Who the Hell is this Man?

Julian’s expression darkened at once. His hands twitched with the urge to strike her, but he forced himself to hold back in front of her family.

“Do not be stubborn.” He lowered his voice with effort. “Let us talk properly. Come with me. We will have dinner together.”

Aria looked at him in silence. If she had never learned of his betrayal, his coaxing might still have softened her. Now she felt nothing. She had no desire to go anywhere with him. Yet when she noticed Sofia’s tight, displeased expression, a thought formed.

Let me see what my dear half-sister does next.

“All right,” Aria said. “I will come with you.”

Julian smirked, already tasting victory. Handling her had always been easy. “Then let us go.”

He extended his hand.

The moment Aria placed her fingers in his, Sofia let out a soft whimper.

“My stomach hurts.” She swayed slightly and clutched her abdomen.

Julian shoved Aria’s hand aside and rushed to Sofia. “What is wrong? Why are you in pain?” He wrapped an arm around her and searched her face.

Sofia leaned into him. “I am on my period. The cramps are unbearable.”

Concern creased his brow. “Why did you not tell me? You should not have come here.”

“I wanted to see Papa,” Sofia answered.

“I am taking you home.” Julian lifted her into his arms and carried her out, completely forgetting Aria.

Sofia rested her head against his shoulder and looped her arms around his neck. A small, satisfied smile curved her lips as she glanced back.

Aria stood frozen, her heart in turmoil. She had never seen Julian show that kind of worry for her.

When she had a fever once, she had called him and asked him to come stay with her. He had refused, claiming he had work that mattered more than wasting time on her.

It is only a fever. As a doctor you should know how to care for yourself. Do not bother me.

He had never rushed to her side. He had never taken care of her. He had never stayed.

At the time she had believed him. She had told herself he was simply busy, that the distance was not intentional. Now the truth stood clear.

When a man truly loves someone, concern comes without effort, she realized. He does not love me. That is why indifference is so easy for him.

She had mistaken neglect for normal. How naïve she had been.

Vanessa’s voice came from behind her. “Do not misunderstand their relationship. Julian is kind. He treats Sofia like a sister.”

Sister?

Aria let out a short laugh. “I am not a fool. I can see the truth clearly.” She turned to face her. “If Julian cares about Sofia so much, why not let them marry?”

Vanessa’s expression froze. She opened her mouth to retort, but Aria continued.

“I no longer care who he is with. I have already let him go.”

She walked out. Bitterness no longer lived in her chest. Only clarity remained.

At the Kane mansion Julian set Sofia gently on the bed. “Rest here. I should leave now.”

“No. Do not go.” Sofia caught his hand, her eyes pleading. “Stay with me.”

Julian hesitated. He had left Aria alone at the hospital. The uneasy feeling that she might have misunderstood him still lingered. He wanted to return to her as soon as possible, yet he could not refuse Sofia either.

Aria can wait. I will make it up to her later.

With that thought he agreed. “All right. I will stay.”

“Thank you.” She smiled coyly and leaned against him. “I know you care about me most of all.” Her hand slid to his chest. Her fingers worked deftly at the buttons of his shirt.

“What are you doing?” Julian caught her wrist. “You are in pain and on your period. You should rest.”

Sofia would not meet his eyes. “I am not in pain. My period has not started yet.”

The realization that she had lied sent irritation surging through him. He stood at once. “You lied to me. Why?”

“I…” Sofia’s chest tightened. Julian had never raised his voice at her before. Tears blurred her vision.

“You were about to take her to dinner,” she said honestly. “I was jealous. I did not want you to go.”

The tears softened his expression. He sat down again and drew her into his arms. “I am sorry. I should not have shouted. It is only that…”

He sighed. “Aria is upset for some reason. You know why I am marrying her. I needed to persuade her.”

He tilted her chin upward. “But my heart belongs to you.”

Sofia would not believe the words until he proved them. “Then kiss me.” Her fingers tangled in his shirt. “Prove that I am the only one you care about.” She slid her hand higher, lingering at his collar.

His resistance crumbled. Within moments he pushed her onto the bed. His hands explored her body while their mouths met with urgency.

Sofia clung to him and Julian answered with equal hunger. Clothes loosened and fell away. Soon the room filled with the sound of their heavy breathing.

When it was over Julian lay on his back staring at the ceiling, his breathing slowly evening out. He checked the time.

It was late.

Aria might already be home. I need to speak with her.

He started to rise. Sofia slid closer and placed her hand on his bare chest.

“Mother is not coming home tonight. Stay with me.”

“Be good. I have to leave.” This time he did not give in. He left the bed and began putting on his clothes. He needed to settle things with Aria before it was too late.

Sofia knew exactly where he was going. The knowledge burned her. “You are going to her, are you not?” she snapped.

Julian did not deny it. He buttoned his shirt in silence.

“She does not want to marry you. Why keep trying to persuade her?”

He shot her a cold look. “I am doing this for you. Do not forget what you asked of me.”

Sofia clenched her teeth. Yes, she wanted Aria’s shares. To get them, Julian had pretended to love Aria.

It had been amusing at first. But every time she saw him with Aria, jealousy and anger flared. She could not stand the thought of him marrying another woman.

“You do not have to marry her for that. You can…”

“We will talk tomorrow,” he cut in, refusing to let her finish. “Take care.”

The door closed behind him.

Sofia groaned in fury and tightened her fingers around the blanket. “Aria, you had better stay away from Julian. Or I will make you pay.”

Half an hour later Julian stood outside Aria’s apartment, takeout bags in both hands.

It will not be difficult to win her over, he thought. A few sweet words and she will melt.

He knocked.

After a moment the door opened. Aria frowned when she saw him. She had not expected him at this hour, especially after watching him leave with Sofia. “What are you doing here?”

Julian lifted the bags. “I brought dinner. Come on. Let us eat. I am starving.”

Without waiting for permission he tried to step inside.

Aria blocked him. “You are not allowed in my house. Leave.”

His smile vanished. “What is wrong with you? I am your boyfriend. I have stayed here before. You used to love it. Why are you blocking me now?”

“Because we are finished,” she said firmly.

“I never agreed to that,” he snapped. “Stop this, Aria. I am hungry. Let us eat first and then talk.”

He pushed past her anyway. His steps halted abruptly when he saw the tall figure standing in the hall. He looked the man up and down, completely caught off guard.

“Who the hell is this man?” he growled.