Julian sat behind his large mahogany desk, sipping his morning coffee and scanning the day's schedule. Clara updated him on the day's appointments."Okay, so you have a meeting with the marketing team at 10 am to discuss the new campaign," Clara said, her eyes scanning her notes. "And then you have a lunch meeting with a potential investor at 12:30 pm."Julian nodded, making a mental note of the meetings. "Anything else?"Clara hesitated before speaking. "Actually, there is something. You have some visitors waiting to see you."Julian raised an eyebrow. "Visitors? Who?"Clara checked her notes again. "They're from a media company. They didn't specify what they wanted to talk to you about, but they said it was important."Julian's curiosity was piqued. "Send them in."Clara nodded and stepped out of the office. A moment later, she returned with two women and a man in tow."Mr. Julian, this is Ms. Thompson, Ms. Lee, and Mr. Patel from City Lights Media," Clara introduced.Julian stood u
Julian’s car pulled into the driveway of the mansion, the soft hum of the engine cutting through the evening quiet. As the driver opened the door for him, he stepped out, loosening his tie. Selena followed behind, her heels clicking softly against the stone path. “I’m going to my room to freshen up,” she said curtly, not even glancing at him. Her tone was polite but distant, and before he could respond, she disappeared inside the house, heading straight for the stairs. Julian stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure. *Freshen up?* he thought, narrowing his eyes. It wasn’t unusual for her to keep her distance, but something about the way she said it irked him. Shrugging it off, he entered the house and made his way to the dining hall. Dinner was already being set, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. Julian took his seat at the head of the table, the same place he always sat. The long dining table stretched before him, but tonight, it felt esp
Julian pushed the door open, his sharp gaze falling on Selena. She flinched, startled, and instinctively kicked the fallen script under the nearby sofa. “Julian,” she stammered, her voice slightly higher than usual. “What… what are you doing here?” Julian’s brows furrowed. Her tone, the way she stiffened as though caught doing something wrong—it was suspicious. “I could ask you the same thing,” he said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him. “I wasn’t doing anything,” Selena said quickly, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as if trying to shield herself. Julian’s sharp eyes swept the room. The way she was standing, the slight movement of her foot—it was too obvious. He smirked, his arms crossing over his chest. “Really? You’re that bad at lying?” “I’m not lying!” she insisted, her voice rising a little too much. Julian took a deliberate step toward her, his towering presence making her instinctively take a step back. “Move,” he ordered, his voice calm b
The following day, Selena walked into the office with her usual guarded expression, half expecting whispers or side glances about the script incident from the previous night. But to her surprise, the office was just as normal as ever. No one seemed to know or care. Julian hadn’t said a word to her all morning, treating her with the same distant professionalism as always.She spent most of the day by his side, following him to meetings and scribbling notes on her notepad. Though her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of last night, Julian was as composed as ever, his piercing gaze fixed on the presentations or the documents in his hand.Selena walked into the cafeteria with her tray, grateful for a quiet moment to herself. She found a corner table and sat down, savoring the first bite of her sandwich. It was one of the few peaceful moments she’d had all day. But, as fate would have it, her solitude didn’t last long. “Mind if I join you, Selena?” Clara’s overly cheerful voice cut thr
The boardroom was filled with tension as producers, directors, and various department heads from the drama production team gathered around the long table. Selena sat in a corner, quietly observing as papers shuffled and murmurs floated in the air. This was her first time attending a meeting of this magnitude. She had prepared to take notes for Julian, but she couldn’t shake the nervousness bubbling in her chest. Julian entered the room with his usual commanding presence, his sharp gaze sweeping across everyone as the murmurs ceased instantly. Selena clutched her pen tightly, shrinking into her seat. 'He doesn't even have to say anything. People just fall silent around him.' “Let’s begin,” Julian said coldly, settling into the chair at the head of the table. His deep voice sent shivers down her spine, and she instinctively glanced at him. He looked composed yet utterly intimidating. The head producer started the discussion, outlining the current progress of the drama. Everything
As Selena reached the elevator, she pressed the button and waited, her mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts. Julian liking her? The idea was laughable. The man seemed to take genuine pleasure in tormenting her. Every interaction with him felt like a battle, where she was always a step behind, fumbling for composure while he remained effortlessly in control. The elevator dinged, its arrival pulling her back to the present. She stepped inside, leaning heavily against the wall. Crossing her arms tightly over her chest, she exhaled sharply. “Maybe they’re just imagining things,” she muttered to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. “Julian is strict with everyone. He’s not... he doesn’t—” She cut herself off mid-sentence, shaking her head as if to dismiss the absurd notion entirely. The ride to the top floor felt longer than usual, every second dragging as she rehearsed a thousand possible scenarios in her head. Julian’s summons were never casual, and the knot in her stomach tighte
Selena rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the strange tension that clung to her. Why was she even thinking about Julian right now? This man, who spent half his time tormenting her and the other half confusing her with small, unexpected gestures of care, should have no power over her thoughts. Selena plopped down on her chair, staring at the ceiling. “What’s happening to me?” she whispered. Her mind drifted back to the little moments she had shared with Julian recently—the way he had silently handed her his jacket when she was shivering, the way his eyes softened ever so slightly when he caught her rehearsing that script, the fact that he defended her from those media people without a second thought. And then, there were his teasing remarks in the car earlier. And now in his office, he told her to come to him if she ever faced any problem. Almost like they were two people who cared about each other. She groaned, covering her face with her hands. “What is wrong with me? He’
The drive home was quiet at first. Selena kept fidgeting with the hem of her dress, stealing glances at Julian’s calm demeanor. He had one hand on the wheel, his eyes firmly on the road, as if he hadn’t a care in the world. But she couldn’t hold it in anymore. “How did you find out about the calls?” she finally asked, breaking the silence. Her voice was cautious, hesitant. Julian didn’t even glance at her. His jaw tightened slightly, and he responded in an even tone, “I put the pieces together.” Selena frowned. “What do you mean by that?” He sighed, still not looking at her. “You were constantly yelling at someone on the phone. And Clara mentioned those media people came to my office with some ridiculous proposition. It wasn’t hard to figure out.” Selena bit her lip, feeling embarrassed. She didn’t like the idea of him piecing together her problems, even if he had helped her in the end. “I…I didn’t want to bother you with it,” she admitted softly, staring down at her hands.
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