Chapter 1 : Meeting Julian

I thought he was Anna's boyfriend, so I made him sit at the reception. His continuous hot stare made my knees turn to jelly, thankfully I was sitting at my desk. I had no idea how he could affect me this way when I had just met him. I chided myself for feeling attracted to someone else's boyfriend. 'How pathetic can you get, Cassie?' said my inner voice. It was an uncomfortable situation and I just looked here and there to avoid his piercing gaze till Anna came out, ready to leave.

Her eyes popped out on seeing him, "Jules, what are you doing here?" She asked with irritation, making me instantly alert. I frowned since this wasn't a normal way to greet one's boyfriend.

"I'm on duty to pick you up and drop you off every day," he said rolling his eyes at her.

"What utter nonsense! I don't need a bodyguard, dammit," Anna said with more frustration. Their conversation piqued my interest and I was more ogling at them than getting any work done.

"Sorry, bro's orders. If I follow I would get free booze for a month," he said grinning as he eyed me and I looked down at my hands, my cheeks coloring at being caught eavesdropping.

"Go to hell, both of you," Anna told the man, and looking towards me, she nodded indicating that she was ready to leave. I nodded at her, mouthing a bye. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to understand her equation with the guy. If he was her boyfriend, I would have to warn her.

"Whoa, wait. Won't you introduce me to your friend?" he asked indicating towards me. I blushed at the attention and my eyes widened at the guy's guts. I loved staying in the background as I was not comfortable with strangers. His words made me want to hide all the more.

"Alright. Julian meet Cassandra Daniels, Cassandra this is Julian Christian Henderson, my…" before she could finish her sentence, he interfered. "I'm her boyfriend's brother, on duty. Pleased to meet you, Cassandra," he said winking at me as if he knew my line of thought. Was I that easy to read? I looked up at him, expressionlessly, trying my best not to encourage him in any way. I received my answer that he wasn't Anna's boyfriend but I didn't want anything to do with him. Handsome and rich guys like him were a big no-no. I didn't date ever, and after that fateful night, I had sworn off men anyway.

Anna rolled her eyes and went towards the door. Julian stood gazing at me for me to say something but I was dumbfounded by his wink. Did he wink at every girl he met? "See you tomorrow," said Julian, making me come back to reality. Our eyes connected for a second and I knew that we would meet again. He walked backward, staring at me without batting an eyelid, and then turned and followed Anna out. I released the breath I was holding unconsciously and tried to concentrate on the work and the phone calls again. However, throughout the day, a pair of mesmerizing green eyes haunted me, robbing me off my peace of mind.

By the time I got over it was already dark. I walked home cautiously as it was 9 pm, doing 3 hours overtime paid me extra which I needed very much as I couldn't be a burden on aunt Caroline. 

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw a white BMW follow me as I walked. Its shaded windows were rolled up, and it cruised alongside me as I walked home. I was officially petrified, maybe some kidnapper or mafia wanted to murder me. The innocent face of my baby flashed in my mind. 

I walked faster, as fast as my legs would carry me. I rounded the corner and hid behind a large boundary wall of a mansion. I couldn't see the BMW anymore. Sighing in relief, I ran down the road to Aunt Caroline's house which was the last house at the dead-end. 

Was Desmond sending goons to kill me? I couldn't erase the negative thoughts and fear that gripped me.

The next day, I was late for work. I fixed my long blonde hair into a bun and wore a blue top matching my ocean blue eyes. I wore a white pencil skirt and flat pumps as I had to walk to work. I didn't possess any makeup, just used lipgloss and moisturizer. I didn't have any money for such stuff anyway. I quickly hurried out of the house and started walking. Suddenly the white BMW from yesterday, which was parked opposite aunt Caroline's house started following me again. I panicked and half ran and reaching the dance academy, I collapsed on the couch in the reception room. Fear gripped me, I had to live for my son's sake. What do I do? I couldn't go to the police if it was Desmond who was behind it.

I nervously fidgeted with my fingers, couldn't concentrate on anything the whole day. Suddenly the door opened and in walked Julian with a smirk on his handsome face. He came to my desk and leaned in, as close as he possibly could get, "Hey, gorgeous, when do you get off?" He asked.

"Why?" I asked, irritatedly. 

"I could take you out to dinner," he said with a smug expression.

"Who said I wanted to go out with you?" I said as his face fell. Served him right.

"Why can't you go out with me? What's wrong with me?" He asked impatiently.

"Firstly, you are a stranger to me, secondly, I'm not hungry, thirdly, I have someone waiting for me at home," I told him, truthfully. Max, my baby, my world was waiting for me. I didn't go out anywhere since he was born. I didn't want him to miss out on a parent's love.

"Oh," he said dejectedly,"Your boyfriend?" He asked as he turned and sat down on the sofa and waited for Anna, his eyes staring at me constantly as he sulked and sighed. I laughed in my mind, let him think anything. At least he will not pursue me then.

When I got over, I scanned the entire area, but the white BMW wasn't around. Heaving a sigh of relief, I rushed home. My eyes popped out, when right opposite aunt Caroline's house, the white BMW was parked. 

My heartbeats quickened as I approached the house slowly. Would he shoot me today right in front of the main gate? Right in front of my son? 

A sob escaped me as I tried not to panic. Please God, help me, I prayed as I walked ahead slowly. Suddenly my whole world started spinning and I collapsed to the ground in a heap.

When I woke up, I was on my own bed, with Max trying to climb into my lap. "Mommmmyy, mmommyy," he said as he bit my nose and cheek, lathering me with a little drool.

"Oh my baby," I said as I picked him up and placed him onto my lap, my eyes wandering to the figure who just came into my room along with aunt Caroline. Julian? What was he doing here?