Selena stormed into the opera house’s administrative office, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor, each step echoing her growing frustration. Her chest tightened with a mix of anger and unease, her mind racing over the events of the past few months. This had gone on for far too long. Ever since she joined the troupe, she had been receiving bouquets of flowers after every performance. At first, she had dismissed them as the gestures of an admirer—perhaps a fan who appreciated her voice or her stage presence. But as the weeks turned into months, the consistency of the gifts began to unsettle her. It wasn’t just the flowers; it was the notes. They were too personal, too intimate, as if the sender knew her better than she knew herself.She had dealt with obsessive fans before. Some had snuck unsettling things into her dressing room: locks of hair, cryptic messages written in red ink, once even a small stuffed bear with its head twisted off. The opera world attracted its fai
The birthday day- The opera house was alive with an electrifying energy, a symphony of anticipation and grandeur. The grand chandeliers cast a golden glow over the pristine marble floors, their light refracting in dazzling patterns that danced across the walls. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers—lilies, roses, and gardenias—arranged in towering vases that lined the hallways. Expensive perfumes mingled with the floral aroma, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that spoke of wealth, power, and prestige. The entire building had been transformed for the VIP event: decorations more extravagant than usual, security stationed at every entrance, and murmurs of high-profile guests filled the backstage halls.Selena had arrived early, dressed in an elegant deep-red gown that shimmered under the stage lights. The fabric clung to her slender figure, the off-shoulder design emphasizing her graceful collarbones. Her dark hair was swept into an intricate updo, a few loose tendrils f
The grand hall was alive with the hum of conversation and the soft, melodic strains of an orchestra. The post-performance ceremony had begun, and the air was thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and the faint sweetness of champagne. The VIPs sat in a long, elegant row at the front of the hall, their expressions a carefully curated blend of polite amusement and satisfaction. The performers, dressed in their finest attire, stood in a line, each holding a bouquet of flowers to present as a token of gratitude. The event was not merely a celebration of art—it was a calculated affair, designed to secure the patronage of wealthy benefactors for the opera house.Selena’s hands were ice-cold.She stood near the edge of the line, her fingers gripping the bouquet so tightly that her nails dug into the stems. The rich, heady scent of lilies and roses filled her senses, but it only served to remind her of *him*. Julian. The memory of his presence, his voice, his touch, lingered
Julian Mathers.He had a reputation.Not the kind that preceded him—that he was an expert at manipulating the stock market and playing the game of business, or that he was an expert marksman, or that his taste for fine wine was legendary. No, his reputation was darker, more private.He was a ruthless man.Cold. Calculating.A man who had clawed his way to the top through blood and sweat and tears. A man who had never been afraid to cross a line or two. A man who had destroyed many in his quest for success.Selena had known this about him.She had witnessed it firsthand.And yet, sitting in the back of the common room with him, feeling the heavy weight of his presence beside her, she couldn't help but feel the faintest prickle of fear.They were alone.Together.The silence stretched between them, a chasm of unspoken words.Selena stared straight ahead, her heart pounding, her body tense. She could smell his cologne, that familiar, intoxicating scent. It was a subtle hint of something
She stared at him, her heart racing so fiercely it felt like it might burst from her chest. Her mind reeled, a whirlwind of confusion, anger, and something else she couldn’t quite name—something that felt dangerously close to hope. She clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms, as if the physical pain could ground her, keep her from spiraling into the chaos of her emotions."How can you say that?" she demanded, her voice trembling despite her best efforts to keep it steady. Her eyes searched his face, looking for answers, for the truth, for anything that could make sense of the storm raging inside her."Because it's true," Julian replied, his voice calm but laced with an undercurrent of something she couldn’t quite place. Regret? Resignation? His gaze was steady, unwavering, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—something raw and vulnerable that made her chest tighten.She shook her head, her dark hair brushing against her cheeks as she took a step b
She wondered where the venue was.She had seen the other students get ready but the driver had not picked her up yet.Selena was excited. She's never been invited to an exclusive party.She was looking forward to meeting new people and making new connections.And the best part was that she would get to show off her musical talent.Selena was always the best at everything. She had won many contests in her school and even in the country in acting. Now, she was confident that she could also win in music.She was a natural performer.She loved the feeling of being on stage, the thrill of connecting with an audience.And this would be her chance to shine.But the car didn't arrive.Hours passed.The sun was beginning to set.And still, there was no sign of the car.Selena began to feel anxious.Where was the car?Why wasn't it here?She tried to call the driver, but there was no answer.She called Mr. Gerrick, but he didn't answer either.Selena felt a knot forming in her stomach.Somethin
