Chapter 9 Evening Serendipity
A few minutes later, they arrived home at the penthouse.
Elena exhaled slowly, leaning into Julian’s shoulder as he helped her out of her coat.
She felt soaked, still trembling slightly from the wine incident, but Julian’s hands were steady around her.
“You’re cold,” he said softly, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face. “Come, let me get you settled.”
Elena shook her head. “I’m fine, mostly,” she muttered, though her teeth chattered slightly.
“You’re never fine when you say that,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Follow me.”
He guided her quietly through the large living room and led her to the dining room that adjoined the kitchen.
When she sat down, he wiped her dress as much as he could with a wet towel and then quickly brought her a hot cup.
“This should help with the cold,” he said as he placed it on the table and then went to adjust the heating system.
Elena picked up the steaming mug of cocoa Julian handed her, the aroma of chocolate and her favorite French vanilla creamer filling the air.
She blew on it, letting the warmth seep into her hands and slowly chase away the chill.
Julian stood a few steps away, watching her with that calm, unreadable expression he always wore. “You’re shivering,” he said softly. “Drink slower. Don’t rush it.”
“I need the warmth,” Elena admitted, hugging the mug tighter. “It’s been such a long day.”
“Mm,” he murmured, stepping closer. “Let me help.” He set his hand gently at the small of her back, guiding her to sit on the couch. “Here. Sit. You’re trembling more than you realize.”
Elena felt the warmth from his hand spread through her, soothing the residual tension.
She looked up at him, feeling both grateful and a little self-conscious. “You do too much for me, you know. You really think of everything.”
Julian leaned slightly, resting one hand lightly on the armrest near her. “I want you to be comfortable,” he said simply. “If I don’t take care of you, who will?”
She chuckled softly. “I suppose you’re right. But it’s a little overwhelming sometimes.”
“That’s fair,” he replied, his voice softening. “I don’t expect you to understand it all at once. Just trust me and let me do this for you.”
Elena nodded, sipping her cocoa, savoring the warmth that finally began to spread through her. “It’s amazing how you know even the little things. The creamer, the chocolate ratio, you know everything.”
“I do,” he said quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I notice details, and that’s part of caring for someone.”
Elena set the mug down on the table, stretching her hands slightly. “And do you ever take a moment for yourself? Or is it always about me?”
He smiled faintly, almost amused. “I take care of myself, yes. But part of what I do is making sure you’re safe, comfortable, and well-fed,” he added, gesturing to the cocoa and the dinner she’d just had. “It’s not a burden. It’s what I choose.”
She looked at him, trying to hide the warmth rising in her chest. “I never expected this. I thought I’d be nervous and stressed and alone in your home when we married.”
“I’m glad I disappointed you,” he teased.
Elena felt herself blushing, a little caught off guard by the gentleness in his tone.
She lifted the mug again, and he gestured toward the bathroom. “Shall we get you warmed up properly now? Your bath is ready, and it’ll feel even better than the cocoa.”
She nodded, feeling a little lighter than before. “Yes, I think I’m ready.”
Julian led her upstairs gently and stopped at the bathroom door as he gestured for her to enter. “Your bath is ready,” he said, his voice gentle. “I’ve added the lavender bath salts you like, and the water’s just the right temperature.”
Elena blinked, touched. “I don't know how to thank you properly.” She swallowed, emotions tightening in her chest. “You do so much for me. I—”
He cut her off with a faint smile and a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Shh. Just relax.”
She couldn't help but think how easy it was for him to take care of her like she was a child.
“I’ll be taking a quick shower myself,” he said. “Call me if you need anything.”
She watched him leave, and a small shiver ran down her spine, not from the cold, but from the intensity of his attention.
Julian had a way of making even the simplest gestures feel intimate, and she felt her pulse quicken as she stepped into the warm bath.
The lavender scent filled the room, wrapping around her, and she sank into the water with a soft sigh.
The warmth seeped into her muscles, loosening the tension that had built up all afternoon.
For a brief moment, she allowed herself to forget the banquet, the confrontation with Camille, and even the watchful eyes of the media world.
Minutes passed like this, with Elena leaning back, eyes closed, letting the water soothe her nerves.
Finally, she rose and wrapped herself in a thick white towel. She glanced at the mirror, brushing damp hair from her face, and sighed softly.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since lunch.
She slipped into a simple silk nightgown and padded quietly downstairs, expecting perhaps a light snack.
Instead, she found a dining table perfectly set, with a neatly arranged plate of carefully prepared food waiting for her.
A soft footstep alerted her to the butler, who appeared with a small envelope in his hand. “Miss Vance, this just arrived for you.”
She was a little startled by the man's presence because she barely saw him around when Julian was the one caring for her every need. She had even forgotten they had domestic help.
Elena took it slowly, eyes narrowing as she examined the package.
The envelope was thick, almost heavy, and the paper had an unusual texture.
She hesitated, sensing that something about it wasn’t ordinary. She tore it open just enough to peek inside, and then she froze.
Inside was a single dark sheet.
She tried to make out words, squinting and leaning closer, but it was entirely black. No letters, no numbers, nothing.
Her heart thudded. “What is this?” she murmured, but the butler shrugged.
Before she could examine it further, Julian appeared behind her.
“That’s for me,” he said softly, taking the paper from her hand. “Nothing for you to worry about.”
She nodded, and he took a seat, watching her eat.
She barely said anything as she emptied her plate and the butler cleared the table.
“You should sleep,” he said, and led her upstairs.
When they got to the door of her room, he stopped. “Goodnight, Lena.”
Elena’s eyes widened. “Good night? Aren’t you coming to bed?”
“I have a few things to sort out,” he said lightly, his eyes on her for a brief moment. “You get some rest. I’ll join you later.”
But Elena knew that was a lie. Once again, he wasn't coming to bed tonight.