Chapter 59 A Different Kind Of Together
The convoy pulled away from the reception venue, Julian driving the lead car himself, while Vincent followed behind in the newly gifted vehicle, Sheila seated beside him and clearly enjoying every second of it.
Inside Julian’s car, the atmosphere felt strangely lighter than it had minutes ago.
Seraphina leaned back into the leather seat and glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “I just hope Sheila doesn’t ask Vincent out in that car,” she said, chuckling at the thought of it.
Julian raised a brow. “Why would you say that?”
“She’s been completely swooned by him. She seemed to like him.” Seraphina replied.
A short, tight chuckle slipped from Julian’s lips. “Unfortunately, Vincent happens to have a woman in his life.”
Seraphina turned to him fully. “Really?”
He nodded. “I don’t know who she is,” he added, eyes still on the road. “He’s hiding it. And I’m not interested in digging.”
Seraphina watched the city lights glide across his face before speaking again. “You seemed uncomfortable with that man who gave me the bouquet.”
The change in Julian’s demeanor after those words left her lips was immediate, even if subtle. His hands tightened around the steering wheel, and she noticed. He did not answer.
Instead, he asked, “How are you feeling now?”
She scoffed lightly. “I faked being unwell to help you out of whatever difficult conversation you were having.”
That made him glance at her, surprise written all over his expression. She had expected him to soften, maybe even smile in acknowledgment.
He did neither.
Silence stretched between them, heavier this time.
“Was he part of your dangerous world?” she asked carefully.
“It’s none of your business.” He replied sharply.
The air cooled instantly.
“And you shouldn’t bother trying to bail me out again. Not like I needed bailing.” he continued. “I can handle myself.”
Seraphina let out a slow breath. “Here we go again.”
He shot her a look. “What does that mean?”
“It means I’m trying to get to know your life better,” she replied, her tone edged with frustration. “We’re going to be living together for a year. I’m not asking to run your operations. I just don’t want to feel like I’m sharing a house with a stranger.”
Julian’s grip on the wheel eased slightly.
“That’s because I don’t want to involve you in danger,” he said. There was no arrogance in it. Just finality.
She sighed and turned toward the window.
They drove the rest of the way in silence.
By the time they arrived home, the quiet between them had turned heavier. Before stepping out of the car, Seraphina faced him. “Can I sleep in my room tonight? I… I just want to be alone.”
Julian’s gaze narrowed at her, sitting there for a second longer than necessary.
Seraphina took that as neither permission nor refusal. She stepped out of the car anyway and made her way inside.
The security guards congratulated her as she entered, their voices respectful and warm.
“Congratulations, ma’am.”
“Happy married life.”
She smiled at each of them, offering quiet thank-yous as she passed, still in her wedding gown. The fabric felt heavier now, less symbolic and more exhausting.
Upstairs, she barely had time to sit before a knock sounded on her door.
Joye.
“Do you need anything?” Joye asked gently when Seraphina opened it.
“I’m okay,” Seraphina said. “You’re free for today and tomorrow. I want to handle the house chores myself.” She added a smile to not make her worry, but she did anyway.
Joye frowned slightly. “Master might not like that.”
“Trust me, it’ll be fine.”
There was something reassuring in her tone that made Joye hesitate, then nod. “Alright. I’ll check in later.”
“And…Joye?”
Joye turned back around.
“You looked stunning today. You should dress more often.
Joye’s lips stretched into a big grin. “That coming from a gorgeous woman like you? I feel above the world.”
Sera chuckled.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
When Joye left, Sheila arrived moments after, practically glowing.
“Happy married life, best friend.” she said, pulling Seraphina into a quick hug.
Seraphina laughed softly. “You’ve said that three times already.”
“And I’ll say it ten more,” Then her expression shifted. “As much as I want to stay, work is calling. I have to return to Seattle tomorrow. Besides…” She wiggled her brows. “You and your hot-as-hell hubby need privacy. Honeymoon and all.”
Seraphina forced a smile.
If only Sheila knew.
She hugged her tightly instead. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll call every day,” Sheila promised.
When she left to sleep in the guestroom, the house grew unusually quiet.
Later that night, Seraphina changed into her pajamas and sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts restless.
Julian.
Phoenix.
The two names circled endlessly in her mind.
She knew Julian would protect their son with everything he had until the time came for her to meet him again. That much she did not doubt. For all his harshness, he was fiercely protective of what was his.
And that included their child.
But her thoughts kept drifting back to him.
Julian.
As cold as he could be, she had seen glimpses- brief, unguarded flashes of his softer parts. The way he looked at her when she was unwell. The way his voice changed when he spoke to her privately sometimes. How he had acted freely towards Sheila and Joye in the garden, though it was meant to be an act. It also meant he could afford light emotions.
She could not unsee it.
And the most unsettling part was that it intrigued her more than it should. Julian had suffered, betrayed by his own very family, and something also told her there was more to his childhood. He didn’t just develop into a cold-hearted being without reason. The world shaped him. She wished he could bare his soul to her.
They didn’t even have to be together. She just wanted to care for the father of her child.
She considered going to his room.
Just to talk.
Just to clear the air.
But then she remembered what he had said the last time about not wanting to lose focus with her.
He had set clear boundaries. She shouldn’t defy that.
She exhaled and leaned back against her pillows.
Maybe she would just sleep in Sheila’s guest room tonight. A different space with company might quiet her thoughts.
She stood and straightened her pajamas, brushing her hair back as she walked toward the door.
The moment she opened it, her body jolted.
Because right there-at her doorstep- was Julian.