A GLIMPSE OF THE REAL HIM
1385 Words
The iron gates of the Cross estate opened silently, parting for the sleek black sedan. Elena looked out the rain-streaked window, her heart racing as the car pulled up a long, winding driveway lined with ancient oaks.
“This wasn’t just a house. It was a fortress of limestone and dark wood… completely isolated on a hill overlooking the distant city lights. “Julian Cross’s private residence was a myth; he never entertained guests or allowed the press past the gates. It was his personal sanctuary, a place built to keep people away.
The car stopped. Julian stepped out into the rain and opened Elena’s door himself. His heavy wool coat instantly shielded her from the wind as he guided her through the massive front entrance.
The interior was vast and silent, smelling faintly of cedarwood and polished stone. Elena stood on the immaculate marble floor; the dark red wine stain spread across her midnight-blue gown, a harsh reminder of the humiliation she’d just endured.
Julian shed his suit jacket, tossing it onto a chair. His gaze lingered on her shivering frame, unreadable.
Wait here, he said, his voice a low command.
He disappeared up the staircase, returning a moment later with a freshly laundered, oversized white button-down shirt. “The crisp fabric carried the signature scent of dark spice and rain. He thrust it into her hands.
“The guest suite is the second door on the left, Julian said, deliberately avoiding the exposed skin of her collarbone. “ Change out of that dress. You’re staying here tonight. The driver will take you home tomorrow morning.”
Elena blinked, staring at the shirt in her arms. Mr. Cross... I can just call a cab.
You are not roaming the city alone at midnight in that dress,” Julian cut in, his voice cutting off her protest. And tomorrow, you are taking a mandatory day off. Do not report to the office until Wednesday.
Elena’s stomach dropped. Anxiety tightened in her chest. A day off? From the moment she’d resumed her work, he’d buried her under impossible tasks, pushing her to her limit. Now, after the public scandal that branded her a fraud, he was keeping her away from the office.
“Are you firing me?” she asked, her voice dropping into a quiet, vulnerable whisper. She forced her chin up, trying to find her usual resilience. If you are going to terminate my contract because of what Chloe said, tell me now. Don't pity me.
Julian paused.
Turning slowly to meet her gaze, his flint-gray eyes locked onto hers. Silent moment. A faint, humorless smile touched his lips before disappearing.
“ Go change.”
He walked away.
Ten minutes later, Elena stepped out of the guest bathroom. The oversized white shirt fell to mid-thigh, its sleeves rolled up past her wrists. She felt exposed, yet safer than she had all evening.
She followed the faint sound of movement toward the kitchen. The space was a chef’s dream, all matte-black steel and warm ambient lighting. Then she froze.
Julian had rolled up the sleeves of his black dress shirt, his tie gone. At the marble island, he sliced vegetables with practiced precision while a pan of pasta sizzled on the stove.
He moved with quiet efficiency, nothing like the ruthless corporate tyrant she saw every morning.
Elena leaned against the door frame, watching him from a distance. Without his suit jacket, it was impossible to miss how broad and solid he was. Without his jacket, his powerful build was impossible to ignore.
Apparently, Julian Cross didn’t just roast executives. He could roast garlic too.
He was devastatingly handsome. The thought caught her off guard.
She quickly snapped herself out of it, shaking her head slightly. Stop. He’s your boss. The man who said you looked cheap beside him. Don’t forget that.
Are you going to stand there all night, or are you going to eat? “Julian asked without looking up.
Elena stepped forward, sitting cautiously on one of the leather barstools. Julian placed a plate of perfectly seasoned garlic and herb pasta in front of her.
“I didn't know the CEO of Cross International could cook,” she said, trying to ease the thick, physical tension in the room.
“When my family lost everything, my father worked three jobs, my mother was too sick to stand. If she didn't cook, my sister and I didn't eat.”
Wealth disappears faster than people think, Miss Brooks. I never rely on someone else to feed me.”
Elena paused. For the first time, the man behind the reputation came into view. His harshness no longer felt like cruelty. It felt like survival.
“I'm sorry,“ Elena said softly, “Because of what Chloe did tonight. She... she has a way of making people feel small.”
Julian didn’t answer immediately. He straightened from the counter and moved to stand beside her. The space between them vanished. Elena became painfully aware of his nearness.
“She didn't make you look small,”
Julian whispered.
His voice was low and soft, making his words sound more personal than before.
He reached out, his hand moving with deliberate care. His fingers brushed her jaw, and he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The gentle touch sent an unfamiliar flutter through her chest.
Elena’s breath hitched. She didn't pull away. Her eyes met his. For the first time, the cold fire in his gaze softened into something she couldn’t name. The silence between them stretched, charged with something neither of them dared acknowledge. His gaze flickered to her lips. He leaned in almost without realizing it. For one suspended heartbeat, the rest of the world disappeared.
Julian’s fingers tightened slightly against her skin, a sudden, fierce emotion crossing his face. Then, as if realizing how close he was to breaking his own rules, he pulled his hand back, his mask snapping back into place.
“Get some rest, Elena.”
He turned away.
“ Wednesday Be at your desk.”
A beat of silence.
“Flawless”
Across the city, the Vance estate had erupted into chaos.
Chloe slammed her bedroom door so hard the glass panes rattled. She hurled her designer heels across the room, her face twisted with rage. Her father had spent the last hour screaming that Julian Cross had rejected their logistics contracts, sending the company’s stock into free fall.
Her phone vibrated across the mattress. She snatched it up, seeing the name of her closest friend, Tara, flash on the screen.
Tara!" Chloe shrieked into the receiver, her voice cracking with bitterness. You have no idea what happened. I’m going to ruin her. Destroy her.”
Chloe, calm down, Tara’s voice came through, smooth and calculating. Tara had always resented Elena’s effortless confidence. What did Elena do now?
She lied to me! Chloe paced the floor, her fingers gripping the phone until her knuckles turned white. She didn't just ruin my date with Julian Cross. She used me to get close to him! She is working right next to him, Tara. Tonight, she showed up at the Grand Horizon dinner wearing a dress that costs more than my entire wardrobe, clinging to Julian Cross as if she owns him! She made a fool out of me in front of the board!
On the other end of the line, Tara’s eyes narrowed, and a faint smile curved her lips. She had been waiting for a reason to permanently push Elena out of their social tier.
I always told you she was a snake, Chloe, Tara said, her voice filling Chloe’s mind with pure bitterness.
“Women like Elena don’t chase men; they chase opportunities. She used your family's name to get into that cafe, and now she’s using him.
“Julian Cross values loyalty above everything else. If he believes Elena lied to get close to him, he’ll never trust her again ."
Chloe stopped pacing, her breath ragged as Tara's words smothered Chloe’s panic, leaving only vengeance. "What do we do?"
Don't worry, Tara whispered smoothly, her voice laced with suspense. I know a few people in the Cross International network.” If Elena wants to play corporate queen, let's see how she survives a real scandal.”
- Writer
