Alexander woke up to a call the next morning. He groggily opened his eyes and picked up the phone. “Whoever this is, this had better be very, very important. I don’t know why—”“It’s me, babe,” Vanessa’s voice cut through, not sounding like her usual bubbly self. Alexander perked up instantly. “Nessa, is anything the matter? You don’t sound so good. Did anyone make you angry?”Vanessa’s voice regained its sickeningly sweet nature. “No, babe. I’m just usually grumpy when I wake up.”“Okay then, if that’s the case, a very good morning to you, my sexy darling,” he crooned.“It’s going to be a good morning indeed when you hear the good news I have for you.”Alexander sat up straight. “Good news, you say?”“Mm-hmm,” she confirmed. “You know how you’ve always wanted to break Julian and Leslie apart, right?”Alexander scoffed and smirked. “We both want that, babe. Don’t act so innocent.”“I—I... never mind that,” she deviated. “I found someone yesterday, and I think he might help us in t
Leslie had been sitting inside the Tripea Café for the past 30 minutes. She huffed out a breath and wrung her fingers together in annoyance.“Of course, he’s late. It’s so typical of him. I wonder what Julian is doing now,” she muttered and resisted the urge to text him. He hadn’t even messaged her a good morning. Was he that mad at her?“I have to settle this fast and give Julian the explanation he deserves. I won’t let this come between us.”“Ahem,” a voice called out, and she stiffened at the familiar sound. Raising her eyes to meet the owner of the voice, dirty blond hair and blackened blue eyes greeted her vision, accompanied by a snarky smile that had "sleazy McSleaze" written all over it. The man was not as tall as Julian, maybe about 5’8". He had a skinny figure and wore an oversized dress shirt and casual slacks that emphasized his skinniness even more. He dipped his head, feigning gentlemanliness.“It’s lovely to see you again, my Leslie,” he purred, and she straightened i
Julian had never felt so much blinding rage before. His rational senses flew away as he clenched his phone tightly in his hand, picked up his suit jacket, and stomped to the door.“Sir, is anything the matt—”“Shut it, Philip!” Julian snapped and headed for his private elevator. Reaching the parking lot, he realized his driver had already gone for his lunch break, so he snatched the key out of the valet’s hand and zoomed off in the direction of Blackwood Manor.Leslie had just stepped down from the cab when Julian’s car pulled up to the curb. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a flood of happiness washed over her. She half-skipped to his car and knocked on the window. She didn’t expect him to come down from the driver’s seat. She opened her mouth in surprise and was about to ask him why he came back so early, but she was stunned by his stormy expression.“J-Julian, is everything okay? Are you alright?”Julian sneered at her and walked toward her slowly.“J-Julian, what’s the matter?”H
Julian carried Leslie all the way up to his room, his mouth becoming desperate with need as he clung to her softness. “Are we there yet?” Leslie moaned, writhing against his strong grip. “My, my, impatient much?” Julian chuckled and groaned again when he felt Leslie bite down on his neck before soothing it with her tongue. She looked at him and smirked. “You’re not the only one allowed to leave hickeys.” Shutting the door to his room, he placed her on the bed gently without breaking the kiss. Her fingers glided through his broad shoulders, hair—literally anywhere she could touch. He placed his palm on her lower abdomen, and she gasped, her eyes widening with a flush. “I-I haven’t done it in a l-long time,” she stuttered.Julian’s eyes softened at her words. He pecked her forehead. “Well, that makes two of us.”He kept his mouth on Leslie’s again, and his hand inched lower until he was cupping her pussy. She mewled and arched her back.“Julian,” she rasped.“I’ll give you all the a
Mr. Pete Davis, Julian's PI, sat cross-legged in the lounge area of Julian’s office, explaining the events of the past week. It had taken him a week to find out about Leslie's ex.“That was all I was able to find, sir,” Pete concluded, uncrossing his legs as he straightened in his chair. His eyebrow arched when Julian didn’t respond neither did he spare him a glance—instead his eyes were fixed on his phone, texting with a smile on his face. Julian barely heard a word Pete said as he replied to Leslie’s text about how his day was going."My day is just boring. What are you doing? I miss you," he texted and waited for her reply.They had grown so close this past week; making love had cemented their bond, and he really started putting more effort into their marriage. Leslie had carved her way into his heart, and she wasn’t coming out anytime soon."I’m still trying to convince the gardener to teach me how to prune, but I think he’s scared of you. And I miss you too," Leslie texted back.
"I'll be home soon. I'm on my way," Julian's text read, making Leslie beam. She couldn't wait till he came home. Then her mind drifted off to the call she'd received an hour ago, and a smile settled on her lips."Leslie, my dear, how are you?" Arthur said, sounding like his usual cheerful self over the phone."I'm okay, Arthur. How are you doing today?" Leslie asked."I'm ecstatic! I'll be even happier once I share this good news with you," Arthur laughed. Leslie's ears perked up. "Good news? What is it? Tell me!" she said excitedly."The opening for my gallery has been approved, and it'll open next month!" Leslie’s heart felt so full she thought it might burst from happiness. "Really, Arthur? That's the best news I've heard all week! I'm so happy for you!""Thank you, little girl," Arthur replied, feeling proud of himself. "In fact, that's not all.""It isn't?" Leslie squealed."I have an offer for you. I want you to host the first solo exhibit at my gallery with only your pieces."
