Julia's voice trembled as she shared the news with Georgina. "I can't believe it! I thought I'd blown it for sure. That interview was a disaster - I was totally humiliated!" Georgina's beaming smile hinted at a secret. "Well, it seems you've still got a special place in Max's heart, Julia. He must have pulled some strings to get you hired!"
Julia's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You think so?" Georgina nodded, her eyes sparkling with knowledge. "Of course, dear. Max wouldn't have arranged for you to work at the Darius Group if he didn't still care for you."
As Julia eagerly shared the news with Max and her friend Samantha, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Everyone seemed too confident, too certain that she'd get the job. And when Samantha offered to accompany her to the hospital for her physical exam, Julia sensed a hint of concern beneath her friend's cheerful tone.
"Hey, Sam, what's wrong? You seem worried," Julia asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
Samantha hesitated before responding, "I just don't want you to be bullied by anyone, Julia. You're going to be working with some pretty powerful people at Darius Group. You need to go there with your A game.Julia's heart skipped a beat. "But she said softly, don't worry Sam , I will be fine." Julia knew Samantha could exaggerate.
But before Samantha could elaborate, Max interrupted, his message flashing on Julia's phone. "Hey, babe, I've got a social event tonight. Don't wait up for me, I'll be late."
Julia's face fell, but she tried to hide her disappointment. "Okay, no problem. I'll have dinner with Georgina and watch some TV."
As they cooked dinner together, Georgina noticed Julia's disappointment. "Hey, don't worry, dear. Max is just busy. He'll make it up to you, I'm sure."
But as they ate and chatted, Julia couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. And when she went to check on Max at eleven, she found him exhausted on the couch, a note from her on the coffee table read.
"Remember to eat some fruit, it won't taste good overnight," she had written. Max smiled gently, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks, babe. I needed that."
As Julia watched him from the doorway, she sensed tiredness lurking beneath the surface, a she was truly happy to have this man in her world. And she wondered what lay ahead in her new job at Darius Group?
"Max, can I ask you something?" Julia said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Sure, babe. What's on your mind?"
"Why did you arrange for me to work at the Darius Group? Was it just because you wanted me close to you?... or is there something more?"
Max's expression turned guarded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Let's just say I wanted to give your talent a chance, Julia. And the Darius Group is a great opportunity for you."
Julia's heart raced, sensing that there was more to the story. But before she could press him further, Max's phone rang, and he excused himself, leaving Julia with more questions than answers.
As she watched him leave, Julia felt a chill run down her spine. And hoping she wasn't thinking too much, she swiftly waved off the thoughts and was excited about her new job.
Julia and Max had a loving marriage, but their busy schedules often kept them apart. One evening, Max sent Julia a message, "Hey, I have a social event tonight, so I'll be late. Go ahead and have dinner without me, love." Julia and Mrs. Georgina had prepared a delicious meal together, but they couldn't help feeling a little disappointed that Max wouldn't be joining them.
As they ate and chatted, Julia tried to hide her disappointment, knowing how busy Max was. After dinner, they watched TV together until around ten o'clock, when Julia decided to check if Max was back still. But it wasn't until eleven o'clock that she heard the door open.
She had already fallen asleep by the time Max returned, but she had left a sweet note on the coffee table: "Remember to eat some fruit, it won't taste good overnight." Max smiled as he read the note, feeling grateful for his thoughtful wife. He poured himself a glass of wine and snacked on the fruit, too full to eat anything else. Exhausted, he lay down on the couch in the living room.
The next morning, Julia walked out of their bedroom and was surprised to see Max sleeping on the sofa. She had never seen him sleep before, and she couldn't help but be drawn to his handsome features. As she gazed at him, Max suddenly opened his eyes, and their gazes met. Julia felt a flush rise to her cheeks, embarrassed at being caught staring.
"I-I didn't mean to disturb you," she stuttered, quickly hiding her hand behind her back.
Max remained still, his deep eyes fixed on hers. "We're a legal couple, Julia," he said softly. "You have every right to watch me sleep. In fact, if you'd like, you can watch me sleep every day."
Their eyes locked, and Julia felt her heart flutter at the gentle intensity in Max's gaze.
Julia's cheeks flushed even deeper, but she couldn't help feeling a flutter in her chest at Max's words. She had always admired her husband's handsome features, but there was something intimate and vulnerable about seeing him sleep.
Max whispered," You should take advantage of this moment. He smiled gently.
"I won't take advantage of that offer, but thank you," Julia said, trying to sound casual despite her racing heart.
Max smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Suit yourself, but know that I have no secrets from you, Julia."
As they gazed at each other, the air between them seemed to vibrate with an unspoken understanding. Julia felt like she was seeing her husband in a new light, like there were depths to him, she had yet to explore.
"Come here," Max said, his voice low and husky.
Julia hesitated for a moment, but then her feet seemed to move of their own accord. She sat down beside Max on the sofa, their legs touching. Max reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You're beautiful, Julia," he whispered.
Julia's heart skipped a beat as she met Max's gaze. She felt like she was drowning in the depths of his eyes, but in a good way.
"Thank you," Julia replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just ordinary."
Max's eyes never left hers. "You're extraordinary, Julia. You light up my world in ways you can't even imagine."
Julia's heart fluttered at his words. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. She felt like she was melting into his gaze, like she was home.
Max's hand traced her jawline, sending shivers down her spine. "I love you, Julia," he whispered.
"I love you too, Max," Julia replied, her voice barely audible.
As they sat there, wrapped in each other's gaze, Julia felt like she was seeing her husband for the first time. Like she was discovering a new side of him, a side that was vulnerable and intimate and hers alone.
Without another word, Max leaned in and kissed her. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but it sent waves of emotion through Julia's body. She felt like she was drowning in his love, and she never wanted to come up for air.
As they pulled back, Julia smiled up at Max. "I'm glad you came home last night," she whispered.
Max smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Me too, Julia. Me too."
We should spend more time together, don't you think so?