Chapter 15
Early the next morning, Raine showed up at our house.
Maddox blocked him at the door with his one good arm: “Weren’t you supposed to be going out with Jade today? What are you doing here?”
I was lounging on the sofa watching cartoons when I heard him reply:
“After burning Lyra like that, I can’t focus on anything else. Let me see her.”
Thankfully, I’d prepared Maddox to be my spokesperson.
“Don’t bother. My sister can’t stand you right now. Might be PTSD or something.”
After rejecting Raine, Maddox joined me on the sofa.
“By the way,” he said, seemingly remembering something, “Uncle Julian asked me to share your contact info with him. Says since you were injured at their house, he feels responsible for monitoring your recovery.”
Seeing my silence, Maddox offered supportively: “I know you’re shy and don’t like dealing with people you’re not close to. Want me to decline for you?”
“No,” I responded quickly. “Go ahead and share it.”
After I spoke, Maddox gave me a complicated look.
Realizing my tone sounded off, I hastily added: “He’s practically family now. Refusing would be impolite.”
Within ten minutes, I received Julian’s friend request.
His profile was exactly what you’d expect–a solid black avatar, blank nickname, and completely private timeline.
In short, nothing to see.
His first message read: [Feeling better?]
I replied: [Much better, thank you, Uncle Julian.]
The typing indicator appeared several times on his end, but he sent nothing.
My foot healed within days, and Maddox’s cast came off.
My parents joked that our family’s streak of bad luck had finally ended–both children back in one piece.
After the Christmas, my internship would begin.
I’d secured a design position at a top firm. The pay was average, but the prestige was worth it. I’d need to report for duty right after the holiday.
– Dimal Stole the Spotlight
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Chapter 15
Maddox bought me a small apartment near the company and stuffed my bag with various self–defense tools.
“Call me if anything happens. Be extra careful.”
He’d arranged my independent living so thoughtfully, making me appreciate his reliability for the first time.
When had we become close?
That rainy night when I was eighteen, holding me with bloodshot eyes, repeating “I’m sorry” over and over.
Indeed, I never blamed him.
Days later, I received a message from Julian:
[I heard you moved out for your internship?]
I replied: [Yes, it’s quite far from home.]
After a long pause: [Send me your location.]
After I sent it, he didn’t respond.
Until the following evening: [Waiting downstairs for you.]
I’d just finished overtime on a design project and rushed down–a Bentley Continental waited below.
Running around to the driver’s side, I saw Julian’s face reflected in the side mirror as the window lowered.
“Uncle Julian, what brings you here?”
“Had a business meeting nearby. Thought I’d check on you.”
Do business meetings no longer require drivers?
After this exchange, we both fell silent.
“Ahem…” I looked away, asking: “Would you like to come up?”
“No. Get in.”
I tried the back door but couldn’t open it.
“Sit in front,” he said in a deep voice.
I reluctantly took the passenger seat.
Julian took me to a private restaurant. Though somewhat remote, it boasted expansive grounds with exquisite landscaping–every step revealing a new vista.
The restaurant had no menu. Julian asked what I’d like to eat, and as I named several dishes, they all proved
available.
Commal.. Dating Mu Prothor’s REC Until His Hotter Rival Stole the Spotlight
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Chapter 15
I couldn’t help studying him surreptitiously. He ate with perfect manners–food never falling from his fork, never making the slightest sound.
The overhead light illuminated his face, his eyelashes casting deep shadows.
I thought God must favor some people more than others, and Julian Storm was clearly among the favored. Born with everything–wealth, status, intelligence, charm, physique, looks–he excelled in every way.
I wondered: did someone like him have troubles?
“What are you thinking?” he asked, looking up.
“I was wondering if you ever have worries.”
He pressed his lips together, appearing to consider the question.
“Yes,” he finally answered. “I don’t know how to make a girl like me.”
His dark eyes locked onto mine.
Huh? Was there a poisonous mushroom in the dish that has caused me to hallucinate?
9.5%
Chapter 16
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.