"What are you doing here?" Selena’s voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. Her eyes burned with a mixture of anger and hurt, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as if to shield herself from him. She glared at Julian, who stood a few feet away, his presence both familiar and unwelcome. The room seemed to shrink around them, the tension palpable.Julian flinched at her tone, his usual confidence faltering. He took a hesitant step forward, his hands raised slightly in a gesture of peace. "Selena, please—just listen to me.""No!" she snapped, her voice rising. She took a step back, putting more distance between them. "I don’t want to listen to you. I don’t even want to see you. I should have known—I should have known that the so-called VIP guest tonight was you. What are you playing at, Julian? Haven’t you done enough?"Her words struck him like a physical blow, and he winced. His chest tightened as he saw the pain in her eyes—pain he had caused. He had spent months pr
The next few days were a blur for Selena. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, each thought tangled with the next, all orbiting around Julian. Her heart felt like it was being pulled in two directions, each tug more painful than the last. On one hand, she wanted to believe in him, to give him the second chance he was asking for. She wanted to forgive him, to let go of the past and move forward together. But on the other hand, the memory of his betrayal lingered like a shadow, whispering doubts into her mind. What if he hurt her again? What if he broke her trust once more? The fear was paralyzing, and it left her feeling conflicted, uncertain, and utterly exhausted.She lay in bed one night, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts racing. Sleep felt impossible. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Julian’s face—his piercing eyes, the way he used to smile at her, the way he had looked at her the last time they spoke. Her heart ached with longing and fear, a confusing mix that left he
2 years later - The stage, still shimmering under the golden wash of the spotlights, echoed with the thunderous applause even as the velvet curtains descended, sealing off the spectacle. Selena stood at the heart of the stage, her chest heaving, her breath coming in ragged, triumphant gasps. The final, soaring notes of her performance, a culmination of years of relentless dedication, hung in the air, a testament to her talent. Yet, the audience's roaring cheers, a wave of unabashed adoration, confirmed what she already knew: she had captivated them.She had done it. She had finally reached the pinnacle she had so ardently pursued.From her early days as a precocious prima donna in the grand opera houses, where her crystalline soprano had enchanted audiences, to this very night—her Broadway debut as the leading lady of a prestigious opera troupe—her journey had been a testament to her unwavering spirit. Yet, as she took her final, graceful bow, her gaze fell upon a familiar sight wait
The soft glow of the fireplace flickered across the dimly lit living room, casting long, dancing shadows that painted the walls with a warm, intimate hue. Julian leaned back on the couch, his arm stretched along the top, a silent observer of Selena as she tucked her legs beneath her, creating a cozy nest of her oversized sweater. There was something about the way the firelight danced in her eyes, catching the subtle flecks of gold and amber, that made his chest tighten with a complex mix of tenderness and a vague, unsettling apprehension. He’d always admired her quiet strength, but tonight, there was a fragile vulnerability that both captivated and worried him."You've been quiet," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that barely disturbed the stillness, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The simple gesture was meant to be comforting, a gentle reminder of his presence, but he felt a flicker of unease at the way she flinched slightly, as if startled by his touc
Selena's breath hitched as Julian planted a series of soft, wet kisses down her neck, his teeth gently nibbling at the tender skin. His hands roamed freely across her body, leaving goosebumps and a warmth that felt like wildfire wherever they touched. He caressed her breasts, teasing the nipples until they were taut with desire.Feeling the firmness of his erection pressed against her, Selena couldn't resist any longer and reached down to stroke him slowly. The base of his cock felt thick and velvety in her grasp. Julian let out a deep moan that reverberated through her entire body, sending shivers dancing along her spine.Their limbs tangled together, Selena's legs wrapped around Julian's waist as their bodies moved in perfect sync. Their breathing grew ragged and desperate, their exhales and inhales mingling together in a symphony of passion.Julian's gaze lingered on Selena's flushed face and he paused for a moment, his pupils dilating with unbridled lust. "You are so beautiful," h
