Max smiled back, relieved. "I'm glad you feel that way, Julia. Now, is that what has been bothering you lately? You have been a little distant."
Julia sighed, her expression turning melancholic. "Yes, it was my cousin's situation. You know they've been together for eight years, and all of a sudden, she finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with another woman. They even have a child together, and another one on the way.
To worsen the whole situation, he won't even grant her a divorce. Isn't that what any reasonable man should do? She's been hurt so badly and honestly can begin to imagine the pain she's going through.
Max's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe your cousin's husband wasn't looking for a divorce, but just something new and exciting. Men can be foolish sometimes, and we don't always think about the consequences. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love your cousin anymore."
Julia raised an eyebrow. "But why wouldn't he want a divorce then? He's already got another family with this mistress."
Max shrugged. "Maybe he's not ready to give up on his marriage yet. Or maybe he loves both your cousin and his mistress in different ways. Men can be complicated, Julia. We're not always easy to understand."
Julia nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "You might be right, Max. I just hope my cousin finds happiness in the end."
Max put his arm around her. "I'm sure she will, Julia. And I'll be here for you, no matter what."
As they arrived at the restaurant, Julia couldn't help but notice the flirtatious glances Max was giving her. She felt a flutter in her chest, and her earlier discomfort melted away.
Just then, Mrs. Robin called again, and Julia answered, listening intently as her mother discussed Clara's marriage crisis. Max parked the car and joined her, and Julia filled him in on the conversation.
"Ironic, isn't it?" Julia said, raising an eyebrow. "Illegitimate children now have more rights. It's like the mistress is being rewarded for her actions."
Max nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's a complicated situation, but I'm sure they'll figure it out. Let's focus on our own evening, shall we?"
Julia smiled, and they entered the restaurant together. Inside, a man neatly dressed saw Max, greeted him with the utmost respect. "Hello, Mr. Wellington."
Julia's eyes widened in surprise. "Mr. Wellington?" she repeated, turning to Max. "I thought you were just a regular employee at the company."
Max chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, Julia, you'd be surprised at the secrets I keep. Let's just say I have a few irons in the fire, and this restaurant is one of them."
Actually, Max had brought Julia to a high-class restaurant owned by the Darius group.
Julia became curious, but before she could ask more questions, the man led them to a cozy table by the window. As they sat down, Julia leaned in, her voice low. "So, Mr. Wellington, what's the story behind this restaurant? And what's with the secrecy?"
Max grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "All in good time, Julia. First, let's enjoy our meal and each other's company. The rest can wait."
And just then another middle-aged man in a suit and leather shoes approached Max, greeting him with a deferential "Hello, Mr. Wellington." Julia's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing with questions.
"Mr. Wellington?" turning to Max." is there something you're not telling me?
Max smiled calmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, Julia, let's just say I have a few secrets up my sleeve. Go ahead to the Maple Leaf Pavilion and wait for me. I'll join you in a minute."
Julia nodded, and followed the waiter to the second-floor pavilion. As she sat down, she couldn't help but glance back at Max, who was still chatting with the middle-aged man. She noticed the way the man looked at Max, with a mix of respect and admiration.
When Max finally joined her, Julia asked, "So, what is it Mr. Wellington is not telling me? And why did that man look at you like you're some kind of boss?"
Max chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let's just say I have a side hustle, Julia. I help people with their business problems, and sometimes that means being called Mr. Wellington. It's a long story, but trust me, it's all good." Max had just lied to Julia again, still hiding his real identity from her.
Julia raised an eyebrow, her mind still racing with questions. "I'm not sure I buy that, Max. But I'll let it slide for now. So, what's the plan for tonight?"
Max grinned, his eyes locked on hers. "The plan is to enjoy each other's company, have fun and create more fun, loving memories.
Julia shrugged it off, thinking it was just another one of Max's business tactics. "Oh, I see. Well, in that case, let's order some food. I've already picked out two dishes, but you can add whatever you like."
Max scanned the menu, his eyes widening with excitement. "Ah, excellent choices, Julia! I'll add a few more dishes to complement them. And, of course, we must have some caviar. It's a luxury, I know, but trust me, it's worth it. You deserve only the best, my dear."
Julia' exclaimed with excitement. "Caviar? Max, that's so extravagant! Are you sure we need it?"
Max chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "My dear, you have no idea what I'm capable of. I want to spoil you, Julia. Let me show you what it means to be treated like a queen."
Julia blushed. She had never been one for lavish spending, but Max's enthusiasm was infectious. "Well, if you insist," she said, playing along.
Max grinned, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Excellent! I'll take care of the order. And don't worry, my dear, I'll make sure you enjoy every bite."
As they waited for their food to arrive, Julia couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She had no idea what Max had planned, but she was eager to find out. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a night she would never forget.
As they waited for their food to arrive, Max poured Julia a cup of coffee and said, "I have a surprise for you after dinner. We're going to the movies!"
Julia's eyes lit up. "Really? What movie did you choose?"
Max smiled mischievously. "Ah, that's a surprise. But trust me, it's a romance movie that will make your heart flutter."
Julia blushed, her face flushed pink. "You're really going all out, aren't you?"
Max leaned in, his voice low and husky. "I want to make this a night you'll never forget, Julia. And I promise, it's only the beginning."
Julia's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes. She had never seen him like this before, and it was both exciting and terrifying. "I think you're getting a little carried away, Max," she said, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies in her stomach.
Max chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Maybe I am, Julia. But I can't help how I feel. And right now, I feel like I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
Julia's heart raced as she looked at him, her mind reeling with possibilities. She had never thought of Max as a romantic, but now she was starting to see him in a whole new light. And she had to admit, it was kind of nice to be treated like a queen for a change.
"This was her first marriage, and first real love," Julia teased, her eyes sparkling. "You're really playing the romantic card, Max."
Max smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, I'm just being honest. And I want to make this a night to remember."
Julia laughed, her heart skipping a beat. "You're really something else, Max. But I have to admit, I'm enjoying this."
Max leaned in, with a low and husky voice. "I'm glad you are, Julia. Because I'm enjoying it too. And I want to make it clear that this is more than just a movie night for me."
Julia's heart raced as she looked into his eyes. She saw something there that made her feel like she was drowning in a sea of romance. "What do you mean?" she asked, in a very low voice.
Max smiled mischievously. "I mean that I want to be with you, Julia. I want to be the one you turn to when you need someone to talk to, someone to laugh with, someone to share your dreams with."
Julia's breath caught in her throat. No one had ever said anything so sweet to her before. And coming from Max, it felt like a dream come true. "I'd like that," she said.
Max's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?" he asked, his voice full of hope.
Julia nodded, her heart racing with excitement.