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
Julian woke up the next day feeling laxed and refreshed. He looked down at Leslie in his embrace, and his heart felt so full he thought it might burst. He gently pecked her on the lips, then again, then again, before finally turning it into a full-blown kiss. Leslie's eyes fluttered open slightly as she moaned softly."Good morning, Les," Julian said huskily.Leslie noticed his bright demeanor and flashed him a sleepy smile. "Good morning, Julian. Did you sleep well?" she asked, trailing her hand to the corner of his eye and swiping gently.Julian caught her arm and placed a kiss on the inside of her palm. "I slept like a baby, all thanks to you. You’re like my sleeping pill, you know.""Aww, Juli-" Her sentence was cut off by the loud growl from her stomach.Julian’s eyes widened. "Did you have dinner yesterday?"A wave of embarrassment reddened Leslie. "I-I couldn’t eat. Dinner was the last thing on my mind," she said, peering up at him, her eyes urging him to be open with her.He l
“Is something wrong, Les? Is Betty okay?” Julian repeated, noticing that Leslie’s eyes were still fixated on her phone.“T-The text isn’t from Betty,” Leslie finally said, tearing her gaze away from her phone to briefly stare at Julian. “It’s from an unknown number.”“Fuck,” Julian cursed, standing up immediately and snatching the phone from her. His eyes scanned the contents of the message, hardening in an instant. The text read:*You think you’ve won, huh? You think just because you’re Mrs. Blackwood now, Julian is yours, right? Well, think again, wretch!. Julian belongs to me and only me. Got it? I will come for you if you don’t stay away from what’s mine. I don’t share. Be warned!!.*“J-Julian, what is the meaning of this text? D-Do you have an ex?” Leslie anxiously stuttered.“No, no, Les, it’s nothing like that, really,” Julian replied, grabbing hold of her hands and sitting back on the plush white couch.“Do you know where this text is from?” Leslie asked, trying to break her h
"Seriously, Les, I only live like half an hour away," Betty said, trying to console Leslie.Leslie's eyes didn't redden any less as she sniffled and said in a throaty voice, "I know, but I'm still gonna miss you nonetheless."The morning rays of sunlight weren’t so strong as fall was approaching in a few weeks and summer was slowly diminishing. Betty had just broken the news of her moving to her new house, shocking Leslie."Come here, you big baby," Betty soothed, wrapping Leslie up in a hug. "Okay, I have an idea! How about you come over today and spend the whole day with me? We’ll do a sleepover, and you can return to your man tomorrow— that is, if he doesn’t mind."Leslie’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Oh my God, that’s wonderful!" They linked hands and hopped in circles like elementary school kids. "I’m sure Julian wouldn’t mind. Let’s go! Wait, I’ll just video call him to confirm."She pulled out her phone and video-called him. He picked up on the second ring. Seeing him in a
Leslie’s brows pinched together as she turned around and found Daniel standing upright, clutching her arms fiercely.“Where do you think you’re going, huh?” His eyes were still red from all the drinking, but his words weren’t as slurred as before. *Was he faking?* Leslie thought as her eyes narrowed in suspicion.“Let go of my hand!” She struggled, but his grip was vice-like. He sneered and swung the door shut. Leslie’s chest tightened.“What is the meaning of this nonsense, Daniel?” she yelled.Daniel sneered. “Oh, Leslie, don’t act like you don’t want this too. I know you want me. Deep down, you still love me, right?” he said in a deranged manner.Leslie’s eyes bulged in realization. *Oh god, I shouldn’t have come here.* She attempted to kick him in the groin, but he swiftly dodged and slammed her against the wall instead.“I’ll make you mine once again, my Leslie.”………**10 Minutes Earlier**Back in Blackwood Industries, Julian kept feeling restless. The pen he held in his left han
Leslie had been trying to get the incident with Daniel three days ago out of her mind, but it wasn't working. She couldn't come up with any new ideas, and her art exhibit in Arthur's gallery was drawing closer. Now seated on a small stool by the beautiful lake at the back of Blackwood Manor, the huge red oak tree providing shade from the afternoon sun, Leslie sighed in frustration. Betty had visited her a few days ago, seething at Daniel and being as overprotective as ever. Leslie remembered Betty’s words: *"Don’t let his obsession run your emotions. Take a hold of them and free yourself from this anxiety, okay?"* she had said, kissing the top of Leslie's head."And here I am, still struggling to paint. Betty would be so disappointed in me," Leslie thought, her heart heavy. She dumped her tools on the ground and crossed her arms, pouting. *What am I going to do now? That fucker has messed with my mind. Even this beautiful lake isn't giving me any inspiration.* "Feeling bored?”, she
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