The drive to the hospital the next morning was filled with jokes and laughs. Leslie couldn’t believe that she suggested taking Julian to go see her dad. She looked over at him—his chiseled angular face, his broad shoulders in a simple polo and jeans,one of the most casual fits she’d ever seen him in. So simple yet so luxurious, and so Julian Blackwood. His strong, veined right hand was planted firmly on her thigh as he steered leisurely with the other. They’d ditched the driver and used another of Julian’s numerous cars—a Ferrari. Leslie had never felt so satisfied.“Penny for your thoughts?” Julian asked, looking over at her as they stopped for a red light.Leslie flushed. “I’m just thinking about how handsome my hubby is.”Julian’s eyes darkened, and his grip on her thigh tightened. “What did you call me?” he asked, almost whispering.“What did I just call you?” Leslie repeated with a sly smile.Julian smirked. “You know that word makes me feral for you, Les. You want me all hot and
The taste of betrayal was acrid and sour, and Julian detested it. His face was set in a hard line as he sat at the dinner table later that night, waiting for his “family" to arrive. Leslie had been quietly observing him all evening since he came back."Julian, you know you can talk to me, right?" she asked, placing her hand on his. "What's wrong?"Julian looked at her, his eyes softening briefly. She was in a flowy, soft green dress that matched her eyes, which were filled with worry. He brought her fingers to his lips. "Don't worry, it's nothing I can't fix, Les. Don't worry."As soon as he finished his words, they heard the butler welcoming Eleanor and Alexander. Of course, Vanessa Alexander doesn't seem to go anywhere without her, Leslie noticed."Good evening, everyone," Vanessa beamed.Julian didn’t respond, and Leslie awkwardly smiled in return. "Good evening, Vanessa. Welcome, mother-in-law," Leslie acknowledged and was only met with a nod from Eleanor. They all took a seat.
Leslie's POVI unsheathed the dress from the wrap, and a gasp escaped me… woah! The dress was a beauty, and this wasn't even Lady P's signature style. I couldn't wait any longer and slipped the dress on. Oh God, soft ivory silk clung to me so beautifully. It was a midi A-line dress that stopped just above my knee at the front and, at the back, a shimmering organza trail. I felt the tears again. I never knew I was such a tearful person, but that's just what happens with Julian. He's so sweet sometimes I can't even take it. Who would have thought there was once a time when we couldn't stand each other? I smile at my reflection, my fingers slightly moving over my front, briefly stopping at my tummy. *I have a surprise for Julian too. I can't wait to see his reaction.* I styled my hair in a quick French twist that I'd learned when Julian took us to France to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday two months ago. I placed the little flower crown, which I'd seen beside the wrap–no doubt dro
Julian's POVSix months later"Happy anniversary, Les," I coo, startling my wife. She'd just stepped out of the shower, looking fresh and all mine. God, I love her so much."Julian, you scared me," she giggles, clutching her chest. "What's all this?" she arches her chestnut brow, referring to the platter in my hand."I got you breakfast in bed, love.""Aww, Julian, that's so sweet," her eyes soften, gifting me that molten evergreen gaze of hers."Thanks, baby," she coos, and I swear I turn to mush."Why did you get out of bed?" I grumble.She laughs and crosses the distance between us as I drop the platter of food on the bedside. She wraps her arms around my neck, her sweet delectable lavender scent filling my nostrils."Stop drooling, Mr. Billionaire," she whispers, and I catch myself."What can I say, Mrs. Billionaire? My wife looks delicious in the morning."She laughs. "I'm still in my PJ's, Julian.""You look delicious in anything," I contend, and she laughs harder. I could listen
The car slowly drove up to Belton's Botanical Park, a local spot, one that Leslie had always dreamed of going to. *I wonder what kind of work Julian has here?* He didn't speak to her for days, and when he finally did, it was cold and detached. *I don't even understand why. He sounded really angry. Maybe he just had a bad day?* She planned on asking him that. *I don't want to fight anymore.*Her phone hovered over the call button. She’d wanted to call Betty or Arthur, but she humphed sadly when she realized that no one had remembered her birthday. She didn't even receive a text from anyone yet. She wasn't even sure Julian knew her birthday—they never really discussed it.As the car came to a halt in the now dark park, she thought, *But why is it so dark in here?* Her phone dinged. It was Julian. “Walk inside the park.”Leslie's brows furrowed. *I should walk inside a dark park?* She gulped. “Is this some kind of prank or something?” she texted back, trying to joke.“Don’t waste my tim
