Selena sat curled up on her bed, hugging her knees to her chest.Tears streamed down her cheeks, hot and relentless, soaking into her pillow. She had been crying for hours, but the pain in her chest wouldn’t subside.How could I be so stupid?She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the memories of last night.The way his hands had gripped her waist. The way his mouth had devoured hers. The way his body had moved against her, inside her, setting her whole world on fire.She had thought… God, what had she thought?That he wanted her?That she meant something to him?She let out a choked sob, clutching her chest as if it would stop the ache inside.But it wasn’t his fault.He had asked her before."Are you sure?"And she had said yes.She had given herself to him willingly.Like a fool.Like some desperate, lovesick girl who thought a single night in his bed could mean something more.But it hadn’t.Because in the morning, he had made it clear."It was a mistake."Her fingers dug
The set of The Rebirth buzzed with activity. Cameras were being set up, lights were adjusted, and crew members scurried around in preparation. But despite the usual excitement that surrounded a new film production, tension crackled in the air like an impending storm. And the source of that tension? Selena. Or rather, the return of Actress Ann. Ann Morgan, a name that had always been overshadowed by Selena Frost, was now standing proudly in the spotlight. She was stunning, her long auburn hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup perfect, and her designer outfit expensive. But behind that polished exterior was a woman who had been waiting for this moment for years. Ann had always hated Selena. Ever since they had debuted around the same time, Selena had been the industry’s golden girl—praised for her talent, loved by directors, and adored by fans. Meanwhile, Ann, despite coming from a wealthy background and using every connection she had, always remained second-best. N
The night was cold, the kind of cold that seeped into your bones and made you shiver no matter how many layers you wore. Selena pulled her coat tighter around herself, the fabric doing little to shield her from the biting wind. She stepped out of the building, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. The set had been particularly grueling today—long hours, endless retakes, and the constant, unspoken tension between her and the crew. Ann, her co-star, had been especially difficult, her sharp words and condescending smiles cutting deeper than Selena cared to admit.But it wasn’t just Ann. It was Julian. Julian, the man she had once believed would always be there for her. Lately, though, he felt like a stranger. Distant. Cold. He was always busy, always preoccupied, always somewhere else. And when he was around, it was like he wasn’t really there. His eyes would glaze over during conversations, his responses curt and dismissive. Selena had tried to convince herself it was just
Selena sat on the bench by the river, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as the cold night air bit into her skin. Her tears had dried, leaving her face streaked and her eyes puffy. She felt numb, the kind of numbness that comes after crying so hard you have nothing left to give. She didn’t know how long she had been sitting there, lost in her thoughts, when a shadow fell over her. “Miss Frost?” The voice was deep, authoritative, but not unkind. Selena looked up, startled, to see a tall, broad-shouldered man standing a few feet away. He was dressed in a dark suit, his expression neutral but his eyes sharp and observant. She tensed, her heart racing. “Who are you?” The man took a step closer, holding up his hands in a gesture of reassurance. “My name is Marcus. I work for Mr. Mathers. He sent me to find you.” Selena’s breath hitched. Julian. Of course. She shook her head, her voice trembling. “I don’t want to see him. Tell him to leave me alone.” Marcus hesitated, h
Clara, Julian’s trusted assistant and confidante, stood in his office, her expression a mix of concern and frustration. She had just finished recounting everything she had witnessed between Ann and Selena for a few days on set now, the snide remarks, the deliberate attempts to undermine Selena’s confidence, and the outright bullying that had been going on for weeks. Julian sat behind his desk, his jaw clenched and his eyes dark with anger. He had always known Ann was ambitious, even ruthless, but he hadn’t realized the extent of her cruelty. “Why didn’t Selena tell me about this?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous. Clara hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “I think she didn’t want to bother you, sir. She’s been trying to handle it on her own.” Julian’s hands tightened into fists. “Handle it on her own? She shouldn’t have to. She’s my—” He stopped himself, the words catching in his throat. ‘She’s my wife.’ But he couldn’t say it, not out loud. Not when their relationsh
It had been a long day on set, and Selena was exhausted. Her feet ached from hours of standing, and her mind was still reeling from the tension with Ann and the unexpected lunch with Julian. She just wanted to go home, collapse into bed, and forget about the world for a few hours. Julian, on the other hand, seemed unusually energized. He had been quiet during the drive back to the office, but there was a restlessness about him, a tension in the way he held himself that made Selena uneasy. They stepped into the elevator together, the doors closing with a soft *ding*. Selena pressed the button for the top floor, then leaned against the wall, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the floor. Julian stood a few feet away, his hands in his pockets and his eyes focused on the numbers above the door as they lit up one by one. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Then, without warning, the elevator jerked to a stop. Selena stumbled
Julian sat in his office, his fingers steepled as he stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The morning sun streamed in, casting a golden glow over the room, but his mind was far from peaceful. The events of the past few weeks had left him feeling restless, his thoughts constantly drifting to Selena and the mess he had inadvertently created. A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. “Come in,” he called, his voice calm but firm. One of his assistants, a young man named Ethan, stepped inside, holding a tablet in his hands. His expression was a mix of relief and satisfaction. “Sir, I have some news,” Ethan said, his tone respectful but eager. Julian turned to face him, his brow furrowing slightly. “What is it?” “Grayson has been arrested,” Ethan announced, a hint of triumph in his voice. “Several actors have come forward with old cases of harassment against him. Their statements were enough to get him taken into custody.” Julian’s eyes n
The film studio was alive with energy, the air buzzing with the hum of activity as the crew prepared for the next scene. Selena stood at the edge of the set, her script in hand, her eyes scanning the lines one last time. The scene was an emotional one—a reunion between her character and the male lead, played by Ryder, after a long absence. It was a pivotal moment in the movie, one that required vulnerability and chemistry. Selena took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She had worked hard to get to this point, and she wasn’t about to let her insecurities get the better of her. “Selena,” Emily, her manager, approached her, a warm smile on her face. “You’ve got this. Just stay focused and trust yourself.” Selena nodded, her expression determined. “Thanks, Emily. I’ll do my best.” As she stepped onto the set, she noticed Ryder for the first time. He was standing a few feet away, his tall, athletic frame commanding attention even in the crowded room. His dark hair was per
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