CHAPTER 34: THROWING A PARTY FOR HER

Julian’s POV

Lucy sat beside me on the couch, our hands linked loosely between us. She looked up at me with a small, uncertain smile. "Seems like Catherine doesn’t like me," she said quietly.

I leaned back, exhaling through my nose. "Don’t overthink it, Catherine can be... very annoying."

Her lips parted, like she wanted to defend me for saying that but didn’t know how. I shrugged. "When she first came here, we didn’t get along either. Still don’t, most days."

Lucy nodded slowly, brushing a strand of red hair behind her ear. "I really hope she’ll come around," she murmured. "Maybe I should talk to her, try to make things better?"

I gave her a half smile. "You can do what you want," I said, "but I’d advise you not to waste your time. Trying to reason with Catherine is like pouring water on stone."

Lucy blinked, then let out a loud laugh, covering her mouth too late. "You’re terrible. She would draw her claws all over your face if she heard what you just said," she said between giggles.

I grinned despite myself, but before I could respond, a sharp voice echoed from the hallway.

"So much noise in this damn house!"

It was Catherine’s voice.

Lucy froze mid-laugh, her eyes going wide. We both turned just in time to see her striding past the living room, bag slung over her shoulder, heading for the door.

The slam that followed made the floor vibrate.

For a moment, neither of us spoke, then Lucy turned to me slowly, her expression looked pale and anxious. Her eyes spread wide. "Do you think she heard us?"

I pretended not to care, shrugging lazily. "Doesn’t matter," I said but inside, a small pinch of guilt twisted in my chest. The last thing I needed was her thinking I’d actually meant that, though maybe part of me had.

I pushed the thought away. "Anyway," I said, forcing a lighter tone, "we have more important things to think about. I’m throwing you a party tonight."

Lucy blinked. "A party? For?"

"You, of course," I said, watching her face brighten a little. "You need to meet people. Make some friends. That way, when I’m not around, you’ll have someone to talk to."

Her expression shifted, her lips pressing together. "I don’t want any other friends," she said softly. "I’m fine with just you."

I rubbed the back of my neck, trying not to sigh. "Lucy, I’ve got responsibilities. I can’t always be around. You’ll get bored of me fast if you don’t find people to hang out with."

She hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Okay... if you say so."

"That’s my girl," I said, flashing her a small grin. "Now, about tonight, you’re gonna need something to wear."

She looked down at her outfit and frowned. "I don’t really have any expensive clothes," she said, sounding almost embarrassed. "I didn’t bring much."

I waved it off. "Don’t worry about that. You’re in the Vaughn mansion, remember? We’ve got designer fits stacked in closets. I’ll make a call, and a stylist will bring you something. You don’t have to worry, you will look perfect."

She shook her head quickly. "Julian, you don’t have to waste your money on me. I don’t need all that. I’m a simple girl. I don’t know how to do extravagant."

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "I don’t care and there is nothing like a waste of money. As long as you’re under my roof, I’m going to spoil you. That’s not up for debate."

Her eyes softened, and before I could react, she threw her arms around me. "You remain the best. Thank you for always treating me special

I stiffened immediately.

"Lucy—"

She buried her face against my chest, laughing quietly. "I don’t want to ever lose you."

I looked around quickly, my eyes darting toward the hallway. The last thing I needed was Catherine walking in right now.

"Okay, okay," I said, prying her arms off gently and standing up. "Save the hugs for later. We’ve got less than an hour to prepare."

She pouted playfully, but I ignored it and started up the stairs. "Go take a bath," I called over my shoulder. "The stylist will be in your room soon."

She followed behind me, her footsteps light. "Okay, boss."

When I reached the top of the stairs, I turned toward my room, but my thoughts weren’t on the party anymore.

I didn’t know why Catherine’s voice from earlier kept replaying in my head. Shut up.

She was really jealous about Lucy and it was making her have the wrong ideas in her head.

I hesitated outside her door. Should I invite her?

Part of me said no. The last thing I needed was drama in front of my guests but another part of me wanted her there, so she wouldn’t feel left out.

Or maybe I actually just wanted to see her reaction about me throwing a party for Lucy. It was petty. I knew that but the truth was that I was enjoying seeing how jealous she was.

When I finally knocked and opened her door, the room was empty. She hadn’t returned yet. Where did she go?

I frowned and went to Gabriel’s room next, knocking twice before opening the door.

Gabriel was sitting by his desk, doing something with his laptop. He looked up immediately. "Hey. What’s up?"

"You seen Catherine?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.

He shook his head. "No. Why?"

"Nothing serious," I said quickly. "Just wanted to invite her to the party I’m throwing for Lucy tonight."

Gabriel raised a brow. "You’re throwing her a party already?"

"She’s new here. She doesn’t know anyone. Thought it’d help."

He smirked faintly. "Right."

I ignored his tone. "Anyway, if you see Catherine, tell her she’s invited."

"What about me?"

I gave him a hard stare. "This is your house, of course you are invited."

He let out a low laugh, "of course. Just wanted to be sure."

I rolled my eyes and left before he could ask anything else.

—-

By the time the sun went down, the backyard was alive with music, laughter, and the shimmer of pool lights. People moved around with drinks in their hands, some already splashing in the water.

Lucy stood beside me, dressed in a pale blue outfit that made her red hair glow under the lights. She looked happy, almost glowing, and I was glad I’d insisted on the stylist.

"Lucy," I said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "this is Ethan."

Ethan grinned, holding out a hand. "So you’re the one who’s stolen my best friend from me."

Lucy laughed lightly, shaking his hand. "Ouch, I’m sorry but Julian Vaughn is all mine."

"Sure he is," Ethan teased, glancing at me. "Julian’s been MIA since you got here."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up man. Stop over exaggerating."

Ethan just chuckled.

Lucy excused herself after a few minutes, saying she wanted to grab another plate of steak.

The moment she was gone, Ethan turned back to me. "She’s pretty," he whispered. "But not up to Catherine."

I froze for half a second, turning to him sharply. "What?"

He shrugged casually. "Just saying. Catherine’s got that look and body, man. The kind that makes people look twice."

I stared at him, unsure if I wanted to punch him or agree but before I could respond,

Ethan’s eyes shifted toward the entrance.

"Oh, speak of the devil," he muttered.

I turned just in time to see Catherine walk in and she wasn’t alone.

Collins was with her, his hand linked with hers, both of them laughing about something. My jaw tightened instantly. My hand clenched around the cup I was holding, the plastic crumpling in my fist.

"Easy, man," Ethan said quietly. "Don’t ruin Lucy’s party."

I forced my hand to relax, but my pulse was still hammering.

Catherine noticed me then. Her laughter faded as her eyes landed on us. She walked straight over, still holding Collins’s hand.

"What’s going on here?" she asked coolly, her gaze shifting between me and Ethan.

"A party for Lucy," I said, deliberately ignoring Collins. "Wanted to make her feel special and welcomed."

Her expression twisted slightly. "As usual. It’s about that girl," she muttered, and before I could reply, she turned on her heel and walked inside with Collins still by her side.

I took a step to follow her, but Ethan’s hand landed on my shoulder. "Don’t," he said quietly. "You don’t want to cause a scene at Lucy’s party."

I clenched my jaw, staring at the doorway she’d disappeared through.