Julian Thorne didn't believe in hearts; he believed in dividends. When his father's dying wish—and a massive legal trust—mandated he marry Elena, the daughter of his father's business partner and Julian's only childhood friend, he agreed with the same clinical detachment he used for a hostile takeover.
To Elena, the marriage was a quiet tragedy. She had loved Julian since they were ten, hiding it behind a mask of supportive friendship. To Julian, she was simply "the most efficient option."
Chapter 1: Clara's Return
Three months into their fake marriage, Clara, the woman who had broken Julian's ego (and what little soul he had) five years prior, returned to the city. She was glamorous, manipulative, and knew exactly which buttons to press. It didn't take her much time to get to the married Julian. Soon enough he was already in her control.Julian began spending late nights "at the office," which really meant high-end bars with Clara. While Elena was waiting for Julian , he was out there with her . One night when he returned home late and straight headed to take a shower , Elena smelled flowery perfume on his shirt . Which everyone knew belong to his one and only true love Clara . It was hard to miss as it was her signature scent. As she was holding his shirt , he just got out of the shower. When he noticed her watery eyes something in him shifted for only a second.And strange enough he was back to his old cold self. He didn't hide it. He told Elena, "We both knew this was a contract. Don't let your feelings make this messy."