Chapter 168

Chapter 168
Sophia's POV:

After Julian dropped me off, I didn't just walk into the house—I floated. I threw my arms around my mother and planted a loud kiss on her cheek. 

"What are you so happy about?" Mom laughed. "Did you find a bag of money?"

"Mom, you don't know me at all," I said. "Does money make me this happy? No."

"Is it because of Julian?"

I cupped my face and nodded.

Mom looked at my love-struck expression and shook her head helplessly. "Did you try on the wedding dress?"

"I did," I chirped. "Julian said I looked beautiful."

I giggled and ran upstairs, unable to stop smiling.



A few days later, my father called me into the library. His face was serious.

"We have to push the wedding back," he said.

I froze. The wedding was set for two months from now. I had been counting the days.

"Why?" I asked, surprised and angry. "Everything is ready!"

Dad frowned. "Julian’s older brother died. The Garrison family called. They said no celebrations for a year. The wedding is postponed until next spring."

"No! I won't do it!" I stomped my foot. I was furious.

"The Garrisons have a valid reason," Dad said sternly. "And Julian’s position is sensitive right now. We have to respect that. Laying low is the best move for both of you. You need to be understanding."

I took a deep breath. I was annoyed, but I knew Dad was right.

"Fine," I huffed. "I’ll wait."



I timed my arrival at Garrison Industries perfectly. It was just after five. I took the elevator up to the executive floor.

Sarah looked up and smiled. "Miss Morgan."

"Sarah, your makeup looks amazing today!" I said brightly.

Sarah blushed. "Thank you. Mr. Garrison will be done in a minute. Do you want to go in and wait?"

I shook my head. "I’ll wait out here. I don't want to disturb him."

Ten minutes later, the office door opened. I stood up immediately.

"Julian!"

Julian had his suit jacket over his arm. He looked at me, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Why didn't you come in?"

I walked over and linked my arm through his. "I didn't want to interrupt."

Julian chuckled. "Wow, look at you being all considerate today."

"I am always considerate, okay?"

"Sure, sure. Considerate," he teased. "So, what do you want for dinner?"

"Let's go to my house," I suggested.

Julian turned to look at me. "Are you sure?"

"My dad said someone gifted him a rare bottle of wine. He wants you to come over and share it with him."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "I could use a drink. Let's go."

I pulled him toward the elevator. We went down to the garage, and I led him to my car.

"Ride with me, Julian. You’re going to drink with Dad anyway. I’ll drive you home later."

Julian buckled his seatbelt and looked at me with a smirk. "Driving me home later? What are you plotting?"

My face turned red. I stammered. "I... I don't mean anything by it! I’m not plotting anything."

"Really?"

"Yes! Get your mind out of the gutter. I am a lady."

Julian covered his mouth to hide a laugh. "I didn't say you weren't."

I smacked his arm. "Julian, you are so annoying!"

Julian caught my hand. He held it firmly and pulled. I gasped as I fell toward him, landing against his chest.

The air in the car suddenly felt heavy. I looked up at him with wide eyes. My heart was pounding against my ribs.

Julian stared at my lips. His eyes darkened. He didn't hesitate. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine.

My eyes went wide. I couldn't believe it.



Julian pulled away. I was still in a trance, staring blankly ahead.

Julian chuckled, got out of the car, and walked around to my side. He unbuckled me, scooped me up effortlessly, and deposited me into the passenger seat. Then he leaned in and buckled me up again.

He walked around to the driver's side and started the engine.

I covered my burning face with my hands. My heart was hammering in my chest. I just kissed Julian. And he initiated it. It felt like a dream.

Julian glanced at me as he drove. "I’m sorry about the wedding."

"Huh?" I blinked.

I realized what he meant. I waved my hand. "It’s okay. Next year is fine. I’m not in a rush."

Julian raised a brow. "Really?"

"Okay, fine. I wanted to marry you sooner. I am a little disappointed."

Julian reached over and rubbed the top of my head. "I’m sorry."

"I don't feel wronged," I said. "Just disappointed. And scared."

"Scared of what?"

"That you might change your mind. That you won't want to marry me anymore."

Julian swallowed hard. He looked at the road. "Sophia, what is so good about me?"

I looked at him with shining eyes. "Everything. Except that you don't like me."

Julian smiled helplessly. "Silly girl."

I pouted. "Why do you keep calling me silly?"

"I belong in the gutter," Julian said quietly. "I was supposed to rot there."

He glanced at me. "But you... you’re sunshine. You grew up loved. Your life should be full of light. Why would you want to drag yourself down with someone like me? If that’s not silly, what is?"

My eyes welled up. I unbuckled my belt and leaned over, throwing my arms around his neck tightly.

"Julian, you didn't choose where you came from. It’s not your fault. You haven't done anything wrong. You don't owe anyone explanations. Don't hate yourself."

Julian stiffened, then relaxed under my touch. He laughed softly. "Silly girl."

I buried my face in his shoulder. "Say whatever you want. I won't let you go. I won't give you up to anyone. Not even Maya Bennett."

Julian chuckled again. "Get back in your seat. Don't distract the driver."

I sat back.

"Seatbelt," he ordered.

"Oh." I clicked it back on.



We arrived at the Morgan estate. I linked my arm with Julian’s as we walked in.

"Julian’s here!" Mom smiled warmly.

"Hello, William, Eleanor," Julian greeted them.

Dad nodded. The maid walked over. "Sir, Ma'am, dinner is ready."

"Let's eat, Julian!" I pulled him to the dining room.

After dinner, Julian’s face was flushed. He was a bit drunk. I helped him up.

"Mom, Dad, I’ll take Julian home."

"There is a guest room upstairs," Mom said. "Let him stay here."

I grinned. "Thanks, Mom! Love you!"

"Julian, watch the steps." I guided him upstairs to the guest room and helped him lie down. I took off his shoes.

"You stay here tonight," I whispered. "I’m right next door. Call me if you need anything."

Julian stared at me. His eyes were wet and intense. I blushed under his gaze.

"Julian... why are you looking at me like that?"

Julian curled his finger. "Come here."

I stepped closer to the bed.

"Lower."

I bent down. Was he going to kiss me? My heart pounded with excitement.

"Lower."

I leaned in close, hovering just inches from his lips. I was dying to kiss him again. That kiss in the car had been intoxicating.

Julian saw the desire in my eyes. He smirked lazily.

"I'm too drunk to move," he murmured, his voice raspy. "You'll have to do the work."

I paused for two seconds. Then I pressed my lips to his.

Julian smiled. His hand moved to my waist. He pulled, bringing our bodies closer together.

We kissed for a while, but my back started to hurt from bending over.

Suddenly, Julian rolled over, pinning me to the mattress. He stared down at me with deep eyes.

"Silly girl."

I pouted. "Stop saying that!"

"I happen to like silly girls."

I froze. I stared at him blankly. "What did you just say?"

Julian tapped my forehead. "Silly. I said I like you."

"Which kind of like?" I asked softly.

"The kind a man feels for a woman."

"But... but don't you like Maya?"

Julian laughed softly. "You really are oblivious. It's you I like."

I gasped. "So... you moved on? You like me?"

Suddenly, I started to laugh. It was a crazy, happy laugh.

I rolled to the edge of the bed, then rolled back to his side. I propped my head up and looked at him. "Julian, do you really like me?"

"Yes, yes. I like you," Julian said, exasperated but smiling.

I started laughing again.

I sprinted downstairs. I gave Dad a huge hug, then hugged Mom, and even hugged the confused maid.

Then I ran back upstairs, my feet thumping loudly.