EPISODE 12
1802 Words
UNSPOKEN THOUGHTS AND GROWING DISTANCE
The limousine glided smoothly through the dimly lit streets of the city, its interior filled with quiet murmurs and praise for the man who had stolen the evening—Julian D’Argento.
“I must say, I didn’t expect him to be this charismatic,” Charles Astor Sr., Leo’s father, spoke, his deep voice filled with admiration. “Orion Group has remained shrouded in mystery for so long, yet he carries himself like a man who has always been in the spotlight.”
His mother, Eleanor Astor, nodded in agreement. “The elegance, the power… He doesn’t just own an empire, he commands it.” She sighed dreamily. “If only we knew his background.”
“I’m sure we will soon,” Leo’s younger sister, Elara Astor, chimed in. “It’s only a matter of time before someone uncovers his past. The media is already buzzing with speculation.”
Leo remained silent, his gaze fixed on the cityscape outside. The passing neon lights blurred together, but his mind was stuck on one thing—the inexplicable pull he felt towards Julian D’Argento.
It was absurd. He had never met this man before. At least… that was what logic told him. But then why did he feel something unsettlingly familiar about him?
“Leo?”
His father’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned, blinking as he realized everyone was looking at him.
“Are you even listening?” Charles Sr. asked, his brows furrowing slightly.
Leo forced a small smile. “Yeah, of course. Julian D’Argento. Impressive man. That’s what you were saying, right?”
His mother shook her head with an exasperated sigh. “Honestly, Leo, where’s your mind tonight?”
“I’m just tired.” He leaned back against the leather seat. “Long night.”
His father exchanged glances with his mother but didn’t press further.
As the limousine rolled to a stop in front of the Astor family estate, Leo stepped out first, helping his mother out before turning to his father.
“Goodnight,” he said as they stepped towards the grand entrance.
“Get some rest, Leo,” his father said before adding, “And don’t overthink everything.”
Leo gave a noncommittal hum before heading back into the limousine.
---
Back At The Penthouse
By the time the car pulled up to his building, Leo’s mind was still a tangled mess. He sighed, rubbing his temple as he stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for his floor.
He wasn’t expecting company, so when he walked into his penthouse and saw Nathan Hart lounging on his couch, a glass of wine in hand, he let out a weary breath.
“You weren’t answering your phone,” Nathan said, standing up. He was dressed impeccably in a fitted black shirt and dark slacks, his sharp features illuminated by the dim lighting. “So I let myself in.”
Leo walked past him towards the minibar, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. “I was busy.”
Nathan walked up behind him, sliding his arms around Leo’s waist, pressing a soft kiss against his neck. “Then let’s unwind together,” he murmured.
Leo stiffened slightly. “Not tonight, Nathan.”
Nathan pulled back just enough to look at him. “Not tonight?” His voice carried a slight edge. “Lately, it’s never the right night.”
Leo sighed, downing the whiskey in one go before setting the glass down. “I told you, I’m just tired.”
Nathan stepped back, crossing his arms. “No, you’re distant.”
Leo pinched the bridge of his nose. “Nathan—”
“Tell me, Leo,” Nathan interrupted, voice quieter but sharp, “are you thinking about him?”
Leo’s brows furrowed. “What?”
“That man—Julian D’Argento,” Nathan spat the name like it was venom. “Ever since the gala, you’ve been out of it. Do you even realize how distracted you’ve been?”
Leo’s jaw clenched. “I don’t know him, Nathan.”
“But you feel something for him, don’t you? cuz he has the same first name as your teenhood sweetheart” Nathan’s voice turned accusatory. “I see it, Leo. The way you were looking at him. It’s the same way you used to look at—”
“Stop.” Leo’s voice was sharp.
Nathan stared at him for a long moment before letting out a bitter chuckle. “Right. Of course. You won’t even admit it to yourself.”
Leo sighed, rubbing his face. “Nathan, don’t do this tonight.”
Nathan stepped back, grabbing his coat. “I see where this is going.” His lips curled into a humorless smile. “You’re slipping away from me again.”
Leo remained silent.
Nathan scoffed. “Fine. I’ll make this easy for you.” He grabbed his keys and strode towards the door. “Call me when you figure out what the hell you really want, Leo.”
With that, he walked out, slamming the door behind him.
Leo exhaled slowly, his head tilting back as he stared at the ceiling.
His mind should be on Nathan. On fixing their relationship.
