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
Monday - Julian sat at his desk, the weight of the morning’s workload spread out before him. His pen moved swiftly across the paper, signing document after document. The room was silent save for the faint scratching of his pen and the soft hum of the air conditioning. Clara entered quietly, clutching a folder tightly to her chest. Her usually composed demeanor was tinged with unease, and Julian immediately noticed.“Speak,” Julian said without looking up, his voice sharp yet calm.Clara cleared her throat. “Sir, I wanted to report something... about Selena.”Julian’s pen froze mid-signature. He glanced up at Clara, his sharp gaze immediately making her hesitate.“She’s been doing well,” Clara continued quickly, her tone betraying her nervousness. “She’s catching on to her tasks fast, and she hasn’t caused any major issues since you assigned me to oversee her work.”Julian raised a brow, leaning back in his chair. “And yet, you’re here. You wouldn’t bother me with a simple progress r
Julian paced back and forth in his office, the heavy sound of his leather shoes echoing through the room. Over the past few weeks, he had intentionally assigned Selena the most tedious and unpleasant tasks, expecting her to snap under the pressure or come crying to him for help. Instead, to his growing frustration—and perhaps begrudging admiration—she completed each assignment with unwavering determination.Not once did she complain, misuse her position as his wife, or attempt to dodge her responsibilities. In fact, she often exceeded expectations, leaving even some of the senior employees impressed.“She’s not just a spoiled princess after all,” Julian muttered to himself, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Interesting.”Curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to summon Selena to his office. He pressed the intercom button and instructed Clara to send Selena in. As he waited, he walked to the window overlooking the office floor. His sharp eyes scanned the room
Selena sat in the back garden, her fingers absentmindedly pulling at the blades of grass beneath her. Julian’s words replayed in her mind like a haunting melody: “A failed actress.” She clenched her jaw, trying to hold back tears. She had been called many things in her career—arrogant, difficult, even cold—but this label stung the most because, deep down, she feared it was true. Her once-bright career was now a distant memory. She thought of the flashing lights, the red carpets, and the adoring fans. It all felt like a lifetime ago. Now, she was stuck here, playing house in a marriage that wasn’t real and doing menial tasks in a company where people saw her as nothing more than a charity case or a punching bag. "Am I really just a failure now?" she whispered to herself. Her chest tightened, the ache of her insecurities clawing at her. She had sacrificed so much for her career, yet it had crumbled in an instant. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Cassandra approaching until
Julian was sitting in his study, the faint glow of his desk lamp illuminating the stack of documents he was reviewing. He had just started making some progress when his phone buzzed on the desk. He glanced at the screen, recognizing the name instantly: Ethan. Ethan was one of his oldest friends, someone he had managed to stay in touch with despite his busy life. But Ethan wasn’t the type to call for small talk. Julian sighed and picked up the phone. “What do you want, Ethan?” “Julian! Is that any way to greet an old friend?” Ethan’s voice boomed through the line, full of energy and excitement. Julian pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m busy. Get to the point.” “Well, Mr. Busy CEO, I’m back in the country!” Ethan declared. Julian raised an eyebrow. “You’re back? What happened to that extended stay in Europe?” “Got bored. Anyway, everyone’s meeting at the usual spot tonight—the bar. You’re coming.” Julian leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple. “I don’t have time
“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 li
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