EPISODE 13
1690 Words
THE RIDE TO THE ASTOR ESTATE
The moment Julian stepped into the car with them, the questions came pouring in.
“Where are you from?”
“What made you start Orion Group?”
“Why do you always wear a mask?”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Are you single?”
Julian remained impossibly composed, answering only in vague, calm tones while Elias Carter, who had joined them, smirked in amusement.
By the time they arrived at the Astor family estate, Elara was grinning from ear to ear.
The car pulled to a stop.
“Thank you!” Elara beamed. “You’re officially my favorite person ever.”
Julian offered a small nod before the girls stepped out of the car.
As the car was about to leave, Elara suddenly called after him.
“Wait!”
The car stopped, he glanced at her
She smiled. “Will I see you again?”
Julian hesitated for a moment before finally saying, “Perhaps.”
Then, without another word, he disappeared down the road—leaving behind a group of girls completely enchanted by the mystery that was Julian D’Argento.
---
ELARA’S BOLD PROPOSAL
Elara couldn’t stop talking about her unexpected encounter with Julian D’Argento. From the moment she arrived home, she gushed to her parents about how he had saved her, how mysterious and powerful he seemed, and most of all, how incredibly perfect he was.
Her enthusiasm was unstoppable—so much so that when Leo dropped by the estate to check on his parents, he walked straight into a conversation where Julian D’Argento was the main topic.
“—And I’m telling you,” Elara said excitedly, “he was so cool! The way he just stood there, and those guys ran off? It was like something out of a movie!”
Leo arched a brow as he set down his coat and took a seat. “I see someone’s got a new idol.”
Elara spun toward him instantly, her eyes lighting up.
“Leo! Perfect timing.”
Leo barely had time to react before she leaned in, eyes gleaming with mischief.
“So, what do you think about Julian D’Argento as a life partner?”
Leo blinked. “What?”
Elara grinned, completely serious. “Think about it. He’s powerful, influential, incredibly wealthy, and, let’s be real, a total mystery. Wouldn’t he be perfect for you?”
Leo stared at her in disbelief. “Are you seriously matchmaking me with a man I don’t even know?”
“Oh, but that’s the fun part!” Elara clasped her hands together. “Imagine unraveling the enigma that is Julian D’Argento. You love a challenge, don’t you?”
Leo ran a tired hand through his hair. “Elara—”
“Just listen,” she cut him off, undeterred. “First, you both have insane reputations in your industries. You run one of the biggest corporations; he built Orion Group from the ground up. Power couple goals.”
Leo exhaled sharply. “Elara, that’s—”
“Second,” she continued, ignoring his protests, “he clearly doesn’t let just anyone into his world. He’s mysterious. Reserved. But you, big brother, are Leonel Astor. If anyone can get close to him, it’s you.”
“Elara.”
“And third!” She raised a finger. “Admit it—you like men too. So why not consider Julian D’Argento?”
Silence.
Leo felt the entire room go still.
He turned slightly to see his parents staring at them, both caught off guard by Elara’s unexpected matchmaking attempt.
Their father, Charles Astor, was the first to speak, his deep voice calm but firm.
“Elara,” he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Don’t say things like that. We don’t even know if Julian D’Argento is interested in men.”
Elara pouted. “So? What if he is?”
Charles shot her a pointed look. “And what if he isn’t?”
“Well, we won’t know unless someone finds out,” she muttered under her breath.
At that moment, their mother, Eleanor Astor, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up.
“I think Elara has a point.”
Everyone turned to her.
Leo looked stunned. “Mom?”
Eleanor gave a small, thoughtful smile. “Julian D’Argento is quite an exceptional man. If, hypothetically, he is interested in men… then, honestly? He would be a perfect match for you.”
Elara beamed. “See? Mom gets it!”
Charles sighed again, shaking his head. “Eleanor…”
Eleanor only shrugged elegantly. “I’m just saying. If fate somehow aligns… well, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
Leo sighed, leaning back in his chair. “You two are unbelievable.”
Elara smirked. “Admit it. Now that I’ve said it, you are going to think about it.”
Leo gave her a flat look but said nothing.
They moved on to lighter topics, talking about business, upcoming events, and casual family matters over dinner.
