Julien Baker Partner Novels & Stories

Every deal, every partnership, every failure. She calls back at noon. Her voice is careful. She says Julian is a shark. He has acquired dozens of companies. Some he grew. Some he dismantled. But he has never been involved in healthcare. This would be new for him. She has found no evidence of fraud or malice. Just aggressive business tactics. I ask if she thinks he is sincere. She says she does not know. But she will keep digging. She will not stop until she has answers. Julian calls me that afternoon. His voice is smooth, respectful, almost humble. He asks if I have considered his proposal.

Kaelani froze. Her stomach flipped, though not in the way she wanted it to. Slowly, she turned. Julian stood a few paces behind her, hands in his pockets, dressed in dark jeans and a charcoal shirt that clung to him just enough to betray the strength beneath. He looked almost casual — almost. There was always too much contained behind his stillness, like a storm in waiting. Her brow arched. “Are you following me now?” He gave a faint exhale that could’ve been a laugh. “Your website says that your bakery’s closed on Sundays.” His gaze didn’t waver. “So I stopped by your place, but you weren’t there. Your neighbor said you were probably out by the outlets.”

"Disappeared? What do you mean, disappeared?" "I mean he’s a ghost!" Julian yelled. "And that’s not the worst part. His private investigators were spotted lurking near the Sterling building yesterday. If he’s gone underground, he’s planning something. He’s coming for the kids, Evie. I know it." Julian finally turned his head and saw me. He frowned, pointing a finger at my chest. "Who the hell is the baker? And why does he look like he’s wearing a dead cat on his chin?"

“Let us discuss the campaign. This partnership with Couture Collective will be a game-changer for Paragon.” I nod with a polite smile, taking the seat next to my husband. My mind is a storm, but I am determined to stay in control. Julian is a business partner. That is all. I repeat the words in my head, forbidding myself from remembering the dark bar or the sound of his voice late at night. Julian sits across from me, and from the corner of my eye, I see him looking my way. That arrogant smirk is still there. I can feel the heat of his gaze, a silent dare to acknowledge our secret.

I whispered. Julien shook his head. “No. I’ve already contacted two potential replacement investors. One of them is interested and wants a presentation in the next two days.” I sighed, feeling a bit relieved. “Why didn’t you say that earlier?” He smiled slightly. “Because I didn’t want to spoil our dinner. But I also couldn’t hide everything from you. This is our project.” I looked at him, and for a moment, I felt so connected to him. Julien didn’t just come as a coworker or a travel companion; he was someone who made me feel involved, valued, and trusted.

Carter gives a salute and exits the house. I follow Julian to the stairs, becoming increasingly intrigued. “What do you mean business partner? Is he really leaving SEG? You said he’ll be judging the competition, right?” “Not until he established his own firm. And, yes, he is still a member of the panel. Other departments are also competing this year. Carter is looking for new talents, preferably singers, actors, and dancers.” “Interesting. More opportunities, then.” “That’s right.” Julian walks into his bedroom and opens the door. He instantly cups my face, inhales my scent, and crushes his mouth onto mine, passionately bruising me. “You’re still here right in front of me, but I already miss

Julien said firmly. Although Lyra was feeling uncomfortable, she did not dare to say much anymore. She nodded and said, "Okay. How about my dad, Julien? Did he lose his position as the main cooperation partner?" "The plan he submitted was horrible. I’ll decide what to do with him later," Julien answered with a tone of indifference. "But… But he's my dad. Julien, can you…" "No." Julien cut her off mid-sentence.

“I’m sorry you think you get to have an opinion, Noah.” He smirked like I’d said something quite amusing. “Same old Savannah. Always with the attitude.” “Only when it’s deserved.” I shot back. Julian, who’d been standing off to the side trying to stay out of it, finally stepped closer. “Everything okay here?” Leo looked him over, the tension in his jaw obvious. “And you are?” “Julian,” he said. “Her partner for this contest.” “Partner,” Leo repeated slowly. “Right. I see.”

"What are you saying?" "I'm saying," Julian said, slow, careful, each word placed with the same deliberate weight he'd used the night he first explained Clause 7.1 to her, "that I don't want you carrying any of this alone anymore. Weston. Your restaurant. Whatever's coming next. I want to actually be your partner in it — not just on paper, not just for appearances. Really." Ivy's breath caught, the word *partner* landing somewhere warm and unsteady in her chest, dangerously close to every unspoken thing that had been building between them for months.

A painting of the lake at sunset that she had given to me, framed and hung in my study. I was still CEO of Sterling Global. The company was recovering. The stock had stabilized. The board was restructured with people I trusted. Julian had accepted a permanent position as the company's chief legal counsel, which meant he split his time between London and the city. He said he liked having a reason to come back. I suspected he also liked working with the prosecutor from the DA's office, a sharp-eyed woman named Elena who had handled Alexander's trial. They had been spending a lot of time together, though Julian still blushed whenever I mentioned it.