Samantha adjusted her nightgown, tugging it slightly lower until the swell of her breasts became more pronounced. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror of the dark hallway, smoothing her hair and letting her lips curve into a sly smile. Time to start the plan, she thought. She wasn’t here just because she hated Selena—though that certainly sweetened the deal. Samantha had bigger goals, and Julian Mathers was the key to unlocking them.As she wandered down the hall, she spotted a faint light spilling from a crack in a door. The guest room? she thought, but as she moved closer, she realized it wasn’t. Peering inside, she saw Julian sitting in his study, his sleeves rolled up and his dark hair slightly mussed. He was leaning over his desk, focused intently on the papers in front of him.Samantha hesitated for a moment, her heart racing. Julian in person was even more intimidating than she’d imagined, but she wasn’t one to back down. You’ve got this, she told herself. Schooling her
The dining table had already been cleared, and Samantha, with her perfectly practiced smile, was saying her goodbyes. Grandma, always warm and welcoming, held Samantha’s hands. “You should visit more often, dear. You’re always welcome here,” she said, patting Samantha’s hand affectionately. Samantha nodded sweetly. “Of course, Grandma. I loved staying here. I’ll come again soon,” she promised, though in her mind, she was thinking something entirely different. 'Oh, I’ll definitely come again. Especially now that I know what I want.' She turned to Selena, who smiled at her warmly, completely oblivious to the venom hidden beneath her sister’s kindness. They hugged, and Samantha put on her best affectionate act. “Take care, okay?” Selena said, squeezing her lightly. Samantha pulled away, plastering on a pout. “Of course. And you too, sis.”And then, it was Julian’s turn. As she turned to him, she hesitated for just the right amount of time, as if nervous. Then, without waiti
Julian was in his office, flipping through a document when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. A number with no name. His muscles tensed. He knew this number. He hadn't seen it in a while, but the memory of the last call burned in his mind. The call that changed everything. Slowly, he reached for the phone, his fingers curling around it like a loaded gun. A strange feeling settled in his stomach—a mixture of anticipation and dread. He exhaled sharply before pressing the answer button. “Julian Mathers,” he said, keeping his voice steady. A low chuckle greeted him on the other end. “It’s nice to speak to you again, Julian.” That voice. Smooth, almost robotic, yet dripping with something sinister. His grip on the phone tightened. “Who are you?” The chuckle deepened. “Just someone who wants the best for you.” Julian’s jaw clenched. “Cut the crap. Why are you helping me?” “Helping?” The man sounded amused. “Oh, Julian. Do you really think I 'helped' you? I
The words hit her like a punch to the gut. Her heart stopped. Her stomach twisted. Did she hear him right? Her lips parted, but no words came out. He was…he was joking, right? But no—his eyes told her he wasn’t. Pure amusement danced in his expression, like he was watching a little bird trapped in a cage. Selena’s hands trembled. She didn’t know whether it was anger, shock, or something far more dangerous twisting inside her. She couldn’t even breathe properly. “W-What the hell?” she finally whispered. Julian tilted his head to have a better look of her nervous eyes. “What? I thought we were making deals, Selena.” Her body stiffened. She searched his face, desperate to find some sign that he was just trying to mess with her. But there was nothing. Only cold amusement. This was what he thought of her, wasn’t it? That she was just another actress willing to do 'anything' for fame. Julian watched her, soaking in every single reaction. It was fascinating, real
Julian ran a frustrated hand through his hair, his jaw clenching as he watched Selena storm away. What the hell was he doing? He let out a low groan, leaning back against his desk. His fingers curled into fists as a memory flashed through his mind—one that he hadn’t allowed himself to think about in years. Selena. Standing on a bright stage, cameras flashing, her signature dazzling smile lighting up the entire room. She had just been named the youngest top model of the year. Julian had been there too—not as an honored guest, not as one of the powerful figures shaking hands with her—but as a mere assistant to the photographer covering the event. Back then, he was just another nameless face in the crowd, watching her from behind the lens. She had been untouchable. A goddess in human form. And he? He was nothing. Just a man with a borrowed camera, standing in the shadows, admiring her from a distance. How ironic was it that now, she stood right in front of him—no longer
Few days later -Selena stepped into the restaurant, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. The place was upscale, with low-hanging chandeliers and plush velvet booths, but the atmosphere felt suffocating. She adjusted the strap of her purse, her fingers trembling slightly. This was her chance. Her 'only' chance. She couldn’t afford to mess this up.The director, a man in his late fifties with a receding hairline and a smug smile, was already seated at a corner table. He stood up as she approached, his eyes raking over her from head to toe in a way that made her skin crawl."Selena," he let out, his voice smooth but laced with something she couldn’t quite place. "It’s been a while. You look... stunning, as always.""Thank you, Mr. Grayson," she replied, forcing a polite smile. She slid into the seat across from him, her stomach churning. She could feel his gaze lingering on her, and it took every ounce of willpower not to squirm."So," he began, leaning back in his chai
Mr. Grayson sat in his office, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. The sting of Selena’s slap still burned on his cheek, a constant reminder of the humiliation he had suffered. A 'mere actress', a 'nobody', had dared to strike him.Him! A man of power, of influence. The audacity of it made his blood boil.He slammed his fist on the desk, the sound echoing through the room. "That 'bitch'," he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with rage. "Who does she think she is?"He pulled out his phone and dialed his manager, his fingers trembling with anger. The call connected after two rings."Grayson," his manager’s voice came through, calm and professional."Find out everything you can about Selena Frost," Grayson snapped, his voice low and venomous. "Where she is, what she’s doing, who she’s working with. I want to know 'everything'."There was a brief pause on the other end. "Selena Frost? The model-turned-actress? I thought she fell off the radar after that scandal.""Well, she
After the meeting, Julian returned to his office with lots of thoughts in his mind. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Grayson had agreed too easily and quickly. It wasn’t like him to be so...cooperative.He sat down at his desk, his thoughts drifting back to Selena. Why had he even mentioned her? His chest aches at the memory of their argument and how she was on the verge of crying and he rubbed his temples, trying to push the thoughts away. He didn’t owe her anything. He didn’t even 'like' her. So why was he helping her?"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his chair. He didn’t understand why he cared. But the truth was, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. About the way she had looked at him, the way she had fought back even when she had nothing left.He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He would talk to her about the movie. Not because he wanted to help her, but because he had made a promise. And Julian Mathers always kept his promis
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