The morning sunlight was breathtakingly beautiful. Phoebe took a long, deep breath. Savoring the crisp, fresh air that drifted through her bedroom window. She stood there for a moment, gazing at the scenery as she tried to quiet the restless storm in her mind. Finally, a soft, lingering smiled played on her lips.
"The world won't wait for me to heal, and time won't stand still just because I'm hurting. I have to move forward today and finish this, starting with making him regret everything!"
Phoebe clenched her fists before grabbing her bag and stepping out of her room. She was the picture of poise, dressed in a sharp blazer and elegant heels that added a rhythmic authority to her stride. With her hair perfectly styled, she looked every bit the powerful icon she was.
As she walked through the hall, a house staff approached her. "Miss. There is a delivery for you on the foyer table."
Phoebe walked over and saw a single, pale rose accompanied by a simple, unbranded grey scarf. There was no card, no name, just those two items sitting there. Phoebe stared at them, her lip curling in disdain. She picked them up as she walked toward her car, but she didn't bring them inside. Instead, she tossed them into the trash bin with a cold sneer.
"I refuse to accept anything from the trash I've already discarded. I won't be swayed by your pathetic gift Nick!" Pheobe muttered, she was convinced it's was from Nick.
Phoebe walked with her usual poised and professional gait until she spotted a familiar figure walking toward her. In an instant, a cold mask she had been wearing melted away. A wide genuine, smile broke across her lips, and she even quickened her pace to meet him.
"Hei! When did you get back?" she called out, her voice filled with a warmth that she rarely showed anyone else.
"I've been back since before you even stepped foot on this soil. So, really, I should be the one asking the question," the man replied his tone was serious at first, but a broad, playful grin soon broke across his face when he saw the flicker of confusion on Phoebe's face, followed by her soft, light laughter.
"I told you, I had business to attend over there," Phoebe answered as casually she could, trying to regain her composure.
"Business of the heart? You don't have to hide anything from me. I already know everything," Julian said, his eyes sharp yet kind.
Hearing that, Phoebe let out a long, weary sigh. She knew there was no point in dodging the subject with him. "Come to my room. We'll discuss everything there."
Julian nodded agreement. They walked side by side in silence, both acutely aware that was unwise to discuss personal matters in the hallways, where any employee could easily overhear their conversation.
*****
"I don't blame you for what you did, though I must say, your decision to leave so abruptly was reckless, especially fleeing to Milan on a whim without a second thought." Julian let out a heavy sigh, carefully modulating his voice to ensure he didn't sound condescending or offend her.
"So many things could have gone wrong when you left in such a volatile state. But thankfully, you've returned unscathed, and for that, I am grateful. You managed to keep yourself safe.
Phoebe lowered her gaze as she listened to his words, a wave of realization washing over her. She finally saw that her actions had been impulsive, especially forcing two people to follow her lead. Yet, she also knew Julian only spoke this way because he genuinely cared for her.
"I'm sorry," Phoebe whispered. "Nothing was going through my mind at that moment. Honestly, I just felt so humiliated in front of everyone. All I could think about was how to get as far away as possible form them, from the whispers that were bound to start. Everyone was going to wonder why my name wasn't event mentioned in Nick's speech."
Julian nodded. "Alright, let's not dwell any further. I know it only brings back the pain. What's done is done, and the most important thing is that you've returned safely, without anything crossing the line during your time in Milan."
His words struck a silent chord, causing Phoebe to freeze. Suddenly, flickering images of that night with Raymond rushed back to her, vivid memories of what had transpired between them, the weight of his presence, and the heat of the moments they shared. Raymond's face was so clear in her mind that she completely lost track of what Julian was saying.
She was worlds away until Julian notice her vacant stare. "Hey, what is it? What are you thinking about?"
Phoebe snapped back to reality, instantly shaking her head to clear the intrusive thoughts.
"Did something happen to you over there? Or is there something else on your mind?" Julian pressed, his eyes searching hers for truth.
"Uh… no, I… I was just thinking," Phoebe stammered, quickly masking her inner turmoil with a surge of cold fury. "I was just thinking that Nick needs to pay. I can't stand seeing him enjoy his soaring career alongside Hanna, especially since everything he has started with me! He wouldn't be where he is today if it weren't for me!"
While Julian and Phoebe were deep in their conversation, a sharp knock echoed through the room. The door opened slightly, and a staff member stepped in to announce that Nick was waiting outside, insisting on seeing her.
Phoebe let out a faint, cold smile. "The nerve of that man … that he still has the dignity to show his face here."
"Do you want me to handle him, or should I just have him thrown out?" Julian asked, his voice low and protective. "Or … do you actually want to see him?"
Phoebe paused for a moment, her gaze sharpening. She stood up, smoothing out her blazer. "I'll face him. Running away isn't the right move. In fact, this is the perfect time to end everything with him once and for all."
Julian nodded in agreement. "I'm coming with you."
"I wouldn't dream of stopping you," Phoebe replied with a soft laugh.
They stepped out of the office together, a formidable pair. They moved with the effortless grace and commanding authority of two high-ranking CEOs, each step rhythmic, purposeful, and radiating power. The air seemed to shift as the walked, a silent warning to anyone in their path that they were the ones in control.
Nick, who was waiting in the lounge, looked livid. His face contorted with rage the moment he saw Julian walking closely behind Phoebe.
"Why am I being forced to wait in a longue like some common guest?!" Nick snapped his voice laced with venom. "Is it because you're with him? What exactly have you been doing together? Are you two having an affair behind my back?"
Nick took a step closer, his eyes burning with a desperate, angry fire. "Answer me, Honey! Are you having an affair behind my back while I've been worried sick about you?"
Phobe didn't flinch. She simple stood there, her cold gaze fixed on the man who still had the audacity to call her 'Honey' after everything he'd done. Beside her, Julian's presence remained as steady and as cold as a mountain, his silence far more terrifying than Nick's screams.