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.
The sketch Julian slammed on the table had the face of a man—no other than Alexander Blackwood himself."This—this, what is this?" Alexander stuttered. "Is that me?""What does it look like, dear brother? You manipulated your goons to kidnap Marcus's daughter, then you led him to carry out your evil plans and made him take the fall for it. All for what? To spite me? Your goon, Rocky, was caught on his way fleeing from New York, and he confessed to it all and even graciously helped us describe you. What were you trying to achieve?" Julian’s voice rose. "Did you think of what could have actually happened if I didn’t move those goods on time? The Blackwoods' name would have been thoroughly dragged through the mud. What sort of foolery is this?"Julian had always known that his brother loved to spite him. Ever since his birth, Alexander had made it his sole mission to antagonize Julian, but this—it was simply going too far."I—I—I…" Alexander couldn’t come up with any words. "Those fucker
A few days had passed since the gruesome dinner with Eleanor and company. It was nearing noon already. The incessant ringing of her phone woke Leslie up. She winced as she sat up to reach for it, a dull ache in her middle reminding her of yesterday's escapades with Julian. She looked at the number that had been bugging her phone—it was an unknown number. She frowned groggily as she contemplated picking up or not. She eventually picked up."What took you so long, bitch?" A smooth, loud, cute voice boomed over the phone.Leslie perked up at the sound of the familiar voice, her sleepiness doused instantly, replaced by instant joy. "Betty!" she screeched."The one and only!" Betty cooed."Oh my god, where have you been, jackass? I have been trying to reach you for weeks. Are you some kind of magician? You're always pulling this disappearing act of yours. I'm so mad at you right now," Leslie huffed."I'm sorryyyy! It's not really my fault. I got mugged again, and this time my so-called bo
Leslie spent the next hour narrating how she'd met Daniel at the gala and the events afterward. Betty's mouth hung open in shock. "That no-good son of a bitch! How dare he come find you after cheating with five girls at the same fucking time? If I ever see that sleazy man, I'll rip his face off!"Leslie’s heart swelled at Betty’s protectiveness. "Easy there, Mama Bear. I'm just glad that Julian and I managed to get past it. You know, with the whole arranged marriage, we’re still getting to know each other, and I don’t want my dumb past coming in between us."Betty’s eyes softened. "You really like this man, don’t you?" A pink hue worked its way up Leslie’s face."Very much. I like him so very much," she finally admitted to her best friend. "You know I can’t hide anything from you, B. He really hasn’t opened himself up to me yet, but I can’t help myself. I see all that he’s going through, and I just want to take all the hurt away, you know? Am I being foolish?" she questioned, baring h
The week that followed had been busy for both Julian and Leslie. Julian was swamped with handling the CFO position transition to another reliable person while dealing with the aftermath of Alexander’s stupid behavior. While, Leslie was busy preparing her paintings for the art exhibit in a few weeks. Julian focused his attention back on his laptop. He was watching the video of the waiter’s confession that Pete had sent him. The young man looked naive, and the worst part was he couldn’t even describe the lady properly. The only tangible thing he remembered was a golden bracelet adorned with jewels on the woman’s arm.Julian pulled out the CCTV footage again and zoomed in. He saw it—the woman’s hand that tightly held onto the waiter’s neck had a bracelet on it. It looked very elite and expensive too. “Who could this woman be?” he wondered, and was about to call in Philip when his door burst open suddenly. He raised his eyes to the door, his lips set in a thin line when he saw the figure