SOME THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE

CHAPTER 21

He stood up but unconsciously searched for the woman.

Julianna .

Sounds of light footsteps came from the balcony. He walked over, watching quietly from afar.

The morning sun was not strong, but rather, unexpectedly warm. Julianna had finished hanging the last piece of clothing, wiping away the sweat on her forehead that glistened and shone just like her.

Under the faint sunlight, her face was warm, soft, and delicate. Her long eyelashes occasionally blinked like two excellent fans that could subtly cause clear, soft ripples in the water.

Her body was extremely slender, but she had lost a lot of weight. It seemed as if just a gentle grab or grasp would break her bones into pieces. It was such a weak and tiny body. If he wanted to, he could destroy her completely.

Diego's black eyes immensely darkened. He leaned against the sofa at the side, silently staring at her with those unfathomable eyes—eyes that silently flashed with a plethora of emotions.

Julianna suddenly looked back and locked her gaze on Diego's unmasked eyes. She flinched by instinct.

He stood up and stood there for a very long time, watching her for a good amount of time.

Then, Diego straightened his body and walked towards her. He was approaching her, but she drew back.

She retreated until there was nowhere to go, and he was standing in front of her. Black eyes met black eyes—they saw themselves in each other’s eyes.

His eyes held hers, but they were cold.

Her eyes were not only filled with him, but with fear.

He had made her scared, scared of being hurt, and scared of hurting him.

“You made breakfast?” Diego's lips lifted into a faint smile, making her fear sink to the bottom of her eyes. She felt appeased.

Julianna lightly nodded her head, her clear eyes reflecting two tiny images of him.

“It was delicious,” he said. It was supposed to be a compliment, but from his mouth, it sounded stiff. She thought this man was used to the world revolving around him, and perhaps, very seldom praised people.

Any compliment that would come out of his mouth would sound strange. He was the type of person who lives on his own terms, without regard for anyone else.

She lowered her head, and for some reason felt the sudden urge to laugh. This man was really not suited to act like that.

“Are you mocking me?” The man raised an eyebrow, looking at the woman’s eyelashes gently vibrating. He was almost sure that she was definitely mocking him.

Julianna raised her head, her eyes showing less of sadness and more of happiness. She had really smiled, just a little, but a genuine smile nonetheless.

“Should I feel honored for making you in such high spirits?” Diego's voice became slightly colder, but Julianna realized that she could actually sense that he was not angry despite his poker face. He was just naturally cold.

And this thought led to a sweetness blooming in her heart. This was the most peaceful day they experienced together, without cruelty and aloofness. Even though he still did not show her any pleasant expressions, they just stood there gazing quietly at each other. Not like two porcupines attacking each other.

“If you’re not eating the other bowl, then I will eat it.” Diego crossed his arms across his chest. Even though it was not a very scrumptious feast, he somehow still liked it.

If the extra bowl on the table was not for him, naturally, it was for her.

Julianna opened her mouth, and her dazed look made Diego's eyes slightly lighten. She actually had moments when she was silly. He thought this woman was not capable of anything else other than to be at loggerheads with him and also make him angry.

He lowered his head, and he suddenly bit her lips. He remembered the taste—it was sweeter than any other woman. He had had so many women before, but he liked her lips the most. He couldn’t resist them.

They were amazingly soft and enchantingly sweet.

He finally let go of her, and her hands rested on his chest. Her snow-white face was a deep touch of red color. Beneath her forbearing strength lies a girl who was, in fact, easily moved.

Just a small gesture from him could make her once dead heart beat again. The influence the man had on her was unnervingly beyond what she expected.

‘What if...’

She lightly shook her head. She did not dare think further, for she was really afraid to continue the thought. That particular outcome was something she could not take.

Suddenly, a hand covered her eyes, blocking all the light from shining on her eyes.

“Let’s stop fighting for a little while. I’m tired today.” Diego's huge palm covered her eyes, preventing her from seeing the shadows that suddenly appeared in his black eyes.

“Let’s go.” He removed his hand, and for the first time, Diego took her hand and interlocked them. He felt her perspiration on her fingers.

He pursed his lips and decided not to ask.

On the dining table, they split the bowl of porridge, half for her and half for him. It was an extremely quiet morning. It was the type of morning that would make people feel relaxed, except that, after the relaxation, they might come to another solemnness.

Julianna occasionally raised her head to look at Diego . She tried to figure him out but to no avail. He was acting really weird that day.

“There’s a banquet I need to attend tonight. You’re coming with me.” Diego took a piece of napkin from the side and wiped his fingers. “I’ll get someone to send the dress over later. You just need to wear it and dress up prettily.”

He stood up and took his briefcase. He commanded, “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

Once finished, he turned around and walked out, not even giving Julianna the right to reject him. Yes, she must go. If he wanted her to go, then she had to.

The door closed with a thud, leaving Julianna alone in the villa again. She let out a sigh and cleared the dishes, but she did not know what she wanted to do at that moment.

She walked into the bedroom, intentionally avoided looking at the wedding photo on the wall that was constantly reminding her of how her marriage had begun.

It started with her love. It started with his hatred.

She opened one of the drawers at the side and retrieved a notepad and a pen. She sat in front of the window. The hair at her forehead fell softly against her eyes. There was no excessive declaration, just gentle proximity as her entire body exuded a natural quietness.