Leslie opened her eyes to yet another morning of Julian not being in bed with her. He'd really taken the "I need space" a bit too far, and it instantly dampened Leslie's mood. "Didn't he miss me at all?" she grumbled as she brushed her teeth and prepared for the day. Her anger towards him had dissipated a lot as she understood things from his point of view. Each time she thought of a few nights ago, she shivered, knowing that if things had gotten worse, Vanessa would have killed her.Julian wasn't around much, neither did he try to appease her since the night of their “argument." He'd go to work super early and return at night when she was already fast asleep. She humphed. "Since he doesn't want to see me, I don't want to meet him either. I'll go meet Dad today," she perked up.After having a little breakfast with Eleanor, she headed for the car. The hospital was the same as always, only this time Leslie knew she wasn't going to receive any bad news. She adjusted her denim dress shirt
"If you so much as try to make any sudden moves, I swear I'll slit your throat!," the feminine voice threatened.Leslie felt her eyes glaze over as the grip of the blade on her throat tightened."Vanessa?""Surprise, surprise, bitch,!" Vanessa spat out venomously, clad in a black hoodie and matching tight leggings. Vanessa had a crazed, expression on her face, her eyes red and puffy, lips chapped and slowly turning black."Tell me why you didn't leave when I told you to, huh?""W-what are you talking about?" Leslie couldn't believe Vanessa was here in the flesh. Her mind raced *will I die here? Oh god!*."Haha, he loves your pretty face, right? Let's see if he'll still adore you when I botch up this face of yours!" Vanessa yelled, pulling Leslie by the hair and forcing her to the ground.Leslie was genuinely confused as to why Vanessa was attacking her like this fear pricked her skin and adrenaline flowed in her veins, she couldn't let Vanessa have her way. Before Vanessa could appro
Two months. It had been two months since Alexander's demise. Everything seemed to have fallen into place. Julian fired each and every single board of directors, got reinstated as the CEO, and made back profits and deals worth more than he'd made all year. Now seated on the luxurious couch in the living room, his eyes trailed to Leslie's painting, the one near the fireplace. His therapist had praised him for using hobbies like playing the piano to help with his PTSD and also advised him to take up painting. Leslie had somehow made him spill it out, and now she gave him lessons every now and then, even though he sucked at it. His mind went back to the night he'd seen her putting up her paintings around the living room. He chuckled to himself. She was so scared then, but now she didn't even bat an eyelid before putting him in his place. He glanced at the time again and chuckled. "Thank goodness I told her to get ready an hour earlier.""I'm ready!" Leslie cooed in a sing-song voice as
The sun had set, giving way to the moon as it shone brightly in the night sky. The temperatures had dropped a few degrees as the chilly air surrounded the area. Julian and Leslie, hand in hand, walked to the ambulance situated in a small area away from the bank. Reporters were everywhere, trying to get them to answer questions, but thankfully, the guards were present."Where is he?" Julian's voice came out gruff as he questioned a doctor on standby. As if on cue, a stroller covering a body with a white blanket approached. Julian's hand shook despite his control, and Leslie held onto it tightly, reassuring as she provided him with the strength he needed. The stroller stopped in front of him, and he raised the blanket up, his heart thumping. He couldn't describe the feelings or the emotions he felt seeing Alexander's corpse: sadness, joy, relief, anger, guilt—it all swirled around him like a lake of sharks chomping hard on his insides."ALEXANDER!" A voice from behind called. Eleanor,
“Stop him!” Julian yelled, his heart thumping in his chest at the thought of the stolen golden seal. Immediately, elite guards from all angles in the hall appeared and chased after the escaping Alexander. Julian, too, joined in the chase as Leslie followed in tow, not leaving her husband's side.“Move, you motherfuckers!” Alexander yelled, pushing people away from him. “Get out of my way!” He managed to bypass the security at the front and broke free. Though his muscles ached, he continued running. *This is my final chance. I can't back down now. I won't let them get to me, no!. With this seal, I'll be made for life. I don't need them!, I don't need anyone!,* he thought.The financial district where Blackwood Manor was located housed many important industries—banks, malls, jewelry brands—making it one of the busiest streets in Hudson. Sweat trickled down Alexander's face as he looked through his peripheral vision and saw the elite guards in their black-and-gold ensemble searching fo
A woman clad in a shimmering violet dress came out from backstage to the stage. She pushed a wheelchair forward, and the directors and reporters gasped when they realized who it was. Alexander gulped audibly, his eyes taking on a dazed expression."No, no, this can't happen," he muttered."Welcome, Jane," Leslie said to the girl as Jane pushed the wheelchair forward."Isn't that Mr. Marcus in the wheelchair?" a reporter gasped, and the crowd muttered amongst themselves.Vanessa squirmed uncomfortably, her heart thumping unusually fast in her seat as she muttered through gritted teeth, "Fix this, Alexander!. What are you waiting for?""This is indeed Mr. Marcus, the man who took the fall for the accident and was said to have gone into hiding to escape the penalties. But do you want to know what really happened?" Julian asked, his voice carrying authority."Yes, tell us, Master Blackwood!" the reporters shouted. "Tell us! Tell us!"Leslie placed an arm on Julian, giving him a reassuring