The Billionaire's Unexpected Desire

Chapter 2: Julian

Julian Blackwood's eyes gazed out the window, his mind lost in the memories of his past. The city skyline blurred as his thoughts drifted to his childhood, to the days when life was simpler, and love was genuine. He remembered his mother's warm embrace, her gentle voice, and her unwavering support. She had been his rock, his confidante, his everything.

As he reflected on his past, Julian's thoughts turned to his father, who had been consumed by grief after his mother's passing. He had remarried, hoping to find solace in a new relationship, but Victoria had brought only manipulation and deceit into their lives. Her son, Sebastian, had become Julian's rival, a constant reminder of the family's dysfunction.

Julian's eyes narrowed as he thought about his father's weakness, and how he had allowed Victoria to control him. He had always been a strong and loving man, but her influence had changed him. Julian's heart hardened as he remembered the pain and betrayal he had felt.

As he grew older, Julian built walls around himself, shielding his emotions from the pain and betrayal. He became detached, focusing on his studies and later his career, using his intellect and charm to build a business empire. But the emptiness within him never dissipated. He filled it with fleeting pleasures, superficial relationships, and material possessions. Yet, the ache remained, a constant reminder of what he had lost.

Julian's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his bodyguard, Marcus, clearing his throat. "Sir, we're arriving at the office." Julian nodded, his eyes still lost in thought. He took a deep breath, composing himself as the car pulled up to the Blackwood Entertainment headquarters.

As he stepped out, a sea of faces greeted him, their eyes filled with admiration and curiosity. Julian's expression remained impassive, his gaze scanning the crowd without really seeing them. He entered the building, his long strides eating up the distance. The elevator doors closed behind him, and he let out a sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

As he turned to enter the elevator, a figure collided with him, apologizing profusely. Julian's irritation flared, his already bad morning making him short-tempered. "Watch where you're going," he muttered, his voice cold.

But something about the woman's voice caught his attention. He turned to look at her, expecting to see a careless employee or a clueless intern. Instead, he saw a small woman with her eyes fixed on the floor, apologizing repeatedly. Her voice was trembling, and Julian could hear the tears behind her words.

His curiosity piqued, and Julian's irritation dissipated slightly. He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he tried to get a better look at her face. But she avoided his gaze, her apologies becoming more fervent. Marcus, his bodyguard, tried to intervene, but Julian stopped him with a raised hand. "Let it be," he said, his voice softer than before.

The woman quickly apologized again and hurried away, her footsteps echoing in the silent hallway. Julian watched her retreating figure, a strange sensation in his chest. He couldn't explain why, but he felt drawn to her like there was something more to her than met the eye. Days had passed since Sophie's disastrous interview, and the disappointment still lingered like a dark cloud over her head. Her friends, Tori and Amy, noticed her gloomy mood and suggested a night out at Eclipse, the hottest club in town, to lift her spirits. Sophie was hesitant, having never been to a club before, but her friends' persistent encouragement eventually won her over.

"Come on, Sophie, it'll be fun!" Tori said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You need to let off some steam and forget about that interview."

Sophie wasn't convinced, but she didn't want to ruin the night for her friends. "I don't know, guys...I'm not the club type," she said, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Amy chimed in, "Nonsense! You'll love it! We'll dance, drink, and forget all about your worries."

Sophie hesitated, her mind weighing the pros and cons. But her friends' enthusiasm was infectious, and eventually, she agreed to tag along.

As they got ready, Sophie's friends teased her about her outfit, calling it "too modest" and "boring." Sophie felt self-conscious but didn't want to argue. She just wanted to get the night over with.

At the club, the loud music and flashing lights overwhelmed Sophie. She stuck close to her friends, feeling like a fish out of water in the sea of dancing bodies. Her friends tried to persuade her to join them on the dance floor, but Sophie declined, preferring to observe from a safe distance.

As the night wore on, Sophie's friends abandoned her at the bar, leaving her alone with her thoughts. The music pulsed through her like a distant heartbeat, a reminder that she was still alive, but her spirit felt as flat as a deflated balloon. Julian was busy at work when his phone rang. He answered, and his eyes widened in surprise when he heard Alex's voice on the other end.

"Alex! Long time no call! Where are you?" Julian asked, sitting up straight in his chair.

"I'm back in town, man! Just landed this morning," Alex replied, his voice filled with excitement. "Hey, where's the fun in telling you beforehand? I wanted to surprise you!"

Julian raised an eyebrow. "You're something else, Alex. What's up? Let's catch up this evening at Eclipse Club?" Alex suggested.

Julian hesitated, sceptical about the club meeting. "Eclipse? You know I don't do clubs, Alex. And you're a playboy, what's your business there?"

"Come on, it'll be fun!" Alex persisted. "I promise I won't keep you out too late. And we have a lot to catch up on."

Julian sighed, eventually agreeing. "Okay, fine. But just for a few hours."

"Great! I'll meet you at Eclipse at 8," Alex said, hanging up the phone.

Julian shook his head, smiling wryly. Alex was always getting him into trouble, but he couldn't resist his friend's infectious energy.

That night, Julian made his way to Eclipse, despite his reservations. He spotted Alex in the VIP area, looking like a rockstar with his designer clothes and confident smile.

"Alex, you look like a million bucks!" Julian exclaimed, clapping him on the back.

Alex grinned, ordering them a round of drinks. "I've got a lot to celebrate, my friend. I'm back in town, and I'm ready to take the world by storm!"

As they sipped their drinks and caught up on old times, Julian couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. It was like no time had passed at all, and they were back to their old antics. Sophie felt uncomfortable with the man sitting next to her, his eyes fixed on her like a predator. She turned to scan the dancing area, hoping to spot her friends so she could tell them she was leaving. But they were nowhere to be found.

In the seconds she turned away, the man sitting beside her slipped something into her drink. Sophie didn't notice, too busy trying to figure out how to escape.

She turned back to the bar, her eyes locking onto her glass of juice. She picked it up and took a sip, unaware of the danger lurking within.

As soon as the liquid touched her lips, Sophie felt a sudden wave of drowsiness wash over her. Her legs weakened, her vision blurring at the edges.

What's wrong with me? she thought, panic rising in her chest.

She tried to stand up, but her body betrayed her, almost falling to the ground. The man's hand shot out, grasping her shoulder, his smile twisted and sinister.

Sophie's mind raced as she realized what was happening. Her drink had been spiked.

No, no, no, she thought, trying to push the man away. But her body was too weak, her movements slow and clumsy.

The man tried to lead her towards the exit, but Sophie summoned every last ounce of strength to brush him off. She stumbled away, her vision blurring, the music and lights of the club spinning around her like a nightmare.

She staggered through the crowd, desperate to escape, but her legs gave out beneath her. Just as she was about to fall, a pair of arms caught her, holding her upright.

"Save me," she muttered, her voice barely audible before everything went black.