Julian's Curse: A Billionaire Dark Contemporary Romance by Lucie Benton

Author:Lucie Benton [Benton, Lucie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Benton & Hart Media
Published: 2025-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

I waited about an hour before I heard the familiar rattle of Julian’s keys. I stayed in our downstairs bedroom, so it didn’t take me long to get to the door. He stood outside, alone, still wearing his suit, which now looked quite ruffled after an international flight and an evening filled with turmoil. I watched him for a moment, torn between the urge to approach and the weight of my pride.

“I’m sorry, Lucie.” The scent of alcohol lingered on his breath, but instead of repelling me, it stirred something deeper—worry that things with him had gone out of control more than I’d anticipated.

“I am really proud of you for deciding to go to rehab.” A faint smile tucked at the corner of my lips.

“I sent Rose flowers to the hospital along with an apology letter, but I don’t think she’ll be ready to see me anytime soon.” He sounded devastated. “Lucie, I feel so guilty. I caused her to have a heart attack.” I could feel the tension in his frame, the rawness of his regret.

I glanced at the tip of his nose and wondered why I hadn’t noticed it before. What I had once chalked up to allergies now seemed like a side effect of his use. The rawness, the subtle flaring of his nostrils—it was all clearer now, and when I looked closer, I saw the scabs. I tried to stay composed, but I couldn’t control the tide of panic stirring in me. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

“I got so angry with you, and I can’t forgive myself for it,” Julian said, his voice heavy with regret as he held my gaze, searching for something in my eyes. “But do you love him, Lucie?” He reached for my hand, his fingers brushing against the cool metal of my engagement ring. “Has anything happened between the two of you while I was away? Please, tell me the truth.” His words hung in the air, thick with vulnerability and quiet desperation.

I locked eyes with his, struggling to understand how someone so incredible could be so insecure, unable to see how deeply I cared for him. “Julian, I’ve never felt the love I feel for you for anyone.” I wasn’t sure if it was healthy for me anymore, but I had already become too entangled in my feelings to let go of them now.

Then it struck me. I had always been reluctant to fight for anyone but myself. I had loved James deeply, and when I’d told him I wouldn’t date him, it shattered me. But I hadn’t fought for him; instead, I waged a war within, punishing myself for the choice I made.

Now, here and now, it felt different. I was prepared to face anything—anything at all—to help Julian through this. Maybe it was a bit of a toxic thought, but I never subscribed to the idea that love was just a choice, something you could fight off with enough willpower. Love, for me, had always been something deeper, something you couldn’t just turn on or off.

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