She blinked, slightly confused but nodded. As the door clicked shut behind them, she was suddenly very aware of the space between them. Julian stood just a little too close, his posture tense, his eyes searching hers. There was something different in his stare, something that wasn’t just anger or disappointment. Something more personal. “You’ve been awfully distracted today,” he said, his voice tight with an emotion Selena couldn’t quite place. “Were you paying attention during that meeting at all?” Selena opened her mouth to reply, but he cut her off, his gaze flitting to the door where the producer had just exited. “You were practically glued to him,” Julian said, his words sharp, tinged with something unspoken. “Is he your type? The young, handsome, confident type?” Her eyes widened in surprise. She tried to shake her head, to deny it, but Julian didn’t let her. He stepped closer, his breath warm against her skin, and for the first time, she felt a hint of vulnerability from
Selena's lips still tingling from the forceful kiss he had planted on her. She was furious—livid, actually. She could feel her cheeks burning with a mix of anger and embarrassment.“That devil!” she muttered under her breath as she marched down the hallway. “Who does he think he is? Playing with my face, throwing his absurd possessiveness at me, and then—then kissing me like he owns me? Ugh!”She clutched her chest dramatically as if she could physically pull the frustration out. “I’m not some item he can lay claim to!” she seethed. “And why—why does my heart still race like an idiot? Stupid, traitorous body!” She kicked at the air, muttering a string of curses that would have made a sailor blush.As she made her way to the canteen to grab a coffee and calm herself down, she ran into a group of female employees. The "mean girls," as Selena had dubbed them internally, were waiting for her like hyenas circling their prey.“Oh, look, it’s the princess herself,” said Ashley, the unoffici
Selena gritted her teeth as she carried yet another heavy box toward the storage room, her arms trembling under the weight. “This is the last one,” she muttered to herself, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I swear, if I drop dead, someone better carve on my tombstone: *Here lies Selena Frost, buried under the mountain of pettiness known as corporate life.*” Her footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway. Most of the employees had already left, leaving her alone to finish the so-called “important” task. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she pushed the door to the storage room open with her foot, muttering, “Just you wait, Ashley. One day, karma’s going to—” “Talking to yourself again, Ms. Frost?” Selena froze mid-step, nearly dropping the box.She turned to see Julian leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed and a maddening smirk plastered across his face. His dark eyes glinted with amusement, and his tailored suit made him look annoyingly perfect even at the end of the workda
Selena’s heart raced as Julian’s hand clamped over her mouth, pulling her behind a towering shelf filled with dusty files and old office supplies. The dimly lit storage room suddenly felt claustrophobic, their bodies pressed close together. Julian’s scent—a mix of cedarwood and something distinctly him—filled her senses, making her pulse quicken.“Who left the storage room open again?” a guard’s voice grumbled from outside.Selena stiffened, her eyes wide as she looked at Julian. His expression was calm, but his dark eyes glinted with amusement.“Probably those careless employees,” the guard continued, his voice fading as he muttered to himself. Then came the unmistakable click of a lock.The sound echoed like a death knell in the silent room. Selena froze, her gaze snapping to Julian, whose hand was still over her mouth. He seemed entirely unbothered, his smirk growing as his eyes locked onto hers.A wave of heat rushed through her, her cheeks burning. She pushed his hand away, her v
Selena shifted uncomfortably on the cold floor of the storage room, stealing a glance at Julian. To her surprise, he was already looking at her, his dark, intense gaze catching her off guard.Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly looked away, pretending to adjust the hem of her skirt. What was wrong with this man? His mood swings were more erratic than anything she had ever encountered. One minute he was teasing her, and the next he was dead serious. He was nothing like the cold, menacing man she had first met—threatening her with that wicked grin and his cutting words. But despite the occasional glimpses of softness, he was still the same arrogant, cunning jerk she couldn’t figure out. Clearing her throat, she finally spoke up, breaking the awkward silence. “Shouldn’t you call someone? It’s getting late.” To her surprise, he didn’t tease her this time. Instead, he nodded, pulling out his phone. “Fine.” Selena blinked, thrown by his lack of resistance. Was he... cooperating?