But even as the conversation shifted, Leo found himself lost in thought.
Julian D’Argento.
Would he really be a perfect match?
And why did the idea linger in his mind far longer than it should?
A DEAL WITH FATE
After dropping Elara and her friends at their family estate, Julian D'Argento leaned back in the leather seat of the car, exhaling a slow breath of relief. He had been watching the young girl for a while now, noticing how much she resembled her brother, Leo, when they were younger. It was a strange, bittersweet feeling.
As the car glided smoothly through the evening traffic, Elias Carter, who sat beside him, broke the silence. "You’re still thinking about them, aren’t you?" he asked, not a hint of surprise in his voice.
Julian didn’t immediately respond. He didn’t need to. Elias had known him long enough to understand what was going on inside his head. After a few moments, Julian spoke, his voice low and pensive. "Elara’s grown into a fine young lady." He let out a breath, staring out of the window. "She reminds me so much of Leo."
Elias remained quiet for a beat, but his sharp eyes were always aware of Julian’s mood. "Are you planning to let this go?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral, though there was an edge to it. "You know you can’t keep carrying this around."
Julian rubbed his temples, as if trying to push away the emotions clouding his thoughts. "I don’t know if I can," he muttered, almost to himself. "It’s harder than I thought."
Elias didn’t respond. Instead, he shifted the topic to business matters, knowing well enough that Julian wasn’t ready to confront his past just yet.
"Tomorrow’s packed," Elias said, glancing over the folder of appointments in his hands. "Meetings with international investors, then a few calls with executives. You’ll need to rest."
Julian nodded absently, still lost in thought. He had been so busy recently, not giving himself time to breathe. Every day had been a whirlwind of meetings, decisions, and press. But no matter how much he tried to distract himself, his thoughts always seemed to return to Leo. It had been weeks since the award ceremony, weeks since he had last seen Leo, but the memory of Leo’s expression that night—so distant, so cold—still lingered in his mind.
Even now, when he saw Leo with Nathan at that same ceremony, it stung. He should have been used to seeing them together by now. But every time, it hurt in ways Julian couldn’t explain. He had tried to move on, told himself it was over, but his heart never listened.
Elias, sensing Julian’s internal struggle, decided it was time to change the subject.
"Have you heard anything from Leo’s side? I’ve been hearing murmurs about Astor Conglomerate having some financial trouble," Elias said, his voice casual, though his eyes were sharp. "They might need to reach out for help."
Julian’s expression shifted slightly, his interest piqued. "Astor Conglomerate," he muttered, as if testing the sound of the words in his mouth. "I’ve heard something. What kind of trouble are they in?"
Elias shrugged. "Business as usual, I suppose. But if they want a hand, they’ll need to turn to you. Your company’s resources can help them."
Julian’s fingers drummed against the armrest of the car as he mulled over the idea. The thought of helping Leo’s family—his company, his father—didn’t sit well with him. But it was business. He had to separate his emotions from the decision. He couldn’t let his feelings for Leo cloud his judgment.
"Let them reach out if they need to," Julian said finally. "I’ll listen. But only because they need help. Nothing more."
---
LEO’S DILEMMA
Back at the Astor mansion, Leo was sitting in the study, papers and reports scattered across the large mahogany desk. His father, Charles Astor, stood by the window, a serious expression on his face. The evening sun cast long shadows across the room.
"You know what needs to be done," Charles said, his tone firm, unyielding. "Astor Corporation is facing a crisis. You need to reach out to Julian D'Argento. His company is the only one with the resources to help us."
Leo ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting. He had never been one to ask for help, especially not from someone like Julian D'Argento. It felt wrong, like admitting defeat. But his father was right. The company was in deep, and they couldn’t afford to waste any more time.
"I’ve tried, but..." Leo hesitated. "You know how it is. Julian D’Argento doesn’t owe us anything."
"Leo, stop being stubborn. This is business. You think he’s going to say no?" Charles’s voice softened, but only slightly. "If he can help, he will. And you’re going to make sure of that."
Leo clenched his jaw. He didn’t like it. But there was no other option. He had to do this for the company.
"I’ll reach out," Leo said reluctantly. "I’ll set up a meeting."
---
- Writer
