Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 21 - Chapitre 30

The cool night wind blasted against Julian's helmet as he sped through the streets of the city. The roaring engine of the Ducati matched the thoughts racing through his head. He knew he could not go back to his own estate tonight. If he went home, his mother would be waiting at the door. She would start her annoying talk again, praising Ariel as the perfect wife and speaking badly about Valeria. He could not handle hearing his mother saying all that. Not tonight. Julian needed a place where no one could look at him or demand answers.He needed total peace and quiet. Instead of turning toward his mansion, he swung the bike in the opposite direction, heading toward the center of the city. He was going to the Grand Horizon, one of the most famous and expensive hotels in the city. Years ago, after he signed his first major contract, Julian had invested a huge amount of money into this hotel. Because of his massive investment, the management had permanently reserved a special, highly luxu

The bright morning sun filtered through the curtains of Valeria’s cozy apartment. She sat on her sofa, holding a warm mug of tea. She was still in her silk pajamas, and her hair was tied up in a messy bun. It was the morning after the big gala, and she was trying to relax before heading to the office.She turned on the television to catch the morning entertainment news. Immediately, footage from last night’s event filled the screen. The cameras were focused entirely on Julian and Ariel o'brian. The news anchor was speaking excitedly, showing clips of them taking pictures on the red carpet and standing close together in the ballroom. Below the video, the internet comments were rolling across the screen. Everyone was going crazy over them, labeling Julian and Ariel as the ultimate power couple of the year.Valeria felt a sharp sting in her chest as she watched. She tried to tell herself that she didn't care, that Julian was just a story for her career, but the sight of him with another

Back at her house, Valeria sat on the edge of her bed in deep thought. The apartment was completely quiet now. She had just walked Shawn outside to his car. Before he left, she had smiled and promised to come visit him soon to see his new apartment, but the moment the door closed, her smile vanished. She suddenly felt incredibly lonely. The heavy weight in her chest returned, tighter than before. She couldn't pretend anymore. Seeing Julian on the television next to Ariel had broken something inside her. Valeria picked up her phone with shaking hands. She needed a friendly voice, someone who knew her whole history. She dialed the number of her best friend, Tara. The phone rang twice before Tara answered with a warm hello. Hearing her friend's voice, Valeria couldn't hold it in anymore. The tears she had been fighting all morning finally spilled over her cheeks, and she began pouring her heart out. She explained to Tara how she was still completely unable to move on from Julian, even

Julian ran past the security doors and burst out into the open courtyard behind the arena. The bright afternoon sun hit his face, but he didn't care. His eyes searched the area frantically until he spotted her. Valeria was walking fast toward the main road, her head down as she tried to escape. Julian used all his speed and In just a few large steps, he caught up with her. He reached out and grabbed her hand, his fingers locking firmly but gently around her wrist. "Valeria, wait! Please!" he begged, pulling her to a stop. With a sharp jerk, he turned her around to make her look at him. Up close, her face was completely wet with tears, and her chest was heaving. Seeing her like this made Julian lose all his usual calmness. The Ice King persona completely melted away. His voice was shaky, full of panic and pure desperation. "Val, I swear to you," Julian stammered, his hands trembling as he reached out toward her. "There is nothing. There is absolutely nothing going on between me

Later in the evening , Julian climbed onto his car and drove through the busy streets of City, heading back to his massive estate.When he pushed open the front doors of the mansion, the heavy silence he wanted was nowhere to be found. His mother, Mrs. Clara, was sitting in the grand living room, holding her iPad. The moment she saw Julian walk through the door, her face lit up with a massive, overjoyed smile. She stood up quickly, her expensive jewelry clinking together."Oh, Julian! My boy!" she cheered, walking toward him with her arms open. "I saw the news online! The pictures are everywhere! Everyone is talking about you and Ariel. I am so incredibly proud of you, Julian. You finally listened to your mother. I told you that Ariel is the only woman who matches your status now. Seeing you two together like that... it makes me the happiest mother alive."Julian stopped in the middle of the foyer. He stood completely still, his face dark and expressionless. He didn't hug her back. He