The next day the the news already began to flip **"Julian Clair and Beautiful Wife Spotted at Boutique"* featuring Anne and Julian walking in the sun with photos taken by paparazzi. Suddenly it made Anne look serene, with a smile, even a little radiant.
It was a lie.
While sipping her coffee she stared at the photo. Julian came across the kitchen, still dressed sharp in navy blue, but across the kitchen his eyes seemed focused on the phone in her hand. She didn't bother hiding it.
She said, with a hint of cold "Looks like damage control works."
He winced. "Anne…"
"Save it. You're already dressed," she cut, rising already to a sleek blazer. "Where are we going first?"
***
They were photographed three times before noon. Outside a café, on the steps of a high end art gallery, and even outside a car, when Julian lightly placed his hand at Anne's back and guided her to their car.
He played his part well. Too well.
Inside she was cold, but she smiled , her fingers brushed his in public and even leaned in for comfort walking with him. Just..... Watching.
She wasn't the only one watching at the same time.
Sophia, was behind tinted windows, scrolling through her phone across the street, she twisted her lips as she tried to zoom in on every photo. Her nails tapped her screen like a metronome.
"Well since you both think you can outsmart me, let's see how long you can keep this up."
Behind the mansion, the exterior had been restored to normal. The grand foyer reverberated with the sound of their arrival, shinning floor beneath the light of the chandelier. Julian's mother, always serene in pearls and tailored chic, came from the sitting room with a warm smile.
"Home at last, darlings," she said, arms out. "Both of you looked lovely in the papers yesterday."
Anne forced a smile, Julian kissed his mother's cheek.
"But, Julian," she continued with a slight frown, turning to Anne, "your wife looks quite exhausted. The poor little thing have you overexerted the poor thing with all this foolishness in public?"
Anne blinked, she opened her lips in protest, but Julian was quicker.
I will take care of her, Mother," he said with a subtle smoothness, turning to Anne. "She's had a long day."
Anne's eyes leapt up to his, anticipating the sarcasm, the usual smirk but he just looked... genuine.
Julian's mother clucked softly. "Good. Take her upstairs. Let her rest. No more schedules tonight."
Julian rested his eyes on Anne in a relaxed, suave grin. "Come on, sweetheart," he drawled purposely, using the word. I'll carry you."
Anne recoiled slightly. "Julian, no..."
But his mother shook her hand off. "Let the man pamper you. It's his job now."
Julian didn't wait. With swift efficiency, he lifted Anne into his arms, and she gasped and instantaneously wrapped her arms around his shirt.
"Lay me down," she muttered under her breath.
"Not a chance," he whispered back his eyes piercing deep into hers. "You heard Mom. I'm being responsible."
Anne refused to look at him while they walked up the staircase her eyes were fixed on other things. Despite her effort to avoid looking at him his physical presence became impossible to ignore.
Julian spoke softly and teased her. "Some wives do find pleasure when their husband carry them, you should too"
After looking at him she felt she shouldn't have taken this move. The smile was still there on his face but his inner emotions showed differently. Warmer. Real.
When they arrived in their bedroom he placed her softly on the bed. At once she moved back from him to offer herself a protective barrier.
Julian didn't move. His facial features remained rigid as the anger sparkled in his light brown eyes.
He spoke harshly when he noticed she put emotional walls between them again. "This... distance. I don't like it..... you're acting like I'm just a stranger to you".
Anne didn't answer. She turned her face away.
He wanted to know if Sophia was the reason she stayed distant. "Was it because of what happened?"
Still nothing, she didn't move or say a word.
He rubbed his hair as he approached her. " I don't love her or even like her, I feel nothing for her. Not anymore. She's part of my past. A messy, regrettable part."
He lowered himself to watch her expression more clearly.
I didn't push her fast enough, I messed up. And I hate that you saw it. But I need you to know....I care about you.....alot....more than I should
Anne held back her emotion without responding.
Despite wanting to share more with Anne Julian paused, he looked right into her eyes. "I care about you. I care more deeply about our relationship than was ever specified in our agreement. He cannot explain his feelings perfectly but this is what truly matters.
Silence filled the space between them like a tide. Anne finally looked at him really looked and in his eyes, she saw none of the polished charm or practiced ease he showed the world.
Only sincerity.