Few days later -Selena tossed her phone on the couch and sank into it, frustration bubbling inside her. Over the past few days, her phone had been blowing up with calls from various media companies, all asking for interviews or suggesting projects based on her "retirement." She didn’t understand why they were so persistent or where they had even gotten her number. Celebrity contact details were guarded like state secrets, and she had been out of the spotlight long enough to fade from the public eye—or so she thought.Grabbing her tablet, she scrolled through social media and news sites, her blood boiling as she stumbled upon several articles speculating about her so-called retirement. “The Decline of a Star: Selena Frost’s Silent Exit from the Industry”“Once a Queen, Now a Has-Been? Selena Frost’s Career in Limbo” Her jaw tightened as she read through the baseless rumors. “This is ridiculous,” she muttered. “It’s not like I officially announced anything about retiring!” Sur
The dining room hummed with the soft clinking of dishes as Selena stacked her plate atop her sister’s. The faint aroma of roasted chicken and garlic still lingered in the air. Her father leaned back in his chair, the lines on his face softened with the warmth of family and a lingering hope. “Selena,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern, “I’m still looking for someone who can help you. Don’t worry; we’ll figure it out.” Samantha stood beside him, nodding as she dried her hands with a dish towel. “He’s right. You’re not alone in this. Take care of yourself, okay?” Selena’s throat tightened as she placed the last dish in the sink. She turned to face them, her eyes glistening but her lips curving into a grateful smile. “I know. Thank you—both of you.” Samantha crossed the room first, pulling Selena into a firm hug. “You’ve got this. Just… call me if you need anything, even if it’s something small.” “I will,” Selena whispered, squeezing her back before stepping to
Julian lounged on the couch in the living room, the soft glow of his phone illuminating his face. He stared at the photos his hired man had sent—Selena sitting at a dinner table with her family. His lips curled into a faint smirk as he scrolled through them. "So, that's it? A family dinner," he muttered to himself. "Here I thought she was off having some scandalous affair." He tossed his phone onto the coffee table and leaned back, rubbing his temple. The relief was unexpected. For reasons he couldn’t quite put into words, the thought of her meeting someone secretly had left a sour taste in his mouth. When the door opened, Julian's eyes flicked up to see Selena walking in. She looked tired, pulling off her hat and sunglasses as she kicked off her shoes at the entrance. She stopped mid-step when her gaze met his, her body tensing like a deer caught in headlights. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice hesitant. Julian raised a brow and crossed his arms. "This is my h
The breakfast table was laden with the usual luxurious spread: freshly baked croissants, colorful fruit platters, steaming coffee, and a variety of gourmet dishes that only a household like Julian’s could produce. Selena sat quietly, nibbling on a piece of toast, still half-asleep but grateful for the calm. Julian was reading his tablet, his sharp eyes darting over the stock updates. Grandma, however, had other plans. “Selena,” she began, her tone sweet but mischievous, “how are you feeling this morning?” Selena looked up, surprised at the sudden attention. “Uh… fine, Grandma. Why?” “Good, good.” Grandma took a sip of her tea, her eyes twinkling. “And? Any news?” Selena blinked, confused. “News?” Julian glanced up from his tablet, his brow furrowing. “What news?” Grandma leaned forward, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “About the baby, of course!” Selena’s eyes widened in horror, and the toast she’d just bitten into caught in her throat. She coughed violently, grab
Selena sat at the dining table, absently picking at her dinner. The quiet clinking of her fork against the plate was the only sound in the large dining room. Her mind kept drifting back to Julian’s unexpected act of kindness. Why had he put his jacket over her? Why did he care that she was cold? Wasn’t he the same man who spent most of his time making her life miserable with his arrogance and unreasonable demands? Her brow furrowed as she chewed a bite of food. 'He’s so strange. One moment he’s glaring at me like I’ve offended his ancestors, and the next he’s being…considerate?' She thought about the way he’d looked at her earlier when she asked about the jacket. There was something in his eyes—something she couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t the usual irritation or condescension. It was softer, almost human. But then, just like always, he’d ruined the moment with his sharp tongue, calling her a wet cat. Selena let out a frustrated sigh and stabbed at a piece of chicken. 'He’s u
Selena clenched her fists, her jaw tightening as she swallowed the insults bubbling on her tongue. 'What is wrong with him?' She turned her attention to the room, her gaze darting over the rows of leather-bound books, the sleek wooden furniture, and the perfectly organized desk. Everything about the space screamed dark and gloomy, just like its owner. She groaned loudly, hoping to irritate him, but Julian didn’t even glance her way. 'What’s the point of having such a handsome face if he’s such an asshole?' she thought bitterly, her gaze involuntarily lingering on him. She hated that she couldn’t ignore his looks. His sharp jawline, the way his dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, the intensity in his eyes as he read—it was all infuriatingly perfect. But then, she reminded herself, his good looks were wasted on his devilish personality. 'How can someone who looks like that be so unreasonable?' she wondered, glaring at him. 'Does he think locking me up is going to make me
