JULIAI opened my eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling. I wasn’t in my room, and my eyes felt awfully sore. I was alone in a king-sized bed that ten people could fit into, wearing nothing but an oversized white shirt and boxers.Oh, my God! No. I immediately touched my chest. I wasn’t wearing a bra. God, just where the heck was I?The last thing I remembered was dancing with Nathan at the club—and where the hell was Megan?Is this Nathan’s place?“Good morning.”Adam suddenly came into the room. He was bare-chested, revealing his yummy hard abs, wet from the shower, and only a white towel covered his nakedness. This was the first time I saw him in this state.I gulped. “Adam,” I breathed.“Sorry to wake you up. I’m just going to get some clothes.” Then he walked to his wardrobe.“Where am I?”“In my penthouse, in my room.”My chin dropped. I couldn’t believe it. “Why am I here?”“I brought you here.”“No. I mean, how did I end up here?”Adam stared at me, then grabbed a shirt and pants from

JULIADamon brought me to the most breathtaking place later that day. A countryside with cool air and the scent of freshly mowed grass and wood, which I never knew existed. I only saw skyscrapers in my life. I fed my eyes with the stunning, majestic acres of land, grounds of lush lawns, and trees as we drove through the driveway. It was incredible! Though someone should worry about getting lost for having such an enormous square mile estate.Back at the entrance, I remembered the arc that says, “Cavendish Manor.”“Are we far from the city?”“Not that far. This is my half-brother’s home.”I looked at him. “Your eldest brother?”“Yes. Ronald is here with his daughter, but his wife is currently out of the country.”“Wow, I always thought your world revolved around the office or your penthouse,” I remarked.“I’m a very private person, Ms. Taylor. I don’t involve anyone in my life, but of course, you’re not just anyone to me anymore.”“Sorry. I didn’t catch that.”“I’m going to introduce y

JULIAWe went back and found everyone playing volleyball by the swimming pool. One of the girls tossed the ball to the guys on the opposite side, but none of them hit back. A rich laugh came out from Adam at the sight of his friends that seemed to be on the losing team. I just loved seeing him like this... so carefree and so normal.“Would you like to join them?”He looked at me, still smiling. “How about you?”“I’m fine. You should join them.”He brought my hand to his lips. “I know how this is new to you, but I want you to join us.”“You are right. This is new to me, and you already said that I’m not ready. I’m giving myself a little time.”He nodded, agreeing. “Of course, you’ll feel that way. But I’ve never brought anyone here. Just you.”“That’s good enough then.”“When I told you that I’m falling for you, I mean it. I want you to be part of this,” he said softly.What he said struck me again. “Honestly, I just can’t tell you that I feel the same. I feel we are rushing things.”I

JULIAIt was an arranged marriage,” he began, then wiped his mouth with a napkin. We were sitting now at The Bistro.“What happened?” I said, then ate a portion of my orecchiette.“I was depressed back then because of Demi and Henry, and my father was ill as well. Bianca is the daughter of a family friend. They wanted us to get married for business, of course, and no questions asked—I married her. She was sweet and responsible, and she cared for me. Those were the times, I thought she was different. Though it was my father’s last wish, I married her because she also needed my help. She was broken like me. Her boyfriend left her when she was pregnant with his child. She couldn’t tell anyone about it.”“Let me guess, you told them the baby was your child?”He curtly nodded.“Oh, God. That’s so heroic of you.” Every day this man never ceased to shock me with his revelations, and my heart sank knowing that he actually loved her. “Then what happened? Your relationship sounds like it was wor

Six months later…To: megoconnell@starlightincmail.comSubject: How Are You?Hey, Megs. How’s your first day in your new job in Sydney? I’m sorry I never got the chance to see you again. But I heard about you and Paul. Congratulations on your engagement! However, I’m still stuck in Harrisburg. I know, I know, I’ve been staying here forever, but I am finally going back to New York tomorrow for this new job. Don’t you want to congratulate me too? Speak soon.P.S. Paul said you proposed to him.Love,JuliaI sent the email and went downstairs. Mom was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. I just loved seeing her each day in the morning—in her usual pink floral apron, hair tied in a bun, and her hands in gloves.I’m going to miss her so much.“Good morning.” I kissed her cheek.“Morning, darling. Sit down and have breakfast.”“Hmm. This smells good.” I picked up a piece of toast from the table and took a bite. “Where’s everyone?”“Your dad’s at the shop, and Claire’s still probably in her