When Julian climbed into bed last night, I felt his arm wrap around me, but I was too tired to notice what time he got home.But I awoke alone in bed this morning. Julian is already preparing breakfast at the dining table.“Good morning,” I say. As usual, he looks more appealing than the food.“Come here. I was about to wake you up.” He gestures to me and pops a small piece of tomato into his mouth.Instead of sitting, I approach him and wrap my arms around his body. Hmm. He smells like he just got out of the shower. It was a mixture of mint, citrus, earthy, and pure masculine notes...“You didn’t wake me up when you came last night,&rdquo

Julian was in his study when I arrived at the penthouse. I made him a cup of coffee and prepared some cookies I had purchased earlier so I could contribute a little to his place. As I approach the front door to his study, I see him rubbing the back of his neck and bending it from side to side.“Tired?” I ask, setting the tray of snacks on his desk.When he looks at me, his expression relaxes. “Thank you. How was your day?”“Good, and thank God, I finished my song. Lora and Kristoff helped.”“Really?” He smiles. “Would you mind showing me?”“I’ll practice the whole thing later, so you’ll hear it anyway. Besides, you’re preoccupied. What is that

Each performance took an entire day to finish. I’ve waited with everyone else, hoping for a miracle that my name, or someone deserving, will be called. Regardless of the outcome, another meaningful moment in my life lies ahead.Mr. Melnard will see me tonight.There are over a hundred people in attendance in the performance hall, waiting for the big winners and awardees to be announced. They stated that a special academic award would still be given to those who delivered outstanding performances. Still, only one from each class will advance to the finals—the one who would compete against St. Agatha Academy’s champion.Lora and I are holding hands. She probably wishes for the same thing. Kristoff is quietly sitting on my other side, his gaze fixed on the stage. Not until Ben taps him on the shoulder

 When Julian arrives home in the evening, I’m in his study. Julian lowers down and kisses the top of my head. I’m getting used to this.Maybe I don’t want to leave here after all. I laugh at the concept.“Good evening,” he whispers. “What are you up to?”“I’m looking through these places my benefactor’s assistant chose for me.” I smile at him as I look over my shoulder. “And good evening to you too.”“Do you need help?”“I think you’ll agree with my benefactor in selecting one of these exquisite apartments.”My face’s positio

“Did you have fun?” Julian inquires as we drive to his house.“God, yes. I love Ophelia so much. I’m still bewildered by tonight’s event.” I heard from her mouth how she liked my song. This is one of the most incredible things that ever happened to me in my twenty-three years.Kristoff said that Julian’s birthday was coming up in two weeks. I completely forgot. Google even has his birthday posted.“How do you spend your birthday?” I ask.“I don’t. My family does. They usually arrange everything.”“Why not?”He laughs. “As I have said, I am not a party person. They only just want me to be ther