Chapter 6 Julian's POV

The first task was to bring Annie to my mansion. I had Isabella take care of that while I went to my library.

"I have been so busy because of you..." George said as soon as he entered my private library. "There are a lot of calls from the press and since the scandal has turned to the exact opposite, your public image is recovering."

"Good job," I replied as I remained focused on the book before me.

"But tell me, boss," George came near me. "I have been with you three hundred and sixty five days a year and I have never seen you with Annie or even seen you have a phone call with her. Does that mean all you're doing is damage control? Both of you won't marry for real, will you?"

"Why not? She is beautiful," I muttered as if it didn't matter. George literally ran over with concern written all over his face.

"That's impossible!" George exclaimed.

"It is, George. Do you think I am not a normal male? I love women just as much as you do..." I muttered. "Or wait! Are you perhaps... in love with me?"

George burst into laughter and sat on the chair beside mine.

"God forbid!" He exclaimed. Even though George was officially my personal assistant, he was my best friend in reality. In fact, he was my only friend. He had access to me like no one had but I still decided to keep the contract marriage from him. I knew he would guess what could have happened but I chose not to tell him directly. Too many ears shouldn't hear of the matter.

"Did you do what I asked of you?" I turned towards him now.

"What, boss?" George asked in reply.

"Sending out invitations. We will have the wedding in two weeks' time," I said calmly. George was so shocked that he stared at me so hard. At some point, it was as if he was magnetically attracted to my face. I didn't mind him and I focused on my book instead.

"Are you sure about this?" He asked me calmly.

"I don't say things I don't mean, George," I replied in the same manner. This only made him worry more. He was trying to hide it but I could tell.

He finally muttered the dreaded words, "Have you really moved on from your first love?"

I stopped. I turned towards George and gave him a cold stare.

"There are a few things I warned you never to talk about. My first love is one of them. That is crossing the line," I told him firmly. George lowered his head and listened to me.

"I know, boss, and I am sorry about it. However..." George had begun to reply.

"No buts! No howevers! That's my rule at times like this! You should know this very well," I told him carefully. He seemed to have understood by now.

"I will send the invitation cards as you have requested. Have a good day," George bowed lightly and left the room. I must have bruised his ego. I only smiled and went back to my book. However, I found it hard to control. Now, all I had in mind was Maggie Zachy, my first love.

It was 4:15 pm. It wasn't too early for a drink and I needed one badly.

**

It had been six years but what happened that evening was still as clear as day. Maggie told me she would be coming over so I was so excited that I cleaned my room until it was sparkling. I anticipated her arrival and when she did, she came bearing a sad face. I didn't see that facial expression regularly and my heart raced not out of love but of fear.

Come to think of it, I anticipated what happened already. I saw the signs but I convinced myself that I was wrong.

"I am going to Paris," She handed me her documents. "I got recruited by a famous agency and I intend to take my modeling career to the next level. I can't remain here. Nothing is working out for me."

I was taken aback but I managed to mutter, "When? When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow," She said those words that shattered me. I found myself on the bed as I tried to breathe properly. She wasn't finished, "I can't tell you that I'm sorry and I don't want you to look forward to an apology too. I am leaving because I have to."

Maggie turned back and began to move towards the door. I gathered strength and went after her, grabbing her by the waist.

"I will apologize instead," I muttered weakly. "I am of no use to you. I can't help your career. I am just poor, useless..."

"Don't do that," Maggie muttered. I could see a tear drop from her eyes. "None of it is your fault. I am the one who is leaving you. I am the selfish witch who chose her career over you that loved me with all these years. You should hate me!"

"I can't bring myself to," I said calmly. She turned towards me and cleaned my tears.

"I'm sorry, Julian," She muttered.

"You said you won't apologize," I managed to laugh.

"Don't forgive me," Those were Maggie's last words. She opened the door and I watched her leave. That memory of her turning her back at me was embedded in my heart till this day. The moment she left, I fell to my knees and cried my heart out. That was the last time I spoke to her.

A week later, I saw it in the papers.

"Rising model, Maggie Zachy weds French billionaire, Kylian Leroy."

I was yet to heal from her. We were never in active communication but I was so committed to the news just to hear how she was doing. With the influence of the old billionaire she married, she became a well-known model in France. That moment she dumped me pushed me into achieving success and now, I wasn't popular in London alone. It was all over the world. I was a billionaire, currently wealthier than the old man she chose over me.

But what if she didn't dump me? I could have ended up living such a mediocre life.

**

At dinner, I sat opposite Annie. It was our first meal together and there was awkwardness between us. However, someone had to take that away. I chose to be that person.

"How was your day?" I picked my cutlery.

"Are you really curious or is that your manner of starting a conversation?" Annie replied to my question with a question. She was annoying.

"Whichever reason it is, don't you think you just did something that is outrightly rude?" I asked her as I dropped my cutlery. Now, she picked hers with a smile on her face.

"Oh, is that so?" She exclaimed sarcastically. "I'd better work on my manners. Such rude behavior from me."

Being sarcastic about it made me angrier but I refused to let it bother me. I decided to ignore her altogether and focus on the meal. The meal was made just the way I liked it. I began to pick out the beans from the rice. I never ate beans.

"Are you allergic to that?" Annie asked all of a sudden.

"Yes, do you plan on poisoning me with that?" I also asked in reply.

"Don't worry... I don't plan to cook for you," She replied. "However, why do your chefs cook beans alongside the rice when you don't even eat it?"

I dropped my fork, "How about you focus on your meal, young lady?"

"I'm only saying it's a waste!" Annie insisted.

"It's my money!" I shouted as I threw the fork at the wall.