Chapter 22
It was like dealing with a carefree doll.
Zara could tell Julian was in a bad mood, so she immediately started thinking of ways to
cheer him up.
The weather had finally warmed up, and they had originally planned to head out to Willow Town for the day.
But, as it often went with Julian, plans changed in an instant.
The engagement had to take priority, it seemed.
Zara fed him a small cake, her voice softening as she looked at him. “Open your mouth,
Julian.”
He gave her a pointed look, not impressed.
Neglecting his dismissive look, she added, “Are you really this insecure? How about we just get engaged first? We’re already pushing Willow Town back, and with you acting like this, we can’t even get the engagement right.”
Zara smirked to herself. She had already thought it through. If the whole abortion incident blew up, she’d just marry Julian. That way, none of the rich wives could say a word.
Julian slowly raised his head at her words. His mood seemed to soften a little.
After a long pause, he asked quietly. “When do you want to get engaged?”
“Next month,” Zara replied confidently. “Let’s get engaged next month.”
He nodded, clearly thinking it over. “What about the 15th? It’s a great day–had someone. check it out. Perfect for an engagement.”
“Sounds good,” Zara replied with a nod.
They nearly finalized everything then and there. All they needed to do was tell Grandpa, and that would be that. The plan was set.
The very next day, the news that Julian, the young heir of the Hayes family, was getting engaged next month hit the headlines. It wasn’t long before the gossip started circulating. People had questions–lots of them.
But Julian didn’t bat an eye. He continued his usual routine, hanging out with his friends. and drinking a little more than usual. When he finally made his way home, it was already late.
Most of his friends had already heard the engagement news, so their questions became more personal, like when he had his first kiss or when he realized he was in love with Zara.
Julian chuckled at the questions, a bit helpless, but in a good mood. He took another drink, feeling just tipsy enough to laugh at the teasing.
No one dared pour too much alcohol on him, though–everyone knew he had a woman he was crazy about.
When he got back to the house, Grandpa was still playing chess.
He glanced up at Julian, raising an eyebrow, and let out a sarcastic laugh. “So, you’re getting engaged, huh? And your grandpa doesn’t even know? Let me quess
Before he could finish, Julian cut him off with a relaxed, almost dismissive tone “, your only grandson, am about to give you a great grandson, got it? That whole ‘keeping secrets” thing is really outdated, Grandpa”
“Hmp Grandpa huffed, cheeks puffing out as he shot Julian a glare, looking like he wast about to blow a gasket
Meanwhile, Zara, hearing the noise from the living room, bounced up and ran over to Julian With a smile that could light up the room, she jumped into his arms, her eyes. sparkling
Why did you just get back?” she asked playfully, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’ve been waiting for you forever.”
Julian looked down at her, his eyes smoldering with quiet desire. He couldn’t help but bet distracted by the soft glow of her skin, so fair it almost dazzled him. With a smirk, hel leaned in, his voice thick with a trace of alcohol.
“Zara, are you trying to seduce me?” he teased, his lips grazing her ear.
“Maybe?” She laughed, clearly enjoying his flirtatious mood.
“You’re dressed pretty breezily today, huh?” Julian chuckled, his voice low and almost
teasing
He leaned in close enough to almost whisper in her ear. “But, you’re not worried I haven’t showered yet?”
He snatched her lips, kissing her soundly. Zara caught her breath in her chest. Steadying herself, she leaned back to Julian’s chest.
With a playful glint in her eye and a smirk on her lips, Zara teased, “How about we shower together?”
Julian scoffed, pulling back just enough to look at her. “Wow, baby, you little pervert.”
Zara blinked, caught off guard for a second, then raised an eyebrow, not at all fazed, “Right, I’m the pervert.”
She shot him a sarcastic look and gently pushed away from him. “Whether you shower or
not, who cares?”
A few minutes later, Julian arrogantly knocked on the bathroom door.
He leaned against the frame, looking at Zara, who was standing in the steamy air. His tone. was cold, but there was a certain smugness in it.
“I just came to check,” he said, looking her up and down.
Zara, standing there in the steam, gave him a pointed, dismissive look. “Really? You’re checking on me now?”
He raised an eyebrow clearly amused hy her indifference “Yeah I’m making sure you’re
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He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her indifference. “Yeah. I’m making sure you’re
not doing anything… inappropriate.”
Despite her slight annoyance, Zara found him amusing. She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. ‘Some people are really starting to get a little too full of themselves.”
And with that, she turned her back on him, the warmth of the steam swirling around her as
the sound of the water filled the air.
