Page 32 of Julian's Curse

“I’ll send you a list of technical issues we still need to resolve. I worked with our helpdesk, but I think some of them will require an experienced engineer. Maybe even someone we need to hire. Are you good with that?”

“Consider it done,” there was a spark in her eyes that told me she was ready to take on the challenge, and I felt a wave of relief knowing I could count on her support. At least there was something I could count on these days…

The eveningof Julian’s return finally arrived. I spent a few anxious minutes mindlessly scrolling through Instagram with my anonymous account, one I created so I could interact with my close friends. The distraction helped, even if just for a moment. In my wandering, I stumbled across a fascinating fact: the Hydra, a water organism, could be blended in a mixer and then regenerate its entire body in just a few days. It was a strange comfort to think about resilience, even in such an odd context.

Right around the time when I expected it, I heard the unmistakable roar of Julian’s Lamborghini Huracán engine revving outside. The sound was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, a reminder that he was back and that our conversation was imminent. I glanced out the window, my heart racing at the thought of what would transpire between us. We were two strong-minded individuals, so any disagreement could feel huge.

He’d ignored all my messages so there was no doubt that he was pissed. Did he have the right to be? Probably yes. But we could have resolved all of it if only he’d picked up my calls.

I remained in our home office until I heard signs that he was inside our apartment. There was no way to hear him open the downstairs, so by then, he’d already come up to the middle-floor kitchen. One thing became clear immediately: he wasn’t looking for me. A mix of anticipation and apprehension settled in as I contemplated my next move. To my great disdain, his choice to ignore me triggered a wave of fear tied to memories of my dad. As a child, I often felt that same knot of dread when my father came home upset, and now Julian’s mood was stirring up those old feelings. These memories now flooded back.

I descended the one floor separating us, hoping that his excitement of seeing me would overcome any bitterness he may have been holding onto. “Hi,” I muttered as I spotted him in the kitchen making an espresso. The air between us was charged, buzzing with anger and desperation.

Julian looked like he hadn’t slept much. Still, he was wickedly handsome, exuding confidence in his sharp suit that fit his lean physique perfectly. His thick hair had a touch of ruggedness, suggesting he didn’t take himself too seriously, or that he’d perhaps had too long of a flight. Or both. His well-defined jawline and captivating eyes usually held a blend of ambition and warmth, but right now, they radiated coldness, even hate. Still, his undeniable sex appeal remained intact, unbothered by the change in his demeanor.

“Hey,” he mustered enough energy to acknowledge me.

“Did you have a good trip?” I tried to spark a conversation. But the words felt like a sharp knife gliding over my skin—painful and risky. I didn’t need to be a highly empathetic individual to see that he was not interested in small talk. He wouldn’t even look at me, so I braced myself for one of the first fights we would have as a couple. The dinner with Bradley sure had come around to haunt me.

“Yeah, everything was fine, Lucie. Until I found out my fiancée got dinner with the guy she dated last year.” His voice was steady, but I could hear crushing hurt simmering just beneath the surface. I could feel it—like the air around us had thickened, the anger barely contained.

At least we were trying to talk it out. “I ran into Bradley while driving to Hillcrest. And, the two of us decided to get dinner as friends.” I forced myself to look at him, searching for any sign that my words were making an impact.

BANG.

Before I could finish, he smashed the cup against the counter, the sound echoing in the tense silence.

Holy fuck. He’d never done anything that intense during the entire time I’d known him. When it came to violence, everyone was walking on thin ice with me. I could never accept any of it in a relationship. “You’re not being fair,” I defended myself. “You’re just not fair to me, Julian.”

“And you are?” His gaze, usually as powerful as the sun, which once filled me with strength, now drained me of it. “When Alice trashed my name in papers, I didn’t think any girl could top it.” His voice was tight, laced with frustration and something else—a sharp edge that I couldn’t quite place. Julian was talking about his ex-girlfriend, the one who had sold her side of the story to the tabloids. It had all happened right before the two of us met.

Still, I refused to look away. “I should have been more careful but the headlines couldn’t be further from reality.” It was then that I noticed he was trembling. His hands shook ever so slightly, and a thin sheen of sweat clung to his forehead. “Are you okay? Are you sick?” I queried. I also noticed he had lost a fair amount of weight during the trip.

He downed the double espresso despite the time of the day. “Did you fuck him?” Julian thundered, ignoring most of what I’d just asked.

“No. And if you’re accusing me of cheating,” I responded frowning, frustration rising in my chest, “we should have more trust than this. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you, but not in this mood.” Something about him seemed different, if not menacing. There was aloofness in his posture, a rigidity in his face that I hadn’t encountered before. I hated to admit to myself that I was still attracted to him regardless. Even when had was going through turbulent emotions, he was still the man I loved.And I loathed seeing him hurt because of something I did, even if not intentionally.

I reached out, my fingers brushing against his arm, a tentative touch that was meant to pull him back from whatever dark place he’d retreated to. “I would never hurt you like that,” I murmured softly, trying to coax the man I knew to return. “But I do feel a certain closeness to Bradley, and our connection means something.” My voice faltered slightly as the words left my mouth, but I pushed forward, needing to be honest. “Can you accept him in my life as a close friend?” I knew I was pushing it, but I also needed to be honest with people in my life, especially with Julian whom I planned to marry.

But all I saw was disbelief in his demeanor. He leaned against the counter, his hands gripping the edge for support, his chest rising with a shallow breath. “Lucie, I’ve seen enough pictures of the two of you since last year,” he spat, his eyes like shards of glass, each word cutting through the air. “And you’re not wearing your ring, either, from what I see.” He glanced at my bare hand. “Is that why you didn’t want to go on the trip, to spend time with him? Figure yourself out?”

The words hit me like a slap. “I shouldn’t have to explain myself, but I’m overwhelmed with work, spending most of my time there. And if you remember, I’m not wearing my ring because we’re planning to tell Gram.” I looked into his eyes, hoping for any sign of understanding, but all I found was more icy distance.

“You’re not at work right now, Lucie.” he retorted.

I felt my eyes sting with tears. Misunderstandings could be cleared up with compassion, with kindness, with the kind of love that had always bound us together. I stepped closer, trying to wrap my arms around him, trying to force some kind of connection between us. “Julian, please.”

“Get off me.” He snapped as if I’d hurt him just with my touch.

My arms fell away from him like they were burned, the empty space between us now more real than ever. I felt urgency to convince him of the truth, but his darkness swallowed any attempt for me to go after him. It was also my pride—he’d wronged me to some extent, so why should I chase after him?

I decided to give him the space he needed, even as my heart ached. Time could sort this out, but right now wasn’t a good moment to keep pushing.

“I can’t be here anymore,” he exclaimed, spinning around at the corner of the staircase and heading downstairs.

“Then don’t,” I snapped.

“I’m going out to find another girl who is actually loyal. And trust me, in the meantime, there’s not going to be a shortage of women who want to fuck tonight. And fuck hard. Enjoy your evening, Lucie.”

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