Chapter 13
The snow had yet to fully melt along the edges of the wall, its remnants lingering stubbornly in the cold. Julian’s face was shrouded in shadows, making his expression hard
to read
But there was no mistaking how tightly he held her, how firmly his lips pressed against
hers
His voice, rough and hoarse like he had a cold, broke the silence. “Stop talking nonsense.”
Despite the chill in the air, there was something warm in his eyes. It was almost as if starlight flickered within them–brilliant, full of emotion.
He whispered, “As long as you listen to me, everything will be fine. Okay?”
Zara, completely drunk, only managed to frown and hum in response. Her mind was too clouded to process his words, and her heart too jaded by lies.
She laughed quietly, the sound bitter. “Don’t lie to me. Lying to me won’t do you any good.”
He didn’t argue, just nodded, and then pulled her into a long, lingering kiss.
“Come here,” he murmured against her lips. “Let me hold you.
The night was freezing. But as they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, it didn’t feel so cold anymore. It felt warm–almost overwhelmingly so.
The next morning, Zara caught sight of the herbal medicine Julian had set out for her and immediately turned her head away. “I’m not drinking that. I’m not sick.”
Julian raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Who was the one complaining about not feeling well yesterday? Even the family doctor said this will help balance you out.”
He pushed the cup toward her. “Be good, okay?”
“Not happening.” Zara crossed his arms stubbornly.
She felt strange, but she wasn’t going to admit it. She wasn’t about to drink that bitter concoction just because he told her to.
Julian’s patience wore thin. He shot her a cold glance. “Do I have to feed it to you?”
Zara glared at him, grinding her teeth. She was tempted to remind him that he was just like a younger brother to him.
How had he become the one managing her?
But under his unyielding authority, she finally relented.
With a huff, she took the medicine. It was as bitter as she had imagined.
As soon as she finished, Julian popped a candy into her mouth, the sweet contrast almost making her smile.
Neither of them wanted to drink it, but there they were–suffering through the bitterness together. Zara couldn’t help but laugh when she saw him grimace at the taste.
Chander 17
581, 15 Mar
It reminded her of the old days when they could laugh and tease each other freely, withou a care in the world.
She smiled at him, feeling lighter. “I’m heading to the flower shop today. You stay here and behave yourself. Don’t make Grandpa mad.”
Julian scoffed. “That old man doesn’t need me to piss him off. He’s already grumpy enough, especially after spending all day playing chess with Peter.”
Zara rolled her eyes but smiled. “Well, for my sake, try to keep it together.”
She was almost out the door when Julian wrapped his arms around her waist, his voice soft with affection. “Remember to come home on time. Call me if you need anything. I’ll come, no matter what.”
Zara smiled at his concern. It was sweet, even if he acted tough most of the time.
Zara’s flower shop was something she’d dreamed of having, and Julian had helped make it happen. She’d even used her background in design to transform the space, turning it into a bright, airy haven for flowers and customers alike.
That day, she was sketching out a new design when Batu and his girlfriend, Alana, walked
- in.
“Yo, Julian’s girlfriend!” Batu called out, clearly excited. “We’re all getting together around for a bonfire tomorrow. You two should come. We can’t get Julian to join us otherwise, and you know how hard it is to get a big shot like him to hang out.” He grinned and nudged her. “You’ve gotta make sure he shows up!”
Zara looked up from her sketching, raising an eyebrow.
“Alright.” She nodded, though internally she couldn’t help but scoff. Julian–what kind of man was he that people had to go out of their way to invite him?
When Zara returned home, she found Julian sprawled out in a patch of sunlight, looking as
relaxed as ever.
She threw her bag in his direction, half–joking, half–annoyed. “Still not getting up?” Julian flashed a teasing grin, lifting his head. “Hey, why are you back so early?”
Zara replied, “Batu mentioned the bonfire tomorrow. You going?”
“Not interested.” Julian’s tone was curt, and his face darkened with impatience.
Zara leaned in, close enough that her breath was warm against his ear. “But I wanna go.” His brows furrowed in confusion. “What’s so great about it? Don’t go.”
