Few days later - Selena sat in the makeup trailer, her hands trembling as she clutched the script for the movie she had been reluctantly cast in. The words on the pages blurred as tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to let anyone see her vulnerability. She had wanted to talk to Julian about turning down the role, but he had been called away on urgent business for two days, leaving her with no choice but to proceed. Her new manager, a middle-aged man named Derek, had been assigned to her by the production company. He was polite but distant, more concerned with keeping the project on track than with Selena’s well-being. “Selena, you’re up in five,” Derek said, poking his head into the trailer. His tone was brisk, almost dismissive. She nodded, forcing a smile. “I’ll be there.” As she stepped onto the set, she felt the weight of Grayson’s gaze on her. He was the director, a man with a reputation for being charming on the surface but ruthless beneath
Grayson sat in the plush hotel suite, a glass of expensive whiskey in his hand, his patience wearing thin. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, each second stretching into an eternity as he waited for Selena to arrive. The room was dimly lit, the ambiance carefully set to intimidate and seduce, but as the hours dragged on, his anticipation turned to simmering rage. By midnight, it was clear she wasn’t coming. Grayson slammed his glass down on the table, the liquid sloshing over the edge. His face twisted into a mask of fury as he paced the room, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge. “That little bitch,” he muttered under his breath, his voice low and venomous. “She thinks she can play me? She thinks she can humiliate me and get away with it? How dare she didn't come and meet me?” He grabbed his coat and stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the empty hallway. As he stepped into the elevator, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Derek,” he barked wh
Selena sat in her small office, the weight of the past few days pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket. Her mind raced as she tried to piece together a plan, a way out of the nightmare she had found herself in. She had always known the entertainment industry wasn’t perfect, but she had never imagined it could be this dark, this cruel. She leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling as memories of the stories she had heard over the years flooded her mind. Stories of actors and actresses who had been exploited, manipulated, and abused by those in power. She had always pitied them, even tried to help some of them when she could. But now, she was living their nightmare, and it was far worse than she had ever imagined. One memory stood out vividly in her mind. A few years ago, a young actress named Mia had come to her, trembling and tearful. Mia had been cast in a small role in a major film, but the director had demanded “special favors” in exchange for keeping her in th
The next morning, Selena arrived on set with a heavy heart. She had barely slept, her mind consumed with worry about what Grayson might do next. She tried to steel herself, to put on a brave face, but the weight of the situation was crushing her. As she walked onto the set, she noticed the crew members whispering among themselves, casting furtive glances in her direction. She ignored them, focusing on preparing for the day’s shoot. But before she could even reach her trailer, Derek, her manager, stormed up to her, his face red with anger. “Selena?!” he barked, his voice sharp enough to cut through the noise of the set. “A word. Now.” Selena’s stomach dropped, but she followed him to a quiet corner, her heart pounding. Derek turned to face her, his expression cold and furious. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” he demanded, his voice low but seething with rage. Selena blinked, confused. “What are you talking about?” “You’re out of the movie!” Derek snapped, his words
Julian sat at the head of the long, polished conference table, his expression calm but his eyes sharp as he listened to the executives presenting their quarterly reports. The room was filled with the company’s top brass, all of whom were on edge, carefully choosing their words to avoid his infamous temper. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with the unspoken pressure of Julian’s presence. He was a man who commanded respect, not just because of his wealth and power, but because of the aura of control he exuded. No one dared to cross him. But then, his phone buzzed. Julian glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing slightly as he saw Clara’s name. He rarely received calls during meetings, and Clara knew better than to disturb him unless it was urgent. “Excuse me,” he said, his voice calm but firm, as he stood and walked out of the room. The executives exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. They had seen that look on Julian’s face before, and it never ended well for who
Selena sat in her car, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she tried to steady her breathing. The humiliation of being publicly degraded by Derek still burned in her chest, but beneath the anger and shame, there was a strange sense of relief. She didn’t mind being out of the movie. In fact, she was almost glad. Working with Grayson had been a nightmare, and she had no desire to endure his exploitation any longer. She had always prided herself on her integrity, and the thought of compromising her values for a role made her stomach churn. “It’s better this way,” she muttered to herself, her voice low but firm. “I don’t need that bastard’s movie.” But despite her resolve, the humiliation still stung. She had worked hard to build her career, and to have it torn down so publicly, so viciously, was a blow to her pride. She had always been a fighter, but even fighters had their limits. Meanwhile, Grayson sat in his office, a smug smile on his face as he sipped his whiskey. He ha
"She already said she’s not interested."The deep, commanding voice sliced through the tense atmosphere like a knife.Selena stiffened. Her breath hitched as she turned her head sharply.Julian.He stood at the entrance of the private lounge, towering over everyone in the room. His dark, sharp gaze was locked onto Grayson, his expression unreadable yet exuding an undeniable menace. Clad in a perfectly tailored black suit, he looked like a man who owned the entire world—and in some ways, he did.But what struck Selena the most wasn’t just his presence. It was the cold fury radiating off him in waves, barely restrained.He was watching?Grayson, however, smirked lazily, completely unfazed. He leaned back against the plush leather seat, swirling the whiskey in his glass."Julian Mathers himself. What an unexpected surprise."Julian took slow, deliberate steps forward, his every movement calculated, predatory. His lips curled into a sneer."Is it?" His voice was eerily calm, which somehow
Julian dropped into his chair, running a hand through his hair as he exhaled sharply. His white dress shirt clung to his back slightly, damp with sweat.Selena frowned as she watched him. Why is he sweating?Julian Mathers was always composed, always carrying himself with an air of untouchable confidence. Yet now, he looked rushed—his breathing uneven, his normally pristine suit slightly disheveled. She had never seen him like this before.It didn’t make sense.Though she was unaware that he came rushing into the office as soon as he got out of the airport when she received a text from Clara letting him know that Grayson is harassing Selena again. Thank God, he got in at the right time. Before she could ask, his sharp gaze locked onto her, making her tense."Why the hell didn’t you tell me about Grayson?"Selena flinched at the sharpness of his tone."I…" She hesitated, looking away. "I just didn’t think it mattered."Julian scoffed. "Didn’t matter?" His voice was dangerously low, h
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