Chapter Six Josie and Julian 

Josephine and Julian sat by a table in one of the most expensive restaurants in Riversideloco.

The chandelier light glowed everywhere. The marble floor, along with the neatly arranged tables and chairs, was beautifully decorated, adding to the grandeur of the restaurant.

At first, Josephine was hesitant about Julian taking her to this particular restaurant because she knew how expensive it was. It had been costly since they were children, and by now, the prices for food and drinks would have only skyrocketed.

“Anything for you, Josephine,” Julian had said as he drove her to the restaurant in his Lamborghini, stepping out with an air of confidence.

Now at the table, he leaned forward slightly, his smile soft and warm. “So, tell me, how have you been doing?”

Before Josephine could answer, a waiter approached, carrying their order on a silver tray.

As the waiter placed the tray on their table, Josephine’s eyes fell on a bottle of red wine, two large pieces of chicken legs, and some appetizers arranged delicately.

“I remember how much you love chicken,” Julian said, his smile widening. “So I made sure to order the biggest piece for you.”

Josephine chuckled, her fingers grazing the edge of the table. “Naughty you. But thank you, Julian. You don’t know how much this means to me.” Her voice softened as she thought about the whirlwind of events in the past forty-eight hours. A good meal and company might just be what she needed to keep moving forward.

They ate, talked, and laughed, their conversation weaving through memories of their childhood and the years they had spent apart.

As the laughter faded, Julian grew quiet. He swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to the table. Slowly, he reached out and rested his hand on top of Josephine’s. His fingers trembled slightly as he exhaled a shaky breath.

“You know I’ve always loved you, right? Since high school?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, each word carefully measured.

Josephine froze. She knew this was true. Every moment of high school, Julian’s eyes had followed her like a shadow. There were times he had approached her, nervous and unsure, only for her to dismiss him.

It was obvious then, and it is obvious now. But it didn’t change the way she felt.

“I’m sorry, Julian.” She pulled her hand back gently, her movements deliberate but kind.

Julian blinked, his face momentarily betraying his hurt. He masked it quickly with a faint smile. “I really love you, Josephine,” he began again, his voice earnest. “Maybe I’m saying this too soon, but even after all these years, my heart has always wanted you. I mean it—I love you.”

Josephine sighed, her gaze dropping to her lap. “I’m sorry, Julian,” she repeated, her voice quieter this time.

Her heart ached, knowing the sincerity behind his words, but she had just gone through a chapter of her life that had left her scarred. Accepting his love now would only lead to complications, especially with her current focus on her unborn child.

“You’re a good man, Julian. Handsome, rich, and probably the dream guy for many women. But I’m not ready. I’ve just been through so much…”

“You shouldn’t look down on yourself, Josephine,” Julian interrupted, his tone firm yet gentle. “It’s you I want, not anyone else.”

“I’m not looking down on myself,” Josephine replied, her voice steady. “I know I’m a strong woman, but I’m not ready for another relationship. Right now, I just want to get my life back on track and focus on my child.”

Julian’s expression shifted, his brows knitting in surprise. “You have a child?” he asked, leaning forward.

Josephine hesitated before meeting his gaze. “I’m pregnant, Julian. Two weeks.”

His eyes widened as he absorbed her words. For a moment, he said nothing, the weight of the revelation settling over him. Julian wasn’t a man who believed in raising another man’s child, but for Josephine, he was willing to reconsider everything he thought he knew.

“That’s no problem, Josephine,” he said eventually, his voice steady but tinged with determination. “I’ll love him or her as my own. I’ll be the father they need.”

Josephine flinched at his promise. Words like those had been made to her before—and broken. Memories of Marcus and his failed promises washed over her.

“I’m sorry, Julian,” she said, rising quickly. Her chair scraped against the marble floor as she turned and walked briskly toward the exit. She didn’t stop or look back, afraid he might sway her heart even when she didn’t want him to.

Meanwhile…

Vivian stormed out of Marcus’s room, her anger palpable in the air.

Marcus remained seated, her parting threat echoing in his ears. He knew what Vivian was capable of—her fury could bring chaos in its wake.

He recalled a time before he met Josephine when Vivian, enraged by his refusal to stop texting another woman, had smashed a bottle against his head. He’d thought she was bluffing until the blood started flowing.

Now, he sighed deeply, his hands running through his hair in frustration.

“I can’t let my child grow up without a father,” he muttered, pacing the room with heavy steps. “But what will Vivian do if I accept my child?”

He stopped in his tracks, his hands resting on his jaw as he stared blankly at the wall. “What have I gotten myself into?” he whispered. “How am I going to fix this?”