EPISODE 21
1074 Words
A HOME THAT FEELS SAFE
Julian D’Argento leaned against the car seat, his fingers lightly brushing through Elara’s hair as she slept peacefully on his lap. His mask concealed his face, but his eyes held an unmistakable tenderness as he gazed at the young girl.
With a quiet sigh, he pulled out his phone and dialed his maid.
Julian: (low, firm voice) “By the time I arrive, I want my study cleaned. Not a single trace of the mess should remain.”
The maid, accustomed to his precise instructions, responded without hesitation.
Maid: “Understood, sir. Everything will be taken care of.”
Julian ended the call and looked down at Elara again. She stirred slightly in her sleep, a small frown forming on her face. Gently, he stroked her hair until she settled once more.
As they approached his estate—an expansive, heavily secured property that dwarfed even the grandeur of most elite homes—Julian signaled for the gates to be opened. The convoy pulled in smoothly.
Without waking her, he lifted Elara into his arms with ease, her small frame light against his chest. The warmth of her trust in him was something he didn’t take lightly.
His home was spotless when he stepped inside, as if the chaos from earlier had never happened. The maid stood at the entrance, waiting for further instructions.
Julian: (quiet but authoritative) “Prepare something light for her to eat when she wakes up.”
Maid: “Right away, sir.”
Julian carried Elara up to his bedroom. Carefully, he placed her down on the large bed, adjusting the covers around her. She mumbled something in her sleep but didn’t wake.
For a moment, he simply stood there, watching her. Then, with a sigh, he turned and left the room.
---
A Glimpse Into His World
When Elara woke up, the sky outside the window had darkened. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, until she realized where she was.
Elara: (softly to herself) “Julian’s house…”
She sat up, stretching, before climbing out of bed. The room itself was breathtaking—modern yet understated in its elegance. Everything was dark marble, muted golds, and deep, rich woods.
As she stepped out, she found herself captivated by the luxury surrounding her. She had grown up in wealth—after all, she was an Astor—but Julian’s taste was different. It wasn’t just wealth. It was power. Every inch of his estate radiated control, precision, and something even deeper… solitude.
Descending the grand staircase, she spotted one of the maids waiting for her.
Maid: (smiling politely) “Miss Elara, Mr. D’Argento is waiting for you in the dining room.”
Elara’s eyes lit up, and she hurried toward the dining hall.
As soon as she entered, she saw Julian sitting at the long, sleek dining table, a glass of wine in his hand. His mask was still in place, but his posture was relaxed, his presence commanding as always.
Elara: (grinning, taking a seat beside him) “You have the best house I’ve ever seen, Julian! Why haven’t you invited me before?”
Julian smirked slightly, setting down his glass.
Julian: (dryly) “Perhaps because I value my peace, little one.”
She laughed, unfazed by his cool demeanor. The maid soon served their dinner—a refined yet comforting meal.
Elara: (curiously, taking a bite) “Did you call my parents?”
Julian nodded, sipping his wine.
Julian: “I informed them that you’re safe with me. They weren’t particularly pleased, but they know better than to argue.”
Elara beamed.
Elara: (teasing) “That’s because they know you’d win.”
Julian only chuckled. They ate in comfortable silence for a while before she spoke again.
Elara: (softly) “Thank you for coming today.”
Julian looked at her for a moment before replying.
Julian: (gentle but firm) “You don’t need to thank me. If you call, I’ll come.”
Her heart warmed at his words.
After dinner, Julian personally escorted her back to the Astor Estate. As she stepped out of the car, she turned back to him.
Elara: (smiling) “I had a great time, Julian. Maybe next time, invite me on purpose?”
Julian shook his head in amusement.
Julian: (smirking) “We’ll see.”
She waved as she headed inside, and Julian watched until the door shut behind her.
Then, without another word, he instructed his driver to take him home.
---
A Conversation with Elias Carter
The moment Julian stepped back into his home, exhaustion settled over him like a heavy cloak. He loosened the buttons of his shirt and poured himself a drink before making a call.
Elias Carter picked up almost immediately.
Elias: (breezily) “Well, well. If it isn’t the great Julian D’Argento. Do I finally get the honor of hearing your voice?”
Julian rolled his eyes, taking a slow sip of his whiskey.
Julian: (dryly) “How did things go at ASTOR Conglomerate?”
Elias hummed.
Elias: “Smoothly. Leo played his role well. The board is steady, and everything is unfolding as planned.”
Julian exhaled, rubbing his temple.
Julian: “Good.”
But even as Elias spoke, his mind drifted—to Leo, to the damn kiss, to the endless push and pull between them.
Elias, always perceptive, picked up on the silence.
Elias: (curious) “Something on your mind?”
Julian’s grip on the glass tightened slightly.
Julian: (murmuring) “Leo.”
Elias sighed dramatically.
Elias: (mock sympathy) “Ah. The bane of your existence. The one man who can actually make you lose control. What did he do this time?”
Julian didn’t respond immediately. He simply leaned back, staring up at the ceiling.
Julian: (quietly, almost to himself) “He kissed me.”
Silence. Then—
Elias: (low whistle) “Well, damn.”
Julian shut his eyes.
Julian: (tiredly) “I’m exhausted, Elias.”
Elias’s voice softened, dropping the teasing tone.
Elias: “Because you still love him?”
Julian clenched his jaw. He didn’t answer.
Elias sighed.
Elias: (gently) “Then stop running. Either walk away or fight for him. Because staying in between? That’s what’s killing you.”
Julian remained silent.
But deep down, he knew Elias was right.
- Writer
