CHAPTER.1
Mason stood on the campus steeps, strengthened his cap, and looked over the crowd of graduates. The cool air filled with mingled scents of flowers and freshly cut grass. Julie smiled brightly beside him as she waved to their relatives.
“We’re finally done! Can you believe it?” Julie murmured, shoving Mason with her elbow.
“I understand, four years just flew by. It's surreal” Mason smiled with his eyes bright with eagerness.
“ We made it, but it's been a crazy ride,” Julie giggled.
As they went with their families for pictures, the air was filled with laughter and conversation.
“I am proud of you, Mason. You have worked so hard.” Mason's mother embraced him passionately with tears in her eyes.
“Couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, Mom.” Mason said, feeling a lump in his throat.
“Now is the time to conquer the real world. You two form an excellent team.” Julie's father said, clapping Mason on his back.
Julie wrapped one arm around Mason's waist and whispered “Together, we can handle anything.”
Julie and Mason sought a peaceful location beneath a giant oak tree as the evening sun shed a warm glow over the campus. They sat down, resting against the trunk as Masin took out a bottle from his bag.
“Champagne to celebrate?” Mason answered.
“Why not, we earned it.” Julie chuckled.
Mason poured the sparkling drink into two plastic cups and gave one to Julie. They clinked the drinks together.
Julie raised her cup, her voice filled with hope as she said “ To new beginnings.”
“To us,” Mason replied, feeling a wave of affection for her.
They sat for a while in a comfortable silence, sipping their champagne and watching the sun set beyond the horizon. Their future seems so bright and full of possibilities.
They returned to their little apartment later that night where the dim light in their living room created a pleasant atmosphere for them. They were still buzzing from the day's excitement when Mason pulled Julie into a passionate kiss.
Mason whispered against her lips, “You know, we need to celebrate tonight.”
“I agree” Julie grinned, waving her hands through his hair.
They removed their clothes hastily as they moved to the bedroom. Mason's touch was ardent, and his hands explored her body with passion and want. Julie reacted with a bit of hesitation and a lack of enthusiasm. Mason noticed how Julie seemed to hold back, her movements less fluid and more cautious.
Mason tried to k****e a spark of passion by whispering to her what he liked, but Julie's reactions were frequently mechanical, and her enthusiasm faded soon. Mason tried to express his displeasure, but it had become a familiar frustration for him. Julie has always been so lovely and attentive in every other aspect, but there was a big gap when it comes to bedroom activity.
Julie then snuggled into him, well pleased and joyful. Mason, suppressing his anger, clutched her tight, and remembered all the happy times they had.
“Today was perfect,” Julie said, feeling sleepy.
Mason confirmed, stroking her hair. “It was, it was.”
Mason and Julie sat silently in their small apartment, surrounded by boxes they had yet to unpack. The sound of Julie's phone ringing interrupted the silence.
“ A local number,” Julie said, furrowing her brow. “Who could this be?"
“Answer it, it may be good news,” Mason replied.
Julie took a deep breath and clicked the answer button." Hello? Yes, this is Julie.”
Mason noticed her expression change from cautious anticipation to exhilaration. Julie nodded in excitement as she jotted down some notes.
“Yes, absolutely. I can come tomorrow for the interview. Thank you so much!”
She immediately jumped into Mason's arms as she hung up the phone. “I have a job interview, and they want me to come tomorrow.”
Mason embraced her tightly." That's amazing, Julie! I knew you would get something soon”
Julie was filled with eagerness." It's from a marketing firm downtown. I just hope this works out.
Mason feels both proud and relieved. “They would be crazy not to hire you. I know you will scale up the interview.”
The next morning, Julie dressed professionally and stood in front of her mirror, smoothing away imaginary creases and rehearsing her steps. Mason stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders.
“You look perfect, go knock them dead,” Mason said, kissing her forehead.
“Thank you, Mason, I will call you once it's over,” Julie said, taking a deep breath.
As Julie walked out the door, Mason couldn't help but feel so anxious. His job search had been too slow and frustrating, but he hoped his turn would arrive soon.
Julie's nerves tingled with both excitement and apprehension as she arrived at the small, modern office building for the interview. She stepped into the elevator and gave herself a quick pep talk. “Just be yourself, Julie, you can do it.”
A receptionist greeted her with a friendly smile as she entered the lobby. “Hello, this must be Julie. Please take a seat, someone will attend to you shortly.
Julie sat down, Clutching her portfolio. The door opened after a few minutes and a familiar face emerged. Someone she recognized from her university, a fellow student who graduated a few years before her.
“What a surprise Julie,” the man said, smiling as he approached Julie. “Just come with me and I will explain the conditions here. I don't think there is any need for an interview.”
Julie's eyes were filled with concern and surprise. “Conditions?” she repeated, feeling a sudden chill.
The man nodded in agreement. “Yes, just a few terms you need to agree with before we can move on.”
Julie's mind was filled with questions as she followed him, wondering what the conditions could be.
