Luna's POV
Isabella continued to linger, her laughter and whispers weaving a spell around Julian. Every touch, every glance, made my discomfort grow.
Julian, sensing my unease, finally spoke up. "Isabella, darling, I have a lot of work to catch up on. Would you mind giving me some space?"
His tone was warm, polite, and it infuriated me.
Isabella pouted, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Fine, I'll leave you alone...for now."
She pecked Julian's cheek, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
As she sashayed out of the room, I felt a surge of relief.
Finally, I could breathe.
But Julian's gaze met mine, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Sorry about that," he said, his voice low.
I shook my head, attempting to compose myself. "No need to apologize."
Julian's smile lingered, and I sensed he knew exactly how I felt.
Jealous.
The realization stung.
I diverted my attention to the papers in front of me, trying to focus.
But Julian's presence still dominated the room.
Julian's voice broke the silence, his eyes locked on mine with an unnerving intensity. "Luna, is everything okay? You seem...distracted."
I forced a smile, attempting to brush off the emotions swirling inside me. "No, everything's fine," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil.
But Julian's gaze didn't waver. He sensed something was amiss, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. "Are you sure?" he pressed.
I nodded, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken tension.
Julian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he regarded me. "I sense there's something bothering you," he said, his voice low and persuasive.
My heart skipped a beat. Did he know? Could he see the jealousy simmering beneath my surface?
"Luna, there's nothing to worry about," Julian said, his voice softening. "Isabella is harmless."
Harmless. The word grated on me, igniting a spark of irritation.
"She's just my girlfriend," Julian continued, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "Not a concubine or anything...complicated."
Girlfriend. The label stung, piercing my chest like a dagger.
Why did I feel this way? I loved Luca, didn't I? So why the jealousy? It didn't make sense.
Julian's words cut through my thoughts, his voice weaving a spell around me. "We've been together for a while now."
A while. How long was a while? I didn't want to know.
Julian's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes searching. "You're not uncomfortable around her, are you?"
I shook my head, lying. "No, of course not."
Julian's eyes crinkled at the corners, his smile warm. "Good. I value our working relationship, Luna."
Value. Our working relationship. That's all I was to him – a PA, a tool.
My emotions churned, a storm brewing. I felt lost, torn between loyalty to Luca and this inexplicable attraction to Julian.
As I sat there, trapped in Julian's gaze, I realized I was in deeper than I thought.
Julian's gaze lingered on mine for a moment before he nodded, his expression turning professional. "You're free to go once you've finished sorting the documents and responding to the client messages."
I nodded, relief washing over me. "Thank you."
"Tomorrow, we'll meet at the office and discuss the Smith account," Julian continued, his tone businesslike.
I gathered my belongings, my hands shaking slightly as I stood up. "I'll be there."
Julian's eyes met mine, a flicker of understanding dancing in their depths. "Luna?"
"Yes?"
"Take care."
His words echoed through me, warm and gentle.
I smiled, attempting to hide my turmoil. "You too."
With that, I turned and left, the door closing behind me like a shield.
As I stepped into the cool evening air, I felt a mix of emotions: relief, guilt, and a hint of longing.
Why did Julian's words affect me so deeply?
I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Tomorrow.
I'd face tomorrow.
Then, I can't wait for tomorrow.
As I walked home, the evening air couldn't dissipate the warmth spreading through me. Tomorrow. I'd see Julian tomorrow.
My mind whirled with thoughts of him: Julian's smile, Julian's laughter, Julian's piercing gaze.
Why was I so excited?
Luca's face flashed in my mind, but the guilt was fleeting.
This wasn't about Luca; it was about Julian.
The way he made me feel.
Alive.
Seen.
I quickened my pace, my heart racing with anticipation.
What would tomorrow bring?
Would Julian's eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiled?
Would his voice drop to that low, husky tone?
I couldn't wait to find out.
"Julian this... Julian that," I chided myself, shaking my head.
But the smile remained, stubborn and persistent.
As I entered my apartment, the silence felt oppressive.
I needed distraction.
Music.
Television.
Anything.
But my thoughts drifted back to Julian.
His words: "Take care."
His eyes: warm, gentle.
My phone buzzed, breaking the spell.
Luca's text: "Missing you."
Guilt washed over me, but the excitement lingered.
Tomorrow.
Julian.
As I settled into bed, my thoughts swirled like a vortex, pulling me under. Isabella's face floated before me, her perfect smile and flawless skin mocking me.
Why did she have to exist?
Why did she have to be with Julian?
Frustration simmered within me, threatening to boil over. I tossed my pillow across the room, the soft thud a meager release.
I hated how Isabella made me feel - insecure, jealous, trapped. My mind replayed our encounter, every glance and gesture fueling my resentment.
Julian's words echoed in my mind: "Isabella is harmless." But I knew better. She was a barrier, a constant reminder that Julian was out of reach.
I glared at the darkness, my thoughts twisting into a bitter knot. Who was I to judge? Julian had chosen Isabella, not me. She was his girlfriend, his companion.
But the thought stung, refusing to be silenced.
My phone lay on the bedside table, Luca's text still glowing on the screen: "Missing you." I typed a hasty response, the words tasting like ash: "Missing you too."
Guilt pricked at my conscience. I was lying. My heart wasn't with Luca right now. It was with Julian, tangled in a web of forbidden desire.
And Isabella stood in the way.
I let out a slow breath, the tension within me building. Tomorrow, I'd see Julian again. Tomorrow, I'd have to face my feelings.
But for now, I was trapped in this abyss of resentment, unable to escape.