“What's with this old watch?” Sophia murmured, her voice carrying a note of satisfaction as she traced lazy patterns on Julian’s arm.
Julian arched a brow, glancing at her with amusement. “What?”
She reached for his wrist, her fingers brushing over the familiar, well-worn leather of his watch. “When will you ever tell me why you refuse to replace this thing? I’ve given you countless watches—limited editions, custom designs—but you still insist on wearing this old one.”
Julian smirked, running his thumb over the watch’s face as if recalling a distant memory. “Because this is the watch I was wearing when I met you. It’s not just any watch, Sophia. It’s proof that fate was on my side that day.”
She scoffed, rolling her eyes even as a small smile betrayed her amusement. “You’re being ridiculous again.”
“Am I?” Julian leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Or do you just love hearing me say it?”
Sophia giggled, nudging him playfully. “You’re impossible.”
She sighed after a beat, her expression shifting. “Father’s been pressing me to take on more of the family businesses.”
Julian chuckled, stretching out lazily. “Oh? And for once, Sophia didn’t follow orders?”
She shot him a sharp look. “I make my own decisions.”
“Of course you do,” he agreed smoothly. “But it’s interesting, don’t you think? You have all these businesses—companies I funded, built from the ground up—but they’re all in your name.” He tilted his head, studying her. “Not mine.”
Sophia smirked, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Are you regretting that now?”
Julian grinned. “Not at all. But it does make me wonder… What if you decided to replace me?”
Sophia pretended to think, tapping a finger against her chin. “Hmm. Well, I could replace you. I mean, I have all the assets, all the power. Maybe I’ll find someone more—what was it you always say?—business-savvy and beautiful to take your place.”
Julian chuckled, leaning closer, his lips barely an inch from her ear. “You could try.”
She shivered slightly at the husky edge in his voice but refused to let him win so easily. “You’re not even worried?”
Julian smirked. “Why would I be? If you replace me, I’ll just start over. You know me, Sophia—I always land on my feet. And besides…” He paused, trailing a finger down her arm. “Let’s be honest. You may own everything on paper, but we both know who really runs it all.”
Sophia narrowed her eyes. “Oh? And who might that be?”
Julian flashed a knowing grin. “The man who built an empire with your name on it but never needed it to prove himself.”
She huffed, lightly smacking his arm. “Arrogant.”
“Confident,” he corrected smoothly. “Besides, I don’t mind being in your shadow, as long as it means I can keep watching over you.”
Sophia sighed, her teasing demeanor softening. “Julian… we argue, we challenge each other, and sometimes, we don’t see eye to eye. But have you ever really doubted that I’d stay?”
Julian studied her for a moment, the playfulness fading just slightly. “Have you?”
Sophia shook her head. “Never. And you know why?” She met his gaze, unwavering. “Because love isn’t about who holds more power, who owns more, or who wins the most arguments. It’s about who stays, no matter what.”
A slow, knowing smile spread across Julian’s face. “You always know exactly what to say, don’t you?”
“I learned from the best.” She smirked.
Julian chuckled, pulling her closer. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek, “you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Julian exhaled, his fingers tangling in her hair as he whispered, “Without a doubt!”
Tying Loose Ends
Julian leaned back in his seat at the fast-food restaurant, casually swirling the drink in his hand as he checked his phone. The place was bustling—families, students, office workers grabbing a quick meal. But he wasn’t here for the food.
A few minutes later, Karina walked in. She spotted him almost instantly, her expression a mix of curiosity and hesitation. It had been a while since they last talked.
“Didn’t think you still ate at places like this,” she teased, sliding into the seat across from him.
Julian smirked. “Old habits die hard.”
He pushed a tray toward her—her usual order from years ago. She raised an eyebrow but took a fry anyway. “So, what’s up? Feels like you didn’t just call me here to reminisce over cheap burgers.”
He leaned forward slightly. “How’s life?”
She scoffed. “Surviving. The call center’s still paying the bills, but a rival company’s been poaching clients. Feels like it’s only a matter of time before things go south.”
Julian nodded, as if he had already expected that answer. “You looking for something better?”
Karina sighed. “Of course. But job hunting isn’t exactly fun.”
Julian didn’t reply right away. Instead, he pulled out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and tapped a number. Karina watched, confused, as he placed the call and waited.
“Hey,” Julian said after a beat. “I’ve got someone you should meet. Smart, hardworking, and wasted in her current job.” He glanced at Karina, smirking. “See if you’ve got an opening.”
Karina widened her eyes. “Wait—what are you—”
Julian ignored her. After a brief exchange, he held the phone out to her. “Here. Talk to him.”
She hesitated but took it. “Uh… hello?”
A friendly but professional voice came through. “Miss Karina? Julian mentioned you might be looking for a new opportunity. We have some positions available that might interest you. Would you be open to an interview?”
Karina blinked. Just like that?
“I—I would,” she said quickly. “That’d be great. Thank you.”
They exchanged details before she handed the phone back to Julian, still processing what just happened.
“You seriously just called someone and got me an interview?” she asked, half in disbelief.
Julian leaned back, sipping his drink. “Why not?”
She exhaled, shaking her head with a small laugh. “You really don’t change, do you?”
“Not when it comes to efficiency.”
Karina gave him a look before her gaze softened. “Thanks, Julian. I mean it.”
He waved her off. “Don’t mention it. But if you really want to thank me—” He leaned forward, smirking. “Come to my wedding.”
Karina almost choked on her drink. “Wedding?”
“Yeah,” Julian said, casually checking his watch. “Marco’s handling the invites. Just show up. Bring whoever you want—even Elias and Camille.” His voice was calm, unaffected. “They don’t hold any weight in my life anymore.”
Karina studied him for a second. “You really moved on, huh?”
Julian just smirked. “I’m not looking back.”
Before she could respond, another familiar figure entered the restaurant—Marco. Right on time.
Julian gestured toward him. “Speaking of which, Marco’s here. I need him to get our old classmates together for the wedding.”
As Marco approached, Karina still couldn’t quite believe what was happening. One moment she was drowning in job uncertainty, the next she had an interview lined up and an unexpected wedding invite.
Julian was always a step ahead. And this time, it was clear—he was setting the stage for something much bigger than just a reunion.