MY FATED LOVE

THE FIRST STORM

Chapter 2: The First Storm

The sun was bright as Aries and Julian drove to his grandfather’s house for brunch. The car was very expensive and quiet, but the silence between them felt loud. Julian was busy typing on his phone. He had a small smile on his face. Aries didn't have to guess who he was texting. It was Natasha.

"You should put that away," Aries said, looking out the window. "If your grandfather sees you smiling at your phone like a teenager, he will know it’s not because of me."

Julian locked his phone and sighed. "You worry too much, Aries. My grandfather sees what he wants to see. He wants to see us happy, so that is what I will give him."

"It’s not just about him," Aries replied. "It’s about the staff, the drivers, and the neighbors. If you want this lie to work, you have to be careful."

Julian looked at her. She was wearing a simple yellow dress. She looked bright and fresh, like a spring morning. He felt a strange pull in his chest, but he pushed it away. He reminded himself that he was only doing this for the company.

The Grandfather’s Eyes

They arrived at the Thorne Mansion. It was a huge house with beautiful gardens. Arthur Thorne was waiting for them on the patio. He was an old man with sharp eyes that seemed to see everything.

"There they are!" Arthur shouted, standing up with his cane. "The most beautiful couple in the city. Come here and hug an old man."

Julian put his arm around Aries' waist. His hand felt warm, and Aries felt a shiver go down her spine. She told herself it was just because she was nervous. She leaned into him, acting like a loving wife.

"You look wonderful, Aries," Arthur said, patting her hand. "Is my grandson treating you well? If he isn't, you tell me. I’ll cut off his bank accounts faster than he can blink."

Julian laughed, but it sounded a bit forced. "She’s fine, Grandfather. We are very happy."

During brunch, Arthur asked a lot of questions. He wanted to know about their plans for the future. He even asked when they were going to have children. Aries almost choked on her orange juice.

"Grandfather, we just got married," Julian said quickly. "Give us some time."

"Time moves fast, Julian," Arthur said seriously. "I want to see the next generation of Thornes before I leave this world. Aries is a smart woman. She will make a great mother."

Aries felt a pang of sadness. She liked Arthur. He was kind to her. She felt bad for lying to him. She looked at Julian and saw that he looked uncomfortable, too. For a moment, they shared a look of understanding. They were both trapped in this web of lies.

The Surprise Guest

Just as they were finishing their meal, a maid walked out. "Sir, a guest has arrived to give her well wishes."

Aries felt her stomach drop. She knew who it was even before the woman walked onto the patio.

It was Natasha. She was wearing a very tight red dress and high heels. She looked like she was going to a club, not a family brunch.

"Hi everyone!" Natasha said, her voice high and sweet. "I was in the neighborhood and wanted to bring a gift for the newlyweds."

Arthur frowned. He didn't like Natasha. He thought she was loud and shallow. "We are having a private family meal, Miss Natasha."

"Oh, I won't stay long," Natasha said, ignoring Arthur's cold tone. She walked right up to Julian and handed him a small box. "I found this and thought of you, Julian. It reminded me of that night in Paris."

The air became very cold. Aries felt her face get hot with anger. Natasha was doing this on purpose. She was trying to remind Julian of their secret dates right in front of his wife and grandfather.

Julian took the box, looking embarrassed. "Thanks, Natasha. You shouldn't have."

Aries stood up. She had a calm smile on her face, but her eyes were like ice. "How sweet of you, Natasha. You are such a 'good friend' to Julian. Why don't you stay for a drink? I’m sure Julian would love to hear all about your... travels."

Natasha’s smile faltered. She didn't expect Aries to be so bold.

The Argument

After Natasha finally left, the drive home was silent and angry. As soon as they walked into the penthouse, Aries turned on Julian.

"How dare you!" she yelled.

Julian looked surprised. "What? I didn't invite her!"

"But you didn't kick her out, either!" Aries snapped. "She stood there in front of your grandfather and talked about your 'night in Paris.' Do you think he is stupid? He was looking at me with pity, Julian. I don't want anyone’s pity!"

"It was just a gift, Aries. You're overreacting," Julian said, walking toward the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Aries followed him. "I am not overreacting! We have a deal. You can do whatever you want in private, but you will not humiliate me in public. If Natasha shows up like that again, I will walk out of this marriage, and you can explain to your grandfather why the company is falling apart."

Julian slammed his glass down on the counter. He was angry now, too. "You think you can just order me around? You needed this marriage just as much as I did. Your father's company would be bankrupt without my family’s money."

"I would rather be poor than be a laughingstock!" Aries shouted.

They stood there, breathing hard, staring at each other. The anger between them was so strong it felt like electricity. Julian looked at Aries' red face and her shaking hands. He realized for the first time that he had actually hurt her. He thought she didn't care about his feelings, but he saw now that he had wounded her pride.

"Fine," Julian said, his voice lower. "I will tell her not to come to the house or the office. It won't happen again."

Aries blinked. She didn't expect him to give in so easily. "Good. See that you don't."

A Strange Feeling

That night, Aries couldn't sleep. She went to the balcony to look at the city. The lights were beautiful, but she felt very alone.

She heard a sound behind her. It was Julian. He was wearing grey sweatpants and a t-shirt. He looked less like a scary CEO and more like a normal man.

"Can't sleep?" he asked.

"No," Aries said.

He walked over and stood next to her. For a long time, they just watched the cars move below.

"My grandfather really likes you," Julian said quietly. "He told me tonight that I'm a fool if I don't see how lucky I am."

Aries looked at him. "He’s right. You are a fool."

Julian let out a small, dry laugh. "Maybe I am."

For a second, the air changed. The anger was gone. Julian looked at Aries, and he noticed how the moonlight hit her eyes. He reached out, almost touching her hair, but then he stopped. He remembered the contract. He remembered Natasha.

"Goodnight, Aries," he said abruptly, turning away.

"Goodnight, Julian," she whispered.

As she watched him walk away, Aries felt her heart beat a little faster. She hated him, didn't she? He was a cheater and a cold businessman. But why did she feel a strange sadness when he left the room?

She shook her head. "It’s just the stress," she told herself.

But deep down, she knew the story was getting much more complicated than a simple contract.