He curtly nodded.“Oh, God. That’s so heroic of you.” Every day this man never ceased to shock me with his revelations, and my heart sank knowing that he actually loved her. “Then what happened? Your relationship sounds like it was wor
“Mr. Cavendish’s office, may I help you?” I grabbed a stick-on note and a pen.“Hello,” a smooth male voice spoke on the other line. “May I speak with Ms. Taylor, please? This is Dominic Grant.”I rolled my eyes. What did he want this time?“Speaking. What is it, Mr. Grant?”“Oh, thank God, it’s you. How are you?”“What can I do for you, Mr. Grant?” I responded in the same tone, ignoring what he had said.“Relax. I just want to know if you’re alright. I'm sorry about what happened at the villa.”Apparently, I didn’t want to talk about the villa. “It’s fine. What else do you need?” I snapped.I heard him sigh. “Is Adam there?”“He’s here. I’ll transfer the call to his desk.”“No! Wait. Let’s talk first. I feel like I need to apologize. I’m still responsible. I shouldn’t have taken the girls there.”“I wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for them, but I’m not going to thank you for that.”“I guess I know now why Adam likes you.” He chuckled. “By the way, I need to speak to you abo
Six months later…To: megoconnell@starlightincmail.comSubject: How Are You?Hey, Megs. How’s your first day in your new job in Sydney? I’m sorry I never got the chance to see you again. But I heard about you and Paul. Congratulations on your engagement! However, I’m still stuck in Harrisburg. I know, I know, I’ve been staying here forever, but I am finally going back to New York tomorrow for this new job. Don’t you want to congratulate me too? Speak soon.P.S. Paul said you proposed to him.Love,JuliaI sent the email and went downstairs. Mom was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. I just loved seeing her each day in the morning—in her usual pink floral apron, hair tied in a bun, and her hands in gloves.I’m going to miss her so much.“Good morning.” I kissed her cheek.“Morning, darling. Sit down and have breakfast.”“Hmm. This smells good.” I picked up a piece of toast from the table and took a bite. “Where’s everyone?”“Your dad’s at the shop, and Claire’s still probably in her
“What’s going on with you?” Jake hissed. “You almost ripped my waist out of my body. You didn’t tell me everything about your former boss, did you?”I hushed him, pressing a finger to his lips. “You don’t have to say it out loud.”He sighed, then shoved my hand away. “Then at least tell me what happened back there.”God, I don’t know what to say. “It’s nothing. I’m just nervous to see him.”“Nervous? It was the way you reacted when he told you that she’s Bianca, whoever the hell she is.”“You heard her. She’s the ex-wife-now-fiancée. It’s weird, right? We should not talk about this, for now, Jake.”“It’s not weird. You are acting weird. Right now is the perfect time to talk. Did you sleep with him?” he asked straightforwardly.“What? No!” And I’m glad I didn’t.“Then what was that about? You committed fraud?”“No, of course not!”“Ms. Taylor?” A short-haired lady in a black dress suddenly interrupted. She was panting. “Excuse me.”“Goodness, Grace. Why are you running?” Jake asked.“G
The dance began right after the auction. However, my mind didn’t seem to let go of Adam and his ex-wife, thinking about how they got back together. I remembered when Adam wouldn’t stop sending me messages when I left him. One day, he just stopped. Maybe he realized he still loved his ex-wife and ran back to her.“Looking for someone?” Luke asked, bringing me back to reality.“Uh, no. I’m looking for Jake.” I emptied my third shot of vodka and lemon.“He must be outside. Do you want to look for him?”“Uh-no, it’s fine. Thank you.”“Then, do you want to continue dancing?”“I thought you are not a party person?” I teased.“No. I’m really not.”I chuckled. “Okay. Be my guide.” I grinned, giving him my hand.He took me back to the dance floor. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and let his hands envelop my waist. A romantic Ricky Martin song was playing in the air.“So, how long did you work for Cavendish?”“Two years.”“Why did you leave?”“I resigned.” Actually, I didn’t. I left. “It
