CHAPTER 143: I’M SICK

Don’t loose coins don’t open this Chapter. It contain, same contain as the last Chapter.

Please don’t get angry over this clumsy writer, I’m sick please pray for me to get well so we continue writing the next Chapter.

Thank you so much festers.

"Let me be late," he murmured, voice husky with sleep. "For once, I want the world to wait for me. Today belongs to us, Julienne."

Julie pressed her palms against his chest, trying to lift herself, but his arms tightened firmly around her waist, caging her in.

She could feel the strength in him, yet the way his hold lingered was protective, not demanding.

"Roman..." she whispered, lowering her gaze.

Her cheeks flushed at the closeness, her lips brushing his collarbone as she spoke. "You can’t just ignore everything."

Roman tilted his head, the corners of his eyes creasing with a look that was equal parts teasing and serious. "I can, and I will. Just today. For you."

Her lips trembled between a frown and a smile.

Finally, she gave in with a sigh, her expression softening as she laid her head back onto his chest.

The steady thump of his heartbeat filled her ear, calming her. A quiet curve formed on her lips despite herself.

---

By mid-morning, they were seated in the dining hall.

Sunlight spilled across the long mahogany table, making the polished surface gleam beneath the glittering chandelier.

But instead of sitting far apart in the formal arrangement, Roman had pulled Julie’s chair close beside his.

His large hand rested lightly on the back of her chair, a small act of possession that made her heart beat faster.

The staff moved with quiet precision, setting down trays of breakfast: warm, fragrant bread, delicate pastries dusted with sugar, fresh butter in crystal dishes, and a bowl of strawberries that glistened as though just plucked.

Roman’s sharp eyes flicked to the servants, and with a subtle gesture of dismissal, he had the room emptied, leaving only silence and the two of them.

Julie reached for a strawberry, her fingers brushing over its cool, dew-like surface before she popped it between her lips.

She chewed slowly, savoring the burst of sweetness, but Roman’s gaze was fixed so intently on her that her hand froze midair.

"What?" she asked, brows arching, lips still curved around a smile.

Roman leaned slightly closer, his voice a low drawl. "You make even eating a strawberry look... sinful."

Her lips parted in shock, then pressed quickly together as her cheeks heated. "Roman!" she gasped, glaring at him even as her blush betrayed her.

In flustered protest, she snatched up a piece of bread and pushed it toward his mouth. "Eat this. Before I decide to leave you hungry on purpose."

He didn’t resist. Instead, he caught her wrist in his hand, turning it slightly.

Before she could react, his lips brushed the tender inside of her palm.

His eyes didn’t leave hers as he kissed her skin, soft but lingering.

Julie’s breath hitched. A shiver raced down her spine. "That’s not eating," she managed in a whisper, her lashes fluttering.

Roman smirked faintly, finally releasing her hand. "I disagree. You feed me better than anything else ever could."

---

Later, in the mansion’s private garden, the air was alive with birdsong and the scent of lavender.

Sunlight spilled over rows of roses, painting Julie’s skin in a glow that made Roman pause mid-step, as though he’d never seen anything so breathtaking.

Julie bent slightly, brushing her fingers across the velvety petals of a red rose.

"It’s so beautiful," she whispered, her lips curving with simple delight.

Roman’s eyes softened as he watched her. "So are you."

She straightened, startled by the bluntness of his words, but the look in his eyes told her he wasn’t teasing.

They walked slowly along the stone path, their fingers interlaced.

Julie’s eyes darted up at him, then away again, shy but brave enough to voice what sat in her heart. "Roman... do you ever imagine?"

His brows drew together faintly. "Imagine what?"

"A life smaller than this." Her voice was quiet, almost uncertain. "No businesses. No titles. Just us. Maybe a little house with a garden like this one."

For a moment, Roman was silent. His jaw tightened as though weighing the thought.

Then he pulled her hand closer, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. His gaze locked on hers with unwavering certainty.

"If that’s what you want, Julienne... I’ll give it to you," he said. "A thousand gardens, a hundred small houses. Or just one, if that’s enough. All I need is you."

Julie’s lips parted, her throat tightening at the raw truth in his words.

She leaned against his arm, hiding her smile against the fabric of his shirt. "One is enough," she whispered.

Roman looked down at her, his expression softening into something only she ever saw. "Then one it will be."

---

By afternoon, they were back inside, the sun slanting low through the tall windows of the living room. Dust motes floated in the golden light.

Roman sat stretched comfortably on the sofa, his shirt undone at the collar, