Chapter 4

Julian's POV

I called Meghan to the penthouse. It's our meet-up place and love nest. This is our space where no one disturbs us. I bought it a few months after we started dating because my father couldn't respect my house. He just comes barging in there any time he likes, as if he owned the damn place. So the penthouse was a sweet solution. He doesn't know about it, so I won't be seeing him unexpectedly, anytime soon. On my way there, I pondered over how to break the news of my marriage to Meghan. To tell the truth, there is no easy way to say this. It will break her heart nonetheless. I don't want to see her upset. Being the reason she ends up sad is the last thing I want. So I'm going to try to make it up to her after I tell her.

To try and set the mood, I personally prepared dinner. I'm not the best cook but I try. The nanny taught me some of the basics. Tonight I prepared Meghan's favorite, smoked salmon and pasta with her favorite salad going with Pinot Noir white wine. She'll definitely love it.

Everything was done, and the table was set. I removed the apron on me and checked my watch. It was already six o'clock. Meghan said she might be 10 to 5 minutes late. After a few minutes, I heard the elevator ring, and the echo of heels resonating in the hall. I started to get really nervous. I was second-guessing myself and panicking. Maybe I don't have to tell her. Do I?

If I love her, then I have to. Marriage is a big thing and I won't be able to hide it from her. She needs to hear this from me and not out there. So get it together, Julian. I scolded myself. Meghan appeared, and her eyes lit up when she saw me as mine did.

She was looking sexy as always. I walked towards her and pulled her into my arms, taking in her intoxicating black licorice scent. I pushed her body close to mine and rained kisses on her neck. She moaned and giggled.

" Woah baby! Hold on." She pulled back and looked at me. I was ready to devour her.

" Slow down, tiger. I just arrived. Besides, wasn't this dinner? I am starving, and I can't wait for the food you cooked."

Meghan attempts to walk by me, but I grab her arm and stop her.

" Wait a minute. You haven't kissed me yet," I put my lips on her, and she threw her head back laughing. I love hearing her laugh.

" My gosh, Julie. You are such a baby sometimes." Julie is what she likes to refer to me as. I smile at her, and she holds my face and plants her lips on mine, and we kiss like it's the first time. I grab her waist, pull her close to me and squeeze her. We are having a make-out session full of passion and everything feels great. We soon run out of breath and pull away from each other.

Meghan smiles and uses her thumb to wipe away lipstick from my mouth before licking it off. My gaze darkens with lust. I want to carry her to bed, but I hold myself back. Nothing is going to happen before I tell her what I need to do.

" So, now it's time to eat. What the occasion anyway? You never cook without a reason," Meghan points out. She is right. I never cook without a special reason. The last time I cooked was during our 2nd anniversary celebration. That was 3 months ago. Boy that brings back memories. Let's just say that day, dinner ended up on the floor and Meghan laid back on the table. Too bad that can't happen now.

" Uh... It's nothing special. I just wanted to treat my woman to a meal. Is that a crime?" I teased her.

" I suppose not. So what are we having?" I pulled out a chair for her. She sat down eager to know what I cooked for her. That's what I loved about her. There is never a dull moment when I am with her. I am always happy. I can't believe that for the past 2 years, we have never really fought. Disagreements? Sometimes, but it never gets out of hand. That's what I like about her. She is beautiful, confident and knows what she wants. She is not like those insecure women who are clingy and always suspicious of their boyfriends.

" Well, I cooked your favorite," I smiled knowingly at her. She gasped. " Smoked salmon and pasta?"

" The one and only." She squealed in her seat and clapped her hands in enthusiasm like a child. I chuckle at her behavior.

" My favorite? This must be really good!" she says.

I sit down across from her and started serving the food. Meghan wastes no time picking up her fork and digging in. I stare at her with anticipation until I hear that moan of approval.

" Babe! It's perfect. You should become a chef as a pastime."

" Thanks for the compliment love, but being a chef would be a bit of a stretch. But don't worry. I'll be an exclusive chef. Just for you." I flick her nose and laugh.

All in all, the vibe was good and we had the food. I opened the bottle of wine and poured a glass for Meghan and one for myself. I was eating the food slowly, so I didn't finish. I was just trying to prolong the inevitable, but I wasn't winning.

I didn't realize that I was zoning off until Meghan snapped me out of it.

" Julian, what's wrong? I've been talking, and you were not even listening."

I sigh. " I'm sorry, Meg. What were you saying?"

" Never mind that. What is wrong with you? I sensed that something was wrong from the moment I came here. And the impromptu dinner. Something is wrong, and you are not telling me."

Was I that obvious? She never lets anything go past her. She saw right through me. I felt overwhelmed by her expecting gaze. I grabbed my glass and downed the wine. One glass wasn't enough so I poured another one. Meghan just watched me looking confused by my behavior. I downed the second glass of wine.

I wanted to talk, but nothing would come of my mouth. This isn't working. I tried to pour myself the third glass, but Meghan stopped me.

" Woah, that's enough, Julien. What's going on? You are acting strange, and it's making me nervous. Is it that bad?"

I sighed, leaning back on my chair. I ran my fingers through my hair frustrated. I can't say this any other way so it's better to bite the bullet and drop the bomb.

" Meghan, there's something I want to tell you," I said.

" Alright. Tell me," she encouraged.

Okay. Here goes nothing.

" Meghan, I'm getting married."

Pin drop silence. Meghan froze, staring at me like I had grown 2 heads or something. Suddenly she started laughing like what I said was hilarious.

" Meg, why are you laughing?" I asked wearily.

She stopped laughing. " Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I heard you say you are getting married. Can you believe that? My ears are playing tricks on me. What were you saying?"

My face fell. Her expression slowly changed as it dawned on her that she heard me right. What I said was no joke.

" Did I hear that right? You... you are getting married?"