JULIA I came to Le Grandi at exactly seven as Henry instructed. I was already guessing that he and his brother were up to something—and this beautiful lilac dress Adam sent to my apartment was the indication. This was going to be our first official date. We had been fighting all our lives because of endless misunderstandings after all. I realized that Adam and I were always in a situation neither of us could stop. This time, fate brought us back together.Excited and nervous as well, I proceeded to the main entrance. The door attendant greeted me with a wide meaningful grin as if he was expecting my arrival. The lights abruptly shut off the moment I stepped inside, then a single spotlight flashed on.My palms caught my mouth instantly when I found Adam standing next to an elegantly arranged table with candlelight, a floral centerpiece, and linen drapes. He was dressed in an impeccable navy-blue tuxedo, holding a bouquet of white roses. Two violinists stood behind him, playing a soft r
He kissed me as he continued to pound inside me. He looked at me as if I was the most desirable woman he’d ever seen. There was no one else I could want this bad—only him.It was already nine o'clock in the morning when I woke up, and Adam's arms were still wrapped around my waist. Though incredibly exhausted and sore, I felt great for the first time in years. His face buried in my hair. We were having sex nonstop, and if it weren't for my exhaustion, he probably wouldn’t stop.“What time is it?” Adam whispered, finally awake.“It's nine.”“Then, I'm late.” He gave me a tender kiss on my forehead, then swiftly stepped out of the bed. Still undressed, he walked straight to the bathroom, letting the blanket fall on the floor, revealing his round, full butt I’d been gripping with my palms all night. He was ridiculously sexy. I couldn’t get enough of him. My insides were beginning to flare up again.He disappeared into the bathroom for several minutes, and then he came back dressed in a t
ADAMI have to tell Bianca now.Damn it. It wasn't that hard. I could just let them take my site in Thailand, ask her parents to sign the transfer papers, and it’s all done. I just couldn't find the right time because I didn’t want to make a scene. I knew Bianca too well, and I knew that it wasn’t going to end well.I had to, though. Immediately. I couldn’t wait to get Julia back, especially with my possessiveness issue. I was always jealous. I wanted to keep her by my side and shove all those men away, even if it's my brother who was now dragging Julia to the dance floor.I clenched my fists.“Don't you want to dance?” Bianca said. She fucking couldn’t stop holding me in public. “Or do you want to get back to the suite?”“Bianca, please...” I moved her hands away from my neck. “Don't.”She sighed and drank another shot of red wine.“When are you going to stop making this harder for us? Hmm? Or maybe I could just tell Dad to let us get married right away? Isn't that what you wanted fo
I let the running water flow continuously as I washed my hands, letting myself cool. I looked up and then looked at my reflection.What are you doing, Julia? Haven’t you had enough of this? Why did I have to be caught up in this situation all the time? I shook my head, then took a handful of water and wet my face.“You're marrying him?” a deep, dangerous voice abruptly spoke behind me. I looked back in the mirror and found Adam’s perilous stare. He was seething.“Do I need to get your permission?” I asked as I continued to dampen my cheeks.“Is that true what he said out there?”“Why does it matter to you?”“It does matter to me,” he said tightly. “You said you wanted me, but when I didn’t answer, you’re already running to Henry?”I dried my face with a napkin, then I faced him. “Then what is your answer, Adam? No matter what we do, we can’t be together.”“But you can't marry him.” He grasped my shoulders, shaking his head.“What made you think that I will? Now, please leave me alone
JULIALouis ushered me to his table, and since I was already aware that Adam will be right next to us, I prepared myself not to look surprised when I see him with his ex-wife-slashed-fiancée. Why was our world so close? Why did I have to see him in every corner of the world?His answer to me last night was clearer than diamonds. He was not going to choose me. He would not break up with Bianca because they had a deal. There was no way he was going to cut their deal because his company was at stake. I was getting pissed with myself already. Should I talk about it with Henry?As expected, Adam and Bianca were there—only a few feet away from our table. Damn it, and she was wearing the same shade of dress as I was, but her hair coordinated more with her dress than mine.I almost wanted to scream. I tried not to look at them, but damn, I couldn’t help it. Adam was wearing a matching suit, and he was fine-looking as always. Unfortunately, they looked so good together. I did not want to appea
