Before I could piece it together, Julian’s lips met mine. His kiss was practiced, passionate, and left me dizzy. I barely had time to process what was happening before he whispered in my ear:
“Chloe.”
My heart sank. Chloe?
I tried to rationalize it—maybe he was asking me to close the door? I glanced back and noticed the bedroom door was slightly ajar. Could that really be the issue?
“Don’t worry,” I murmured. “I’ll close it later.”
Julian didn’t protest. Instead, he pulled me closer, kissing me again with an intensity that made my knees weak. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to believe that he wanted me. That I wasn’t just another faceless assistant in his life.
But then he sighed softly against my ear, his voice tinged with emotion.
“Chloe... you’re finally back.”
The name hit me like a slap to the face. He wasn’t asking me to close the door. He was calling for her.
Anger and humiliation surged through me. I shoved him back onto the bed, my hands trembling.
Julian blinked up at me, his gaze still filled with tenderness—not for me, but for this mysterious Chloe. Whoever she was, she clearly owned his heart in a way I never could.