Lily arrived at Julian's mansion, her heart racing with anticipation and a mix of emotions. She was determined to have a straightforward conversation and clear the air. As she stepped out of her car and onto the driveway, the familiar surroundings seemed different, tainted by the secrets and tensions that had been building between them.
The door opened, and Julian stood before her, his expression unreadable. "Hey," he said, stepping aside to let her in.
Lily walked past him, her eyes scanning the opulent foyer. She felt a sense of detachment, as if she was seeing the place for the first time. "Let's talk," she said, her voice firm.
Julian nodded, leading her to the living room. The atmosphere was tense, and the air was thick with unspoken words.
Julian's eyes locked onto Lily's as he spoke, his voice laced with sincerity. "I'm sorry, Lily. I know I've been pushing you into a corner, and I realize now that I wasn't considering your feelings or needs. The contract, the heir... it all feels so cold and calculated now, and I understand why you'd want out."
He paused, taking a deep breath as he searched for the right words. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've been so focused on what I wanted, what I thought was best, that I forgot about us, about what we have together. Can you ever forgive me for being so blind?"
Lily's expression softened slightly, her guard dropping ever so slightly as she considered Julian's words. Was this a genuine apology, or just a tactic to get what he wanted? She searched his eyes, looking for answers.
Julian's lips brushed against Lily's, sending a spark of electricity through her body. The kiss was gentle, yet passionate, and for a moment, Lily forgot about the contract, the disagreements, and the uncertainty. All that mattered was the connection between them, the chemistry that had drawn them together in the first place.
As they broke apart for air, Lily's eyes searched Julian's, her mind racing with questions. Was this a genuine gesture, or just a way to distract her from the issues at hand? She felt herself getting lost in the moment, but a part of her refused to let go of her doubts.
"What does this mean, Julian?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm sorry for all what I did, I didn't want to touch you because you are a virgin. "
The atmosphere shifted as Julian's words hung in the air. Lily's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling with the implications. "You didn't want to consummate our marriage because I was a virgin?" she repeated, her voice laced with hurt and confusion.
The words felt like a slap, and Lily's emotions began to simmer. How could he see her innocence as a liability? The pain and vulnerability she felt in that moment were palpable. "Is that really what you think of me?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
" No, but we can give it a try when you are ready. "
Lily's eyes narrowed, her feelings of vulnerability and hurt simmering just below the surface. "Give it a try?" she repeated, her voice laced with skepticism. "You're willing to wait until I'm ready, but only on your terms, and only if I fulfill your contractual obligations?" The words tumbled out, her emotions raw and exposed.
The air was thick with tension as Lily's gaze bore into Julian's, searching for answers.
They sat together on the plush sofa, the faint glow of the fire painting their skin in warm shades of gold and amber. The night was quiet except for the crackle of the logs and the soft patter of rain against the windowpanes. She sat close, knees brushing his, her fingers tangled nervously in the folds of her gown.
He watched her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers — gentle but dark with a hunger he could no longer hide. When he touched her cheek, his thumb traced the softness just below her lip. She felt her breath hitch, her whole body leaning into that simple touch.
"Do you know how beautiful you are right now?" he murmured, his voice low and rough around the edges.
She tried to look away, but he caught her chin and held her there. The firelight danced in his eyes, and for a heartbeat, she saw all the things he wanted to do to her — and with her. It made her stomach twist in that sweet, aching way.
When he kissed her, it was tender at first, a soft pressing of lips that tasted like warmth and promise. But then he deepened it, his tongue slipping past her parted lips, coaxing a small, surprised moan from her throat. He cradled her face in his hands, tilting her head just so, tasting her as if he needed to memorize her.
Her hands drifted up to his shoulders, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. She could feel the heat of his body even through the layers. When he pulled back, they were both breathless — his lips pink and wet, his eyes darker than she'd ever seen them.
"Come with me," he whispered, his forehead resting against hers. "Let me show you how much I love you."
He stood, pulling her gently to her feet. She felt small and unsteady under his gaze, but the way he looked at her — as if she was a treasure he'd been waiting his whole life to claim — made her feel braver than she ever had before.
His hand found hers, fingers twining together as he led her through the soft shadows of their home, past flickering candles and the whisper of silk brushing her legs. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears as they crossed the threshold of the bedroom — a room that would never feel the same again.
As he closed the door behind them, she felt the last of her fear melt away. There was only him now — the man who would touch her with reverence, who would teach her how to give and receive the kind of love that could make the whole world disappear.