JULIAI didn’t go to the site with Luke the next day. I stayed in my room, and fortunately, I needed to make gazillion calls and check the paperwork for the new hotel. I had breakfast and then ate lunch by myself. Luke and Adam would be working together at the site until the next day. My boss did not call, so I guessed it was fine.It was five o'clock when I finished the paperwork. I was suffering from a backache, but I still needed to prepare for the awards night in the evening. Henry hadn’t called yet, but I was preparing for the event anyway.I opened my suitcase and unfurled the only dress I could bring. It was a strapped, long, crimson-red dress. The neckline was a low V cut. I only wore it once, when Claire celebrated her twenty-first birthday. I would match it with my nude heels.I did not care if I look pretty in front of Henry, unlike before. However, he deserved a friend to be with him, and I didn’t want to embarrass him. He might be expecting an award, and I would be walkin
JULIAThe meeting began in the afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton—the hotel we had checked into along with the staff. Adam came, and fortunately, his fiancée didn’t. I was so nervous since he didn’t even reply to my message.What if ignoring it was his answer?Luke enlightened us about the contract, and then we were now officially in business with Cavendish Enterprises. They both signed the deal and sealed it for legalization. Adam’s company was going to be our contractor for the establishment of the new Hotel B in Los Angeles.As stated in the contract, they would be in charge of the resources, workers, and structural design. Adam initially showed Luke the plan for the new hotel, but we were still going to discuss it precisely with the whole team. My new boss still needed to meet Adam’s architects and designers when we return to New York.“It’s a great pleasure working with you, Mr. Cavendish.”“It’s mine as well. Thank you, Mr. Alejandro.” Adam shook his hand, and then the members of our
The door attendant took her cashmere-made cardigan as she and Adam entered the restaurant. She whispered something in his ear while she was slipping her hands on his arm. Adam smiled slightly at her. My heart suddenly felt like a bomb that was going to explode at any moment.“Cavendish said he was traveling alone,” Luke spoke, “but he brought the blonde. This is interesting.”I rolled my eyes at Luke, heaving out a sharp breath. “Really now?”He chuckled, noticing my boredom. “No, seriously. You're so defensive. Who wouldn't notice her long legs?”“What is wrong with you?” I slapped his shoulders unintentionally.“Aw...” He grabbed his shoulders. “What? I was only joking.”“It’s not a good joke. Er… sorry about that. I almost forgot that you're my boss.”“I'm just so glad Jake isn't here. Sit next to me, Julia,” he instructed.“Why?”“Just do it. Cavendish’s fiancée's with him. Sitting next to me would look like you're my date.”“You are clearly having fun with this.”He laughed. “Why
JULIAThese are the important documents we need for our trip to LA. Have you tried calling—” A knock from the glass door interrupted Luke from finishing his sentence. His secretary was standing at the meeting room door.“Excuse me, Mr. Alejandro. There's a visitor in the lobby, and he said it’s important. It's actually for Ms. Taylor, sir,” Ms. Craig informed.“For me?”Luke frowned as he gazed at me. “Expecting someone?”I shook my head. “Did he say his name?”“Oh, his name is Henry.”Henry. How did he know where to find me? “What did you say to him?” I queried. “We’re in a meeting.”“Ms. Craig, we're about to finish here,” Luke prompted. “Tell him to wait five minutes.”“Yes, sir.” She left.“It's okay, Luke. I could just meet him outside.”“Julia, it's eleven fifty-five. Take a break. Come to my office when you get back. And oh! Please contact Cavendish. I’ve got to tell him something about this project.” Luke grabbed the binders and stood up. He held the door open. “Julia?”“Oh, t