Chapter 20 Consumed by jealousy
Behind the Billionaire's Mask!
Chapter 19
Julian's POV
"Yeah, I will be there soon," I said on the phone to Caleb before he hung up. Today is Caleb's wedding day.
"But why the fuck is Sophie delaying me?" I muttered, glancing up at the stairs. As if summoned by my frustration, she began descending the staircase.
But why the fuck is she so beautiful?
Her hair was elegantly pinned up, with a few rebellious strands curling delicately at the side of her face. She wore a deep emerald dress that hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves while still maintaining an air of sophistication. The fabric shimmered in the light, drawing my eyes to her every movement.
"Julian," she said softly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Are you ready to go? You know Caleb won’t wait forever."
I swallowed hard, trying to shake off the effect she had on me. "Yeah, just—give me a minute." I needed to gather my thoughts.
She stepped closer, her gaze searching mine. "You okay? You seem... distracted."
I forced a smile, hoping it masked the turmoil inside. "Just thinking about the wedding. Big day for Caleb."
Sophie nodded, but her expression hinted at something deeper. "And for you, too. You’re not just a guest, you know."
I chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Right, the best man. I’ll make sure he doesn’t trip on the way to the altar."
As she laughed, I couldn't help but admire the way her eyes sparkled. But then the weight of my own feelings crashed down on me again. I was supposed to be focused.
"Focus, Julian, Focus!" I told myself. She has someone she likes. She said it herself!.But why was I hurt by it? I was just hurt that a wife—my wife—specifically had someone she liked...nothing more.
I had intentionally gone to the hospital that day when the driver I had assigned to her, meant to report her every move to me, had told me she was at the hospital. But I was shocked when she said she loved someone now.
I asked her who, but she refused to say the person's name, which infuriated me. The image of her with someone else gnawed at me.
"What’s going on, Julian?" Sophie’s voice broke through my thoughts. "You’re really quiet."
I shook my head, forcing myself back to the present. "Let's go," I said, heading outside without waiting for her. I could hear Sophie’s footsteps behind me, her presence both comforting and unsettling at the same time.
As we reached the car, my bodyguard opened the door for me, and the driver opened the door for Sophie. She slid into the seat, her dress flowing elegantly around her.
The silence in the car was thick, filled with unspoken words and underlying tension.
I glanced at Sophie, who was looking out the window, her expression contemplative. I wanted to break the silence, to ask her what she was really thinking, but the fear of the answer held me back.
"My gee." Caleb greeted me, giving me a hug. "You are Sophie, right?"
"Yes." Sophie answered.
"Wow, I've only seen you on TV. You look better in person."
Caleb’s compliment hung in the air, and I could feel Sophie’s cheeks flush slightly. I shot her a quick glance, trying to gauge her reaction.
“Thanks, Caleb,” she replied, her voice light and teasing. "You clean up pretty well yourself."
Caleb chuckled, his usual charm radiating as he turned to me. “And you, my friend, are looking sharp. Ready to make sure I don’t embarrass myself?”
“Always,” I said, smiling.
As we made our way into the venue, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Guests mingled, laughter echoed, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. It was everything a wedding should be. I can see some guys gawking at Sophie, and I felt like putting a trigger on their heads.
As the ceremony began, I stood at the altar, my chest tight. Caleb was nervous, pacing slightly as he awaited his bride. I glanced at Sophie, who caught my eye and smiled. At that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room.
Then the music began, and all eyes turned to the entrance. The doors swung open, revealing a stunning bride bathed in light. Caleb’s breath hitched beside me, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy mixed with admiration.
They exchanged vows, and everyone clapped.
Finally, the moment came when Caleb and his bride sealed their vows with a kiss. The crowd erupted in cheers, and I smiled, clapping along. i was sincerely happy for Caleb and Jasmine. They look good together.
I excused myself to go to the restroom. The restroom was quiet, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere outside. I splashed cold water on my face, adjusted my tie, and made my way back to the reception. The laughter and music grew louder as I approached.
As I entered the room, I scanned the crowd. Caleb and Jasmine were surrounded by guests, beaming with happiness. But my eyes quickly found Sophie. She was standing a little apart, her deep emerald dress contrasting beautifully with the soft pastels of the wedding decor. She was laughing with a guy sipping champagne, his dark hair perfectly styled, and his charming smile seemingly effortless.
The way he leaned in closer to her made my stomach twist. He was tall, with an easy confidence that contrasted sharply with my growing unease. As he whispered something in her ear, Sophie’s laughter rang out, bright and genuine. I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling under the surface. The sight twisted something deep inside me. I didn’t want to feel jealous; I didn’t want to care. But watching her smile at him felt like a betrayal. That was not what was in the contract.
I made my way over to them, my heart pounding with anger. As I reached them, I grabbed Sophie by the wrist, dragging her away from the guy, ignoring her startled protests.
“Julian, you’re hurting me!” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with shock.
I stopped when we got to the car, releasing her wrist. She touched it gently, her skin reddened from how tightly I had gripped her. Regret flashed through me, but I quickly buried it beneath a wave of frustration.
“What do you think you were doing?” I demanded, glaring at her. “You were talking with a guy in public, laughing, and doing all sorts of things.”
She blinked, bewildered. “He was just—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” I cut her short, my voice rising. “You signed a contract, and I expect you to follow it to the very end. Your body, soul, and even your life are mine until the end of the contract, which is now sixteen months. So, you can’t go around falling for guys just because they’re handsome!”
The words came out harsher than I intended, fueled by an emotion I couldn’t quite grasp. Sophie’s eyes widened, a mix of hurt and defiance swirling within them. “Julian, you should at least listen to me. He came...”
Something shifted in the air between us, and I didn't hear anything she was saying, only her lips.
"Julian..." She called, and without thinking, I leaned in closer, driven by a sudden impulse I couldn't control. Before I could process what I was doing, I was already kissing her.