Every day was a new adventure, every moment a testament to their connection, their bond growing stronger with each passing hour. They explored the city together, sharing kisses in the rain, and dancing in the moonlight, their laughter echoing through the streets, their love a constant, steady flame, burning bright, warming their hearts.It was perfect, it was bliss, it was everything she had ever wanted, and as the days passed, and the months turned into years, Selena couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, fairytales could come true after all."Marry me," he whispered one night, his voice a low, husky murmur against her skin, his eyes filled with an intensity that made her heart ache."Aren't we already married?"He smiled. "I want to marry you again, grand and happily."She nodded, her smile a promise, her gaze filled with a love that spoke volumes, her answer a silent declaration of her devotion.He smiled, his expression tender, his gaze filled with a deep, unfathomable aff
They returned to their home at night.Home.Selena loved how the word felt on her lips, a promise, a hope, a dream come true.That night, after a romantic dinner in a dimly lit restaurant, their meal accompanied by a string quartet and a glass of rich, velvety wine, Julian led her upstairs, his touch reverent, his eyes dark with a passion that mirrored her own.When he touched her, when he kissed her, her mind went blank, a haze of desire, and her body, her body was on fire, aching, longing for the feeling of him, the warmth of his skin against hers, the intimacy of their shared pleasure.He gently pushed her on the bed and hovered above her.She felt his hand brush the sensitive spot on her stomach, moving up to her breasts and cupping them, teasing them, and she couldn't hold back the moans that escaped her lips.She closed her eyes and arched her back. His hot, wet mouth enveloped her left breast while his thumb circled the nipple of her right.He sucked, nipped and bit until the p
Paris was everything Selena had imagined, and yet, it was also so much more. It was a living, breathing dream, a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that resonated deep within her soul. She had seen the postcards, read the novels, watched the romantic comedies, but nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared her for the sheer, intoxicating reality of being here. The city hummed with a vibrant energy, a palpable sense of history and romance that permeated every cobblestone street, every ornate building, every whispered conversation. Every corner held a story, every street exuded a timeless charm, and every glance Julian sent her way, every touch, every word, amplified the magic tenfold.Their first morning in Paris, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains of their bedroom, Julian had woken her with a gentle kiss on her forehead, a feather-light touch that sent a shiver down her spine. "Get dressed, sweetheart. We’re going out." His voice, a low, husky rumble, w
The moment Selena stepped out of the airport, the cool, crisp Parisian air brushed against her skin, a gentle welcome to a world she had only dreamed of. Even through the lingering exhaustion that clung to her after the long flight, a weariness that settled deep in her bones, she couldn't suppress the involuntary intake of breath, a deep, reverent sigh that allowed the reality of her arrival to finally permeate her senses. She was in Paris.The city unfolded before her, a tapestry of golden hues under the soft, diffused light of the morning sun. The streets, a labyrinth of history and charm, were lined with buildings that whispered tales of centuries past. Balconies, adorned with intricate wrought-iron railings, jutted out from aged facades, like delicate lace against stone. Cafés, already bustling with early risers, spilled onto the sidewalks, their tables filled with animated conversations and the clinking of porcelain. Flower stalls, vibrant splashes of color against the muted ton
Selena's fingers trembled slightly as she laced them through Julian's, the cool leather of the first-class seat a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from his hand. She had barely lifted a finger in preparation for her move to Paris, the sheer magnitude of the task seeming insurmountable until Julian had swept in, a whirlwind of calm efficiency.From the moment she had confessed her readiness, a fragile whisper of "I think I'm ready," he had transformed into a force of nature. Plane tickets materialized, visa paperwork was navigated with an almost supernatural ease, and a charming apartment in the heart of the Latin Quarter was secured, all before she could fully grasp the reality of her impending departure.A flicker of guilt, sharp and insistent, pricked at her conscience. "Julian, I can do this. You don’t have to take care of everything," she had protested, her voice laced with a mixture of gratitude and unease. The feeling of being overwhelmed, yet so intensely cared for, was a
The morning light filtered through the arched windows of the opera house, painting golden streaks across the worn wooden floors. Selena paused in the grand foyer, her fingers trailing along the smooth marble banister as she inhaled deeply. The familiar scent of aged wood, rosin, and the faintest hint of lemon polish filled her lungs—a fragrance that had become as comforting to her as home. Her ballet flats made no sound as she moved through the labyrinthine hallways, past practice rooms where the sounds of scales and arpeggios spilled into the corridor. A violinist tuned her instrument nearby, the sharp notes cutting through the morning quiet. Somewhere, a soprano ran through a challenging passage from La Traviata, her voice rising and falling like a bird testing its wings. This was her world. And today, she would set her dream in motion. Madame Laurent was exactly where Selena knew she'd be—in the small rehearsal room at the end of the east wing, her silver-streaked hair pull