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
Julian was on a call with Phillip, but when he noticed Leslie’s horrified expression, he ended the call immediately and rounded the small wooden table.“Leslie, what’s the matter? Why do you look so pale?”“Julian, s-something is wrong… the hospital… we need to get to the hospital immediately!,” she yelled.Julian pulled her up. “It’s okay, we’ll be there. Don’t panic. Who was on the phone?”Even in his soft embrace, Leslie couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong. “It was S-Samantha on the call. She didn’t give me much detail, but I just have this… sinking feeling. We need to get to the hospital, please!.”“I’ll get us there. Just sit down and have some water.” He poured a glass for her and handed her the cup, then rushed to the cockpit and ordered the driver to return them to shore.—------At the Hospital*Reaching the hospital half an hour later, Leslie practically ran to her dad’s ward but was denied access.“What do you mean I can’t go in? My dad’s in the
"What do you mean I can't go with you?!" Leslie yelled at a surgeon. "That man in there is my father, the only family I have. I must go with you, and you can't stop me!""I understand, ma'am, but this isn't a regular issue. You haven't been sterilized properly, and it'll take time to do that—time which we don't have on our hands right now.""Leslie," Julian called from behind, his voice a plea. "You can't go."The waterworks began again—not that they'd stopped since they arrived at the hospital. "Julian, please, tell him to let me go. Please," she whispered brokenheartedly.They were at the tarmac now, the stench of disinfectant and soap filling the air. The cool summer night air ruffled Leslie’s sundress, but she was feeling anything but cool. Julian stepped forward and pulled her gently into his arms."Les, I can't do that, even if I wanted to. You have to trust them on this, this time.""Julian, pleas—""Les!" Betty's smooth voice called out."B!" Leslie said, her eyes brimming wit
Julian frowned in his sleep as his hands moved over the bed, searching for Leslie's soft figure to cradle. He opened his eyes slowly and sighed—she wasn't in bed… again. Knowing exactly where to find her, he threw on a T-shirt, his muscular biceps straining against the fabric as he walked out all the way to the back of the manor. There she was, on the huge bench under the red oak tree, looking at the lake silently. The sun had just risen, giving her fair, spotless skin a sheen of golden hue that made Julian think she was just an illusion—a beautiful angel walking among mortals. He took in her expression and felt heartache. She'd been like that all week. It had been a week since Gregory was flown out to India, a week since she'd touched her paintbrush, a week since she started spending her mornings by this quiet lake, and a week since she'd smiled at him genuinely. She was here, always, but he missed her terribly. She wasn't herself, and Julian thought of himself as a failure—he could
“I know this letter has already been found by now. I'm such an oldie, you know? I mean, who sends letters these days? But I felt the need to write it for you, my girl. You’re so strong, you know. I might be your dad, but I admire you greatly. I know what you endured for me, even the things you didn’t say out loud. I appreciate every single one.This has been like a dream these past few weeks. You are glowing, your business is picking up, and your husband adores you. You might try to deny it, but I can see it in his eyes—that was how I stared at your mother. Lord bless her precious soul in heaven. You were so happy, and I didn’t want to break that. I became cowardly and couldn’t muster up the courage to tell you that I felt it… I felt my health deteriorating, my girl, and I couldn’t tell you because I love seeing you happy and cheerful. My only life’s wish is to see you filled with so much happiness that you didn’t know what to do with it anymore.I know how you behave when you grieve,
Wrapped up in Julian's embrace with nothing but his huge t-shirt on, Leslie sighed, the delicious, satisfying ache between her legs sending tiny ripples of pleasure up her spine. "He left me a letter," she suddenly said, raising her eyes to his, catching him staring down at her like she was the most precious thing in his world. She crimsoned. "My dad left me a letter.""What did it say?" He cooed softly. She repeated most of the contents to him and smiled to herself. "I almost gave up everything because of my grief. Stupid of me, right?" He pecked her softly on the lips. "Don't use such words on yourself, Les. Everyone handles pain differently, and I'm glad you're back to your normal self now. Don't let his faith in you dwindle."Unexpectedly, Julian's stomach grumbled. He smirked at Leslie, completely unashamed. "Now that I've eaten, it's time to eat."Leslie flushed beet red all over. "Julian!" she whisper-yelled. "You're so crude these days."He simply laughed and rolled out
Walking hand in hand to the car, Julian and Leslie conversed quietly. The sun was up, and Leslie adjusted the straw hat on her head and peered up at Julian, pouting."Why are you always stuck at meetings? I wanted you to join Betty and me for lunch."Julian smiled and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You know I'd love to, but this meeting is with a senator, and I don't want to keep him waiting, you know."Leslie sighed. "I know, I know, but I—""Leslie! Hi!" a voice squeaked. With a whoosh, Leslie felt herself being squeezed tightly in a hug. Okay, maybe too tightly. “I—can't—breathe," she struggled until she felt the body pull away. Julian was holding Vanessa by the shoulder to stop her from crushing Leslie. Leslie rubbed the side of her arm muttering to herself. "God, it feels like my rib was about to be cracked.""Oh my God, are you okay? I was just so excited to see you! You're just so weak and pale. I'm sorry," Vanessa said innocently."It's oka—" Leslie's words d
The restaurant Vanessa chose was an upbeat, trendy place in town known for their famous crème brûlée and overly priced “chow meins.” Typical Vanessa, Leslie thought as she and Betty walked into the restaurant."Woah, this place smells rich and annoying," Betty said, scrunching her nose."I know, but put on your best fake smiley face, okay?" Leslie soothed, giggling.They spotted Vanessa and Alexander right away—well, maybe because Vanessa's dress was shining like a freaking chandelier. She literally stood out like a sore thumb. She’d changed her dress; that was the first thing Leslie noticed as her brows briefly tightened before they relaxed.Betty nudged her shoulder and whispered to her as they neared, "Sheesh,s that her over there? why is she dressed like she’s out for a gala? Or am I missing something here?"That made Leslie giggle. "I think this is her own way of dressing. Don’t think too much.""What would you call this 'style' though? 'Lay me on the table and fuck me?'" Leslie
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