Chapter 5
1077 Words
“It’s not too late to change your mind, Klaus,” Mrs. Beaufort said, looking up at her son with concern.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that Klaus was making a mistake by marrying his ex-wife’s sister after two years of her absence.
“Mum, the preparations for the wedding are already in full swing. Nothing will change that,” Klaus replied firmly.
He had been spending time with Martha to move on from Julia, and one day, he proposed to her. He had hoped Julia would return, but she never did, and he had no way of knowing if she ever would.
Martha had pleaded with her parents not to inform Julia about the wedding until it was finalized. She didn’t want to hurt her sister with the news, and she had started to develop feelings for Klaus.
Mrs. Beaufort sighed, her worry evident in her furrowed brow. "Klaus, I just want what's best for you. And for Martha. This is all happening so fast."
Klaus shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. "I appreciate your concern, but this is my decision. Martha and I are moving forward. I can't keep waiting for Julia."
He glanced at Martha, who stood nearby, her hands clasped nervously. She tried to muster a reassuring smile but couldn’t fully hide her own anxiety.
"I understand, Mum," Martha said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "I love Klaus, and I know this is what we need."
Mrs. Beaufort looked at her daughter-in-law-to-be with a mixture of sadness and acceptance “I just hope you both find happiness in this. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
"It's okay mum. No one's getting hurt, let's proceed to dinner."
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"I don’t want you to think I’m sad and miserable. Do I look miserable?" Julia asked, her eyes drooping.
"Julia, you need to sleep," Leon said, looking at her with concern.
"No. I need to feel something tonight. I want you," she said, trying to unfasten his belt.
"No, that’s not happening," Leon said firmly, helping her onto the bed.
He made sure she was comfortable and sat beside her. "Julia, you're not thinking straight. You're upset, and I don't want to take advantage of you."
She reached for him, her hand shaking. "I just... I need something to change how I feel."
Leon took her hand gently. "I get that you're hurting, but this isn’t the way. You need time to heal, not to make choices you might regret."
Julia looked up, tears in her eyes. "I don’t know how to move on."
Leon’s expression softened. "You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you. Let’s talk, let’s find a way to help you, but not like this."
Julia nodded, her voice breaking. "Okay. Maybe you’re right."
Leon tucked her in and stayed by her side as she slowly fell asleep.
The next morning, Katie’s cry pierced the quiet of the apartment. Julia jolted awake, her head pounding from the tequila.
She glanced over at Leon, who was still sleeping beside her, and panic surged through her.
Julia scrambled out of bed, her legs shaky as she stumbled toward Katie’s room. Louisa had already gotten up and was trying to comfort Katie, but the sight of Julia brought relief to her daughter’s tear-streaked face.
“Mommy!” Katie cried, reaching for her.
Julia gathered her daughter into her arms, tears streaming down her face. How had she let things get so out of control? Leon stirred awake and walked into the room, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Katie.
“Julia, who’s this?” Leon asked, confusion in his voice.
Julia’s heart pounded as she tried to find the words. “Leon, I… I have to tell you something.”
She took a deep breath, her voice trembling. “This is my daughter, Katie. I didn’t tell you last night because I didn’t want you to think differently of me. I didn’t want you to know that I have a child, especially since it’s been so complicated with her father.”
Leon looked from Julia to Katie, his face a mix of shock and concern. “Julia, I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was afraid. Afraid that if you knew, you’d leave me. I was trying to protect myself and my daughter from more pain.”
Leon sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. He seemed lost in thought, his expression softening as he looked at Katie. “You should have told me. I would have understood.”
Louisa stepped in, taking Katie gently from Julia and placing her on the couch. She gave Julia a reassuring look, then began to comfort the little girl.
Leon and Julia stood in silence, staring at each other. Julia’s heart ached as she saw the disappointment in Leon’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, Leon,” Julia said softly. “I made a mess of everything. I should have been honest from the start.”
Leon’s gaze was intense as he stared at Julia. “I need some time to think. This is a lot to process.”
As Leon turned to leave, Julia felt a rush of desperation. She knew she couldn’t let him walk away without trying to make things right.
“Leon Beaufort!” she called out, her voice breaking. “Please, marry me.”
Leon stopped in his tracks and turned around, his eyes wide with surprise. Julia rushed toward him, her heart pounding. Before she could say anything else, Leon kissed her abruptly. It was a hard, desperate kiss that left Julia stunned.
When Leon pulled back, he seemed just as shocked as Julia.
“I don’t know what to say,” Leon said softly. “This is all so sudden.”
Julia’s tears flowed harder now, and she buried her face in her hands. “I know. I’m sorry. I really am.”
Louisa approached with Katie in her arms, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Julia, let’s talk about this later. Katie needs us right now.”
Julia nodded, still crying. Louisa set Katie back on the couch and took her hand, giving her a comforting squeeze.
Leon stood there, watching the scene unfold. He had never felt this way for anyone before.
He didn't understand why he kissed Julia, but he knew for sure that he was getting himself into a dangerous game.
What would happen next?
- Writer
