Chapter 7.2: Kisses
Before Julia could formulate a response, Shiloh interjected once again.
“See, I told you this woman has hidden motives. She was dumped, and you were abandoned–quite the coincidence. Every word she says is just a cover–up. She’s been secretly investigating you, trying to infiltrate our wealthy family!” Shiloh scrutinized Julia with an air of having seen through her façade. “Brother, remember how she reacted yesterday when she saw our mansion? Not a hint of surprise. If she hadn’t known who you were beforehand, I’d find it hard to believe.”
Julia put on a pretense of innocence and attempted an explanation, “Oh, you’ve got it all wrong. Yesterday, I was just too overwhelmed to react. The husband I ‘picked up‘ at the Civil Affairs Bureau unexpectedly lives in such opulence. While my family is well–off and we live in a villa, compared to this place, it’s like a humble abode.”
“And you think I believe it?” Shiloh responded with a sardonic eye–roll, his disbelief evident.
Julia extended her hand, her expression one of mock sincerity. “You’re not my husband, after all. Your opinion doesn’t concern me. As long as he believes me, that’s all matters,” she concluded, her gaze fixed on Jared as she delivered her final
sentence.
As Julia directed her final sentence at Jared, he remained seated, seemingly unaffected, even as he continued to consume his meal. Oddly, the fiery spiciness of the chili peppers he ate had taken on a somewhat sweet taste.
Shiloh, on the other hand, persisted in his skepticism. “Brother, don’t be deceived by her. This woman is…”
Interrupting Shiloh, Julia rose from her seat, her gaze unwavering as she addressed him seriously. “I want to make this clear. Not every woman is driven by a desire for power. While I acknowledge that many may seek out the wealthy, it’s not the case for me. Your brother is undoubtedly attractive, but he’s far from my ideal man.”
Unbeknownst to Julia, her words had a peculiar effect on Jared. His fork descended onto his plate with force, emitting an earsplitting screech.
Julia’s attention snapped at Jared, whose once placid expression had transformed into. a stormy countenance. His emotions churned.
She had explained herself thoroughly, leaving her baffled as to why he would react this way. Her thought process circled around, “Could this man really be so self–absorbed. that he and his brother both think I’m after him?”
Finally, she threw her hands up in a gesture of surrender. “Fine, I’ll go to the party with you. Satisfied now? Why can’t you trust me? How many times do I need to clarify that I’m not interested in you?”
Oddly, Julia’s attempts to elucidate only seemed to anger Jared more.
Frustration welling up within her, she resigned herself with a helpless shrug.
Inwardly, she mused, ‘I should’ve never started explaining. It was true that what they say–explanations might be construed as excuses, and excuses marked the beginning of misunderstanding.”
Her thoughts shifted to her desire for a shower and sleep, and she moved to return to her room. Yet, fate had different plans. A sudden misstep caused her foot to collide with a table leg, propelling her forward. She teetered, and before she could recover, she found herself in mid–air, hurtling directly at Jared. In an unexpected twist, the collision sent both of them crashing to the floor.
Pressed against Jared, Julia only felt little discomfort as the impact was cushioned by his sturdy form. Her nose, however, had borne the brunt of the collision, with a twinge of pain pulsating through it.
Rubbing her nose, Julia found Jared’s gaze–deep, enigmatic, and unsettling–as if there were an unspoken connection between them.
“Get off my brother immediately!” Shiloh’s voice pierced through the moment. Initially intending to rise, Julia’s resolve wavered at the commanding tone of Shiloh’s order. His assertion only fueled her defiance. “And if I don’t?”
The tension escalated as Shiloh threatened, “This is your final chance. If you don’t comply, I’ll make you.”
Julia arched an eyebrow with a hint of rebellion, challenging Shiloh’s ultimatum. “Really? Well then, I suppose I won’t be getting up today.”
Shiloh found himself momentarily at a loss for words, looking on as Julia maintained her position over his immobile brother.
But it only weirded him out as to why his brother wouldn’t move and would remain motionless under the woman. Later, it crossed his mind that his brother might get injured because of the fall. Otherwise, his older brother wouldn’t have been lying on the ground without a word. He would have been so sore that he couldn’t move or speak.
“Julia, you still won’t admit your intentions towards my brother? Your desire for his looks and wealth is obvious,” Shiloh accused, his frustration palpable.
Julia felt a mix of exasperation and resignation. Attempting to explain seemed futile, so instead, she decided to play along, agreeing with a playful smile, “Well, since you put it that
way, I can’t deny it. Yes, I’m completely enamored by your brother’s good looks.”
Shiloh’s agitation heightened as he shouted, “How dare you!”
Undeterred, Julia leaned in towards Jared, her lips dangerously close to his. “Let me just give you a taste,” she teased, sensing Shiloh’s escalating anxiety.
Jared’s hand rested at his side, waiting with an unexpected blend of quiet anticipation and nervousness.
