Chapter 5 Say My Name
1083 Words
Willow didn't hesitate. "I agree."
Sebastian considered her for a moment and then said, "It's not a big secret—Julian's mother abandoned him."
He continued, his tone grave, "His mother was a pianist. As for why he doesn't want to hear that particular piece, you don't need to know. Just understand that it's connected to her. Don't play it again, and never bring up his mother."
*****
As Willow reflected on Julian's past, fragments of his story came to mind.
Julian's mother had been deceived by his father into thinking she was his girlfriend. It wasn't until Julian was born that she discovered she was, in fact, the other woman.
When she learned the truth, she left Julian behind with his father and disappeared.
According to her research, Julian had been less than a year old when his mother left. He shouldn't have any memory of her.
He must have met her later, or at least uncovered details about her life.
With the pieces starting to come together, she asked Sebastian, "And the favor?"
Sebastian hesitated, visibly torn.
"Would you... would you teach someone to play piano?"
Willow didn't ask for details. She simply nodded.
Sebastian seemed relieved and promised to return the favor when the time came.
Not that it mattered—Willow would have agreed regardless.
Strengthening her connections with Julian's inner circle was always a wise move.
*****
Back at the villa, Willow immediately noticed something amiss in her room.
The corner of her pillow had been turned up—a subtle signal that a message had to be delivered.
Under cover of darkness, she slipped out onto the balcony and disappeared into the night.
The rendezvous point was tucked away in a dimly lit bar.
A few minutes after she entered, a man appeared and escorted her to a private room.
Her brow furrowed in surprise when she saw who was waiting. "Silas? Why you?"
"Trouble at the border," Silas replied calmly. "Rhys had to head back to handle it."
"Lucian Ashworth causing issues again?"
Silas nodded and then opened his laptop.
"Rhys managed to uncover something interesting. Julian Lennox sought out his mother, Amara Prescott, when he was twelve. By then, she'd remarried and had another child. When he found her, she was playing piano for her new son. The piece? Liebestraum S541."
Willow frowned. "How did he even find her? He was just a powerless child, and she lived in another city."
Silas brought up another file. "Apparently, when he was younger, he would cry and beg to see her. His caretaker at the time, the butler Tristan Whitaker, pitied him and arranged for him to see her from a distance twice a year. That year, Amara was pregnant and recently married. Tristan decided not to take him, worried he couldn't handle it. Julian went by himself."
*****
Understanding dawned on Willow. Julian's anger stemmed from more than just abandonment.
If his mother had been indifferent to all her children, he might have been able to accept it.
But discovering that she reserved all her love for another child? That was an entirely different wound.
Silas added, "When Julian confronted her, she didn't even recognize him. After that day, he never sought her out again."
Closing his laptop, Silas leaned back.
*****
Back at the villa, Willow mulled over her next move. 'How do I soothe the heart of someone who's spent a lifetime missing something they never had?'
The melody of Liebestraum S541 lingered in her thoughts. 'A child starved of love...'
She had her answer.
That night, she messaged Sebastian, asking him to arrange for her to attend the company gala in two days.
And the favor would be returned.
The reply came the following morning, a simple "Got it."
*****
Two nights later, Willow entered the lavish gala under Sebastian's arrangements, dressed in an elegant gown.
A silver mask concealed half of her face, adding an air of mystery.
As guests mingled and exchanged pleasantries, Willow made her way toward the grand piano at the center of the room.
After a brief exchange with the current performer, she took their place, her fingers brushing the keys as she began to play.
The room gradually quieted as the notes of Lyphard Melodie filled the air. Guests turned toward the piano, captivated by the delicate and haunting melody.
When she finished, Willow stood, her eyes scanning the crowd.
Julian wasn't there. Disappointment flickered across her face, but before she could return to the piano, a deep, magnetic voice spoke from behind her.
"Looking for me, Ms. Drayton?"
Turning her head, she found Julian standing close, his gaze locked on hers.
Willow smiled, achieving her goal. She placed a hand on his arm and led him toward a secluded corner of the room, where a plush sofa awaited.
"Did you like the piece Lyphard Melodie I played tonight?" she asked softly.
Julian didn't reply, merely studying her.
Undeterred, Willow leaned in, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "I know many more songs. If you don't like the one I played, I'll choose another for you. Whatever you want, I'll play it—for you, and only for you."
A flicker of emotion crossed Julian's face. He slid a hand to her waist, pulling her closer.
"For me alone?"
Willow nodded, her eyes bright. "Of course. My piano is yours to command."
Julian enveloped her in his arms, his voice low and steady.
"Say my name."
Looking into his eyes, Willow whispered, "Julian."
"Say it again. And the other part."
"My piano is yours to command," she repeated, her tone tender but firm.
Julian's reaction was immediate. His grip on her tightened, his gaze softening. Willow knew Julian craved love, but she hadn't expected this move to work so flawlessly.
Leading her through the crowd, he introduced her to others with a subtle possessiveness that didn't go unnoticed.
As he spoke, Willow listened intently, observing his conversational prowess and filing away the occasional details about his business dealings.
*****
After the gala, Julian escorted Willow outside. Under the glow of the moonlight, she removed her mask, revealing her full face.
With her bold makeup and elegant gown, she radiated an undeniable allure.
Julian's eyes darkened for a moment, betraying a flash of admiration.
"You're stunning," he said. "There's another gala next week. Would you be my date?"
Willow smiled and nodded, her answer unequivocal.
Pleased, Julian took her hand, leading her toward the waiting car.
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