Chapter 4
1398 Words
“Katie! Wake up. It's time for school,” Julia said with a wide smile as she tickled her daughter awake.
“Good morning, Mommy,” Katie said, giving her a warm hug.
It had been two years since Julia had left Florida. She was now working at a hotel in Paris and had found an apartment for herself, not too far from Louisa’s house.
Her parents fully supported her despite the distance.
After dropping Katie off at school, Julia drove to work. When she arrived, Michelle, her coworker, greeted her.
“Hi, Julia. We’ve got a reservation for 10 a.m.”
Julia nodded and headed to prepare the room.
Soon, she heard a knock on the door. It must be the guest checking in.
As she opened the door, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
It was Leon Beaufort standing there. He was in his early forties, tall, and very handsome.
Leon was Klaus’s uncle, someone Julia had seen a few times after her wedding.
“Leon?” Julia said, surprised.
Leon smiled at her. “Julia, it’s been a while. How are you?”
Julia blinked, trying to process his presence.
“I’m doing well. What brings you here?” Julia said, managing a smile.
“Business,” Leon said. “I’m sorry I didn’t reach out sooner. I didn’t have your number.”
“It’s fine. Enjoy your stay, and um, call me if you need anything,” Julia said, exiting the room.
She felt a lump in her throat as she walked away from the interaction with Leon.
“Wow, that man is breathtaking,” Michelle whispered to Julia, smiling sheepishly.
“He’s my ex-husband's uncle, and he’s forty-two,” Julia replied, signaling her to back off.
“Forty-two? He looks thirty-two or something. So hot,” Michelle said, glancing at his profile on the computer screen.
“Billionaire Leon Beaufort.”
Julia smiled, wondering how Leon had coincidentally booked a room in her hotel. A few minutes later, the reception phone rang. It was Leon calling.
Michelle offered to handle it, but Julia insisted on going herself.
Julia knocked on his door, biting her lower lip nervously. When Leon opened it, her eyes were immediately drawn to his abs. Leon was shirtless and looked even more attractive than she remembered. For a moment, Julia was lost in her thoughts.
“Do you need anything?” Julia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Leon smiled. “Actually, I was hoping you could recommend a good restaurant nearby. I’d love to explore the city a bit.”
Julia nodded, regaining her composure. “Sure, there’s a great place just around the corner called La Belle Époque. They serve amazing French cuisine.”
“Sounds perfect,” Leon said. “Maybe you could join me for dinner there tonight? It would be great to catch up.”
Julia hesitated but then nodded. “Alright. I’ll meet you there at seven.”
Leon gave her a warm smile. “Great. I look forward to it.”
As Julia walked away, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Back at the hotel, Julia tried to focus on her work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Leon. Why had he appeared now, and why was he so intent on spending time with her?
When her shift ended, Julia went home to change and prepare for dinner.
“He’s really into you,” Louisa grinned, checking the wardrobe for outfits.
Julia had called Louisa over to help pick an outfit and to watch over Katie.
“No, he can’t be. He’s quite... older than me, you know?” Julia protested.
“Well, not really. He doesn’t even look his age. It doesn’t matter if he’s Klaus’s uncle. Your happiness matters, baby girl.”
“Yup, this one’s perfect?” Julia nodded, checking herself out in the mirror.
“Yes!” Louisa said, smiling.
They both giggled as Julia headed out to the car.
At seven, Julia arrived at La Belle Époque. The restaurant had a charming, vintage feel with soft lighting and elegant decor. She spotted Leon at a table near the window, already waiting for her.
“Hi,” Julia said as she approached.
“Hi, Julia,” he replied, standing up to hug her. “You look... gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” Julia said, smiling. She took her seat, and Leon signaled for the waiter.
As they ordered their meals, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about their lives, Paris, and memories of the past. Julia found herself enjoying Leon’s company more than she had anticipated.
“So, what’s been going on in your life since… you know,” Leon asked carefully.
Julia took a deep breath. “I’ve been focusing on my work. It’s a lot, but I’m getting by.”
Julia didn’t mention Katie, at least not yet.
Leon nodded sympathetically. “I can imagine. You’re incredibly strong for handling everything on your own.”
Julia shrugged. “Yeah, thanks.”
“Heard from him?” Leon asked.
Julia didn’t want to talk about Klaus. It always ruined her mood, and she was finally starting to get over him.
“No,” Julia said, her eyebrows sinking.
“He’s getting married soon.”
Getting married? How could he marry someone else so quickly? It had only been two years.
Julia felt her heart race. She didn’t expect this feeling—this heartache upon hearing about his wedding.
Klaus had moved on with his life without knowing about his child.
“To who?” Julia stuttered, her legs beginning to shake underneath the table.
Leon noticed how much Julia’s mood had changed and realized she probably still loved Klaus.
“You don’t want to know.”
Julia felt like the world was spinning.
“I do, Leon. I mean, I’ve moved on too. So, it’s not a big deal knowing, right?”
“I can’t tell you because it seems no one has told you. I don’t want to be the one breaking the news to you, Julia,” Leon said, holding her hands.
“Leave me alone! You’re just like the rest of them. You asked if I heard from him, and I was hoping you wouldn’t mention him, and now you don’t want to tell me who he’s marrying? That’s just not nice!”
Julia raised her voice, drawing a few curious glances from other diners.
“Martha. Your sister,” Leon finally revealed.
Julia felt a stab in her heart, staying silent as she poured herself a drink.
“Julia,” Leon said, feeling guilty for breaking the news. He hadn’t meant to ruin the dinner and had assumed she knew about the wedding.
“I’m fine, I promise,” she said, taking a few more shots of tequila.
“No, you’re not. I need to take you home,” Leon said, standing up and taking the glass from her hand.
She was already getting drunk, so he carried her out of the restaurant. He looked down at her hazel eyes as he walked her to the car.
“You’re so hot, Leon. Let’s get married,” Julia said drunkenly.
Leon smiled widely as he helped her into the car, admiring how cute and adorable she was.
Leon drove to Julia’s apartment and helped her out of the car.
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” Leon said, watching her place her hand on her forehead.
“Leaving? You’re traveling back?” Julia asked, arching a brow.
“Yes.”
“Don’t leave me,” Julia said, hugging him tightly.
“You’re drunk, Julia. I know it hurts, and I’m really sorry for telling you all this.”
“Come with me. I can’t sleep alone tonight, please?” She said, looking up at him.
Leon hesitated. He had always liked Julia since he first saw her, but he could never try to take her away from his nephew.
This was his chance to be with her, though Leon was still single because countless women had hurt him by cheating, and he focused on his business and wealth.
“Okay,” he finally agreed, then followed her inside.
“Nice apartment you have,” he said, looking around.
“Shhh, Louisa is asleep,” Julia said, happily leading Leon to her room.
She had momentarily forgotten about Katie.
What if Leon found out about her?
- Writer
