A month later - Selena sat on the couch in her room, the dim glow of her laptop screen casting eerie shadows on her face. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind, with Julian suddenly reappearing in her life, marrying her under mysterious circumstances, and now, saving her from Ryder’s assault. Her mind was a tangled web of emotions—gratitude, confusion, fear, and an inexplicable pull toward Julian that she couldn’t quite understand. He was an enigma, a man who seemed to harbor both hatred and protectiveness toward her in equal measure. She couldn’t understand him.At times, she saw nothing but hatred in his dark eyes, as if he resented her very existence. And yet, he always came for her, always protected her. Why? The question had been gnawing at her for days, keeping her awake at night, haunting her every thought. Julian was a man of power, influence, and terrifying control. But there was something else beneath his cold exterior—something deeply personal, something that tied him t
Ann sat in her luxurious penthouse, her manicured fingers trembling as she scrolled through the latest headlines. Her morning had started with excitement—she had been eagerly waiting for the news of Selena’s downfall. The paparazzi had received her tip-off, and Ryder had taken the bait. She had envisioned Selena’s career crumbling, her reputation in tatters, and her face plastered across every tabloid as the scandal unfolded. But instead of scandal, she was greeted with two shocking headlines that sent her world crashing down."Hollywood Actor Ryder Bennett Hospitalized After Mysterious Beating—Role Recast with A-List Star."And worse—"Grand Entertainment Inc. CEO Julian Mathers Announces Marriage—Wife Revealed to Be Actress Selena Frost!"Ann’s breath hitched, her mind struggling to process what she was seeing. Julian is married?! To Selena?!Her grip on her phone tightened, her nails digging into the sleek surface. Then, in a fit of uncontrollable rage, she threw the phone across
Next day, after work Julian and Selena we're returning home. The storm had come out of nowhere, a furious tempest that seemed to rise from the earth itself. The rain lashed against the car windows in relentless sheets, the wind howling like a wounded beast as Julian gripped the steering wheel, his jaw tight with concentration. Selena sat beside him, her hands clutching the edges of her seat, her heart pounding in sync with the thunder that rumbled overhead.“We can’t keep driving in this,” Julian said, his voice low but firm. “The roads are flooding, and visibility is zero. We need to find shelter.”Selena nodded, though her stomach churned with unease. The storm had turned the world into a chaotic blur, and the thought of being stranded in the middle of nowhere was unnerving. But Julian’s calm demeanor steadied her, even as the car hydroplaned slightly on the slick road.“There,” Julian said suddenly, his sharp eyes catching sight of a faint light in the distance. “That’s a cabin. W
The storm outside raged on, its fury unrelenting as rain lashed against the windows and wind howled through the trees. Inside the cabin, the fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The air was thick with tension, charged with an electricity that had been building between them for weeks, months, maybe even longer. Julian’s jacket hung loosely around Selena’s shoulders, but it did little to shield her from the heat of his gaze as he stared at her, his dark eyes filled with a hunger that made her pulse race.Julian’s hands were still on her hips, his grip firm and possessive, as if he was afraid she might slip away if he let go. Selena’s breath came in shallow gasps, her body trembling with a mixture of anticipation and desire. She could feel the heat of his body through the thin fabric of his shirt, and it sent a shiver down her spine.“Julian,” she whispered, her voice trembling, though she wasn’t sure if it was from fear or desire. His name felt like a pl
Few days later - Selena had expected their home to remain as cold and silent as ever. Their marriage had always been a transaction—an unspoken war of tension and unanswered questions. But lately, something had changed.It started with small things.One morning, she woke up to find breakfast already set on the dining table. Julian, dressed in his usual sharp suit, was sipping his coffee while flipping through the morning news.“You made breakfast?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.Julian didn’t even look up. “No. I told the chef to make something you’d like.”Selena’s lips twitched. Of course, he didn’t cook.Still, she sat down and took a bite of the eggs. They were seasoned just how she liked them.She stole a glance at Julian, noticing how relaxed he looked. His usual cold aura wasn’t as suffocating as before.It was… comfortable.She didn't say thank you, but she didn't need to. Julian simply continued drinking his coffee, as if this small gesture was nothing at all.—Later that ev
The rain outside had softened to a gentle drizzle, its rhythmic patter filling the silent room. The dim lighting cast a golden glow over the couch where Julian and Selena sat, still wrapped in the comfort of each other’s presence. Their laughter had faded, replaced by a quieter kind of intimacy—one woven through soft words and stolen touches.Julian’s fingers, warm and deliberate, traced the back of Selena’s hand again. His touch wasn’t demanding, yet it carried an unspoken weight. She could feel the heat of his palm, the roughness of his fingertips as they trailed lightly against her skin. He’s always so careful, she thought, like he’s afraid I’ll break. But I’m not fragile. Not with him. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she let herself sink into it, into him.His eyes, dark and unreadable, studied her. “You’re letting me touch you,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. She’s letting me in, Julian thought, his chest tightening. After everything, after all the walls she’s buil
Selena’s face burned with heat as she pushed Julian’s chest, attempting to create some space between them. Her heart was pounding too fast, her breath uneven. 'What am I doing?' she thought, panic and desire warring within her. 'This is too much. Too fast. I need to go.' “I need to go,” she muttered, trying to rise from the couch.But Julian was quicker.Before she could escape, his strong arm snaked around her waist, pulling her back against him. Selena gasped as her back met the firm wall of his chest. 'Why does he have to feel so good?' she wondered, her mind spinning. 'Why does his touch make me forget every reason I should leave?'“Where do you think you’re going?” His voice was low, deep, teasing—but laced with something darker, something that made her pulse quicken. 'That tone. It’s like he knows exactly what he’s doing to me,' she thought, her resolve wavering.Selena turned her head slightly, intending to glare at him, but when she met his gaze, she faltered. His eyes burned
The warm aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air as Selena set the tray down on the coffee table. She smiled, feeling a rare moment of peace as she poured the tea into delicate porcelain cups. Across from her, Julian’s grandmother sat comfortably on the plush couch, her wrinkled hands resting on her lap as she observed Selena with warm, knowing eyes. Grandma had come specifically to visit her today, and Selena couldn't deny how happy that made her. She had always liked Grandma—her presence was soothing, her words wise, and despite the sharpness she sometimes directed at Julian, it was clear she loved him deeply. Selena settled down next to her, offering her a cup. “I’m so glad you came, Grandma. It’s been a while since we last saw you.” Grandma accepted the tea with a gentle nod. “Of course, dear. I had to see how you were doing.” She took a sip, her sharp gaze flicking over Selena’s face before she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “Now, tell me honestly, are you pregn
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