JULIAI was almost finished when Henry came to my desk to remind me of our dinner date. He said he was going to wait in front of the building.At precisely twelve minutes before seven, I was able to get everything done. I stretched my arms in the air, then I pressed the pressure points of my shoulder with my fingertips. I groaned as I actually felt the pain. I was sore everywhere, especially my lower back. I was exhausted and starving. I decided I needed to advise Adam I was leaving.I went to Adam’s office and was about to come in when I heard him laugh over the phone. Sometimes I don’t understand his mood. He was swearing at someone earlier, and now he was like watching a comedy high on sugar. To avoid seeing him play monster, I sent him a text saying I was leaving.When I came out of the building, Henry was already there as promised. He was leaning on his white convertible Audi, but he wasn’t alone; he was talking to a blonde woman. I decided not to approach him, but he had already

JULIAThe next morning, I delivered the designers' portfolio to my boss's desk, but he wasn’t in. Whenever he was not in the office, he was typically attending a meeting outside. And he didn't like his coffee cold, so I decided to drink it myself. I placed the daily report and the documents he needed on his desk neatly.An email appeared on my computer screen as soon as I came back to my desk. I clicked the message.To: ceo@cavendishenterprises.comCC: j.taylor@cavendishenterprises.comFrom: admin@gandcfoundation.comSubject: Invitation to the Grant and Chester Foundation Auction NightMessage:Dear Mr. Adam Cavendish,We are delighted to inform you that you are invited to the annual Grant and Chester Foundation Auction Event this Saturday, 7 P.M. at the Prime Hall, London, England. There will be an auction and an evening ball for the special guests and sponsors. It will be our greatest pleasure to have your presence as one of our major benefactors.Our CEO, Mr. Dominic Grant, extends

JULIA“I am the most stupid person alive!” I tossed the pillows, then pulled the bedsheets in frustration. “You, Julia, should leave right now because you are going to get fired tomorrow anyway!” I stomped my feet on the pillow, pretending it was me.I was so pissed at myself. How could I kiss him like that? Not even once, but twice! How could I lose myself? What should I tell Henry now?I lay on the bed, then set my alarm for seven. Breakfast was at eight. I closed my eyes fitfully, unsure if I could really fall asleep.I woke up at exactly seven. I instantly stepped into the bathroom and took a warm shower. Afterward, I opened the wardrobe Adam talked about last night. I didn’t need my suitcase at all. My jaw dropped in amazement. It contained beautiful dresses—lots of them—and a case of shoes in a drawer. We were only staying for three days, but he was overly prepared for this trip. I suddenly felt like a princess.All of it looked pretty, but the yellow halter dress with floral la

ADAMDamn it! I loosened the necktie in suffocation. I pulled out a bottle of whiskey from the mini-bar and poured it into a glass. I couldn’t stop myself from shuddering—it’s as if my blood was going to pump out of my head any moment now. I gulped the glass of whiskey straight down my throat.“Adam, are you there?” Demi’s calm voice echoed in the room. “This is not what you want.” I heard her footsteps coming towards me.“Please not now, Demi.”“I can’t just ignore you. I know how hurt you were before when I dated you and Henry, and—”“I said, stop. This isn’t how it was before.” I poured another shot of whiskey into the glass.“Okay, I’m sorry. Are you heading to Florida?”“Yes, I can’t just suck it up for a whole night.”“Take care, Adam. I don’t want to say anything, but I can’t ignore this. I think Julia likes you.”“She doesn’t want me. She wants Henry and I can’t stop thinking about them, Demi. I admit it. Why does it have to be my brother again?” I drank the last drop of liquo

JULIAWhat was he up to now? I shrugged and decided to just go there to see it. I walked into the elevator and pressed the button for the upper floor. I pushed the door open as soon as I reached the rooftop, and to my surprise, sprinkles of confetti burst on my face.“Happy Birthday!”I caught my mouth in astonishment. God! Every friend I had on the executive’s floor was here. And Henry was among them holding a bouquet of red roses.Mixed emotions filled my chest. I was happy but regret instantly pinched my heart. I didn’t deserve this. I didn’t deserve Henry.“Henry…”“I’m sorry, girl! This is all we can do,” Chloe said. They stepped aside and showed me a table groomed with pristine linen covers, romantic candle lights, and two padded chairs on its sides. There was a food trolley filled with our dinner for the night as well.“Of course, we wouldn’t forget your birthday,” Bob said.“This is too much, guys. I didn’t even remember my own birthday,” I sniveled, between chuckles.“Don’t c