“You have officially lost your mind,” Selena said, her voice sharp. “What exactly do you think you’re accomplishing by locking me in here?” He stopped pacing and turned to her, his expression unreadable but his tone laced with steel. “I’m accomplishing something you clearly need—a lesson in accountability.” She rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply. “Oh, please. You act like I’m some rebellious teenager sneaking out after curfew. Newsflash, Julian: I’m an adult. I don’t owe you an explanation for every little thing I do.” “You’re right,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You don’t owe me every explanation. But you sure as hell owe me honesty when something affects your safety.” Her eyes narrowed. “What are you even talking about? I didn’t do anything!” “Oh, really?” He stepped closer, his towering presence forcing her to look up at him. “So did you tell me about the accident that happened yesterday? And the phone calls? You keep things to yourself, pretending everything’s f
Julian returned to his home after leaving Ethan at his private resort, his head pounding from the endless meetings and the confrontation with Ethan at the resort. All he wanted was some peace, but the sharp sound of Selena’s voice cut through the silence like a knife.“I said no! For the last time, stop calling me about this documentary! If you don’t leave me alone, I’ll report you!”Her tone was sharp and aggressive, but Julian could hear the tension underlying it. He frowned, his footsteps quickening as he headed toward her room.Selena stood by the window, her shoulders stiff and her phone clenched tightly in her hand. She tossed it onto the bed with an exasperated sigh.“What’s going on?” Julian asked, leaning against the doorframe.She turned to face him, startled. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at work?”He crossed his arms. “I asked first.”“It’s nothing,” she said softly, brushing past him to grab a glass of water. “Just some annoying calls. I’ve dealt with it.”“Annoying
Julian was reviewing contracts in his office when his phone rang. Seeing Ethan’s name flash on the screen, he sighed heavily, already anticipating chaos. Reluctantly, he answered. “What now?” Julian asked, rubbing his temples. “Where are you?” Ethan’s voice was casual but persistent. “I’m at the office,” Julian replied curtly. “Why?” “Well,” Ethan began slowly, “since I’m on holiday, I thought, why waste money on a hotel when I can stay in your massive mansion instead? It’s got more than enough room.” Julian froze, his pen slipping from his fingers. His eyes widened in alarm as the implications sank in. “Absolutely not,” he said firmly. “What? Why not?” Ethan’s tone was laced with disbelief. “What kind of friend are you? I let you crash at my place whenever you wanted, but now you’re rejecting me?” Julian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Why can’t you stay with Matt or Liam?” “Matt’s got some weird girlfriend situation, and Liam’s family is visiting. So that
Selena woke up to the gentle sound of birds chirping and the faint rustling of servants outside her door. The sun filtered in through the curtains, casting a warm glow across her room.Despite the beautiful morning, her mood was far from sunny. Memories of Julian’s taunts, his arrogance, and his infuriating smirk from yesterday lingered in her mind. She groaned, tossing off the blanket as she got ready for breakfast. When she entered the dining room, she was greeted by the sight of Julian already seated at the head of the table. He looked every bit the composed CEO—crisp suit, perfectly styled hair, and an iPad in hand as he scanned his schedule. The servants were bustling around, refilling his coffee and placing her breakfast in front of her. Selena, still sticking to her silent treatment, quietly sat down and began eating. Julian didn’t seem to notice her lack of conversation—or perhaps he didn’t care. He remained engrossed in his work, his eyes never leaving the screen as he si
The hum of the car engine barely registered as Julian’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles white. His mind was a whirlwind of frustration, confusion, and an emotion he refused to name. Why hadn’t Selena told him about the accident? Why did she keep hiding things? And Ethan—the so-called lovesick fool carrying around her earring—was now at the center of this tangled mess.Julian’s phone buzzed, pulling him from his spiraling thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from his private investigator. Opening it, he was met with a series of photos. The first showed Selena walking down a quiet street, wearing her hat, sunglasses, and mask. The second captured the exact moment she collided with a bike. A man wearing a helmet was caught mid-action, reaching out to steady her. The third showed her walking away, while the man stared after her, something shiny in his hand. Julian’s jaw clenched as his eyes darted between the photos. His mind pieced the story togeth
“Oh, please,” Ethan jumped in, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “You’ve got the charm of a brick wall. Tell me you’ve at least gone on a date this decade.” Julian leaned back in his seat, unamused. “I’ve been busy running a company. Some of us don’t have the luxury of endless vacations and pointless parties.” “Translation: he has no game,” Liam interjected, earning a round of chuckles. Matt leaned forward. “You know what they say about guys like you? All power and no romance. You’re going to end up dying alone in a penthouse full of spreadsheets.” Julian rolled his eyes, swirling his drink lazily. “And you’ll end up broke, trying to fund your next bad idea.” “Deflection,” Ethan declared dramatically, pointing at Julian. “Classic move from someone with no love life to speak of. Come on, man, just admit it. When’s the last time you even looked at a woman?” Julian’s jaw tightened, but his smirk didn’t waver. “Unlike you lot, I don’t feel the need to broadcast my personal life.”