But instead, all he could think about was Julian D’Argento—the man whose presence haunted him despite barely knowing him.
And that pull… That damn pull he couldn’t shake.
Why did he feel like he had lost something important… without even realizing it?
A Fateful Encounter
Months had passed since the awards ceremony, and weeks had gone by since Julian D’Argento’s grand introduction to the public. Yet, despite the buzz surrounding him, Leo hadn’t seen or heard a word about him since that night.
Not since their eyes met across the room, when he felt that inexplicable pull—the same one that reminded him of someone from his past.
But Julian West had vanished again.
And Leo?
He found himself wondering. Why?
Where had he disappeared to this time? What was it about this man that made his presence linger even in his absence?
But he never voiced these thoughts. He had told Julian West to stay out of his life, hadn’t he?
And so, he buried himself in work, throwing himself into his company.
Nathan Hart did the same.
Since their last argument, neither of them had made any effort to reach out. It was as if an unspoken agreement had formed between them—to focus on their own paths and avoid crossing each other’s.
But fate, as always, had its own plans.
---
ELARA’S UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER
One of the most luxurious shopping malls in the city—and also one of the many establishments owned by Julian D’Argento—was bustling with activity.
Inside, Elara Astor and her friends walked out of one of the high-end boutiques, their arms laden with shopping bags.
“I swear, I could live in this place,” one of her friends, Naomi, gushed as they exited the mall. “Julian D’Argento is an absolute genius for opening this.”
“Right?” another friend, Sienna, added. “The entire aesthetic is just… breathtaking.”
Elara laughed, flipping her long brown hair over her shoulder. “You both sound like you’re in love with the place.”
“Because we are,” Naomi teased. “I mean, come on—who isn’t obsessed with Julian D’Argento right now?”
Sienna sighed dreamily. “If only we knew what was behind that mask…”
Elara chuckled, shaking her head as they made their way toward their car parked outside.
But before they could reach it, a group of men loitering near the entrance suddenly moved toward them.
“Hey, ladies,” one of them called out, a smug grin on his face. “Why don’t you keep us company for a bit?”
Elara’s brows furrowed as she instinctively took a step back. “Not interested.”
“Come on now,” another man said, stepping closer. “Don’t be so cold.”
One of them grabbed Naomi’s wrist, making her yelp.
Elara’s expression darkened. “Let go of her. Now.”
The man only smirked. “What if we don’t?”
Elara clenched her fists, preparing to fight if she had to, but before she could react—
A powerful voice cut through the tension.
“That’s enough.”
The men stiffened and turned to look at the source of the voice.
A tall, imposing figure stood a few feet away, dressed in a sleek black suit. His presence alone radiated authority—but what stood out the most was the elaborate black mask covering the upper half of his face.
Julian D’Argento.
He had been inspecting the mall with Elias Carter and a few executives when he noticed the commotion. The moment he recognized Elara Astor, Leo’s younger sister, he didn’t hesitate to intervene.
The men hesitated, sizing him up. “And who the hell are you?”
Julian didn’t answer.
Instead, he took a single step forward—and his presence alone was enough to send a wave of unease through them.
“Leave,” Julian said, his voice even but dangerously low.
One of the men scoffed, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “Or what?”
Julian tilted his head slightly. “Or I’ll make you.”
The cold finality in his voice sent a chill down their spines.
A heavy silence settled between them.
Then, without another word, the group of men quickly backed away before turning and disappearing down the street.
Naomi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Oh my God.”
Elara, however, was staring at Julian with wide, starstruck eyes.
“You—you’re Julian D’Argento,” she breathed.
Julian turned to her, his mask concealing any emotion. “Are you alright?”
Elara nodded enthusiastically, her earlier fear replaced with excitement. “I—yes! And that was so cool! You just—stood there and they ran away!”
Sienna clutched Naomi’s arm. “I can’t believe we were just saved by Julian D’Argento.”
Naomi nodded rapidly. “This is insane. Insane.”
Elara looked up at Julian, eyes practically sparkling.
Julian sighed, then turned to Elias. “Have my car brought around.”
Elias smirked but nodded, pulling out his phone.
A few moments later, a sleek black limousine pulled up in front of them.
Elara’s eyes widened. “Wait… are you—?”
Julian opened the car door and gestured inside. “I’ll take you home.”
Elara’s jaw dropped. “Oh my God, yes.”
Naomi and Sienna looked at each other, then quickly scrambled into the limousine with Elara, their excitement barely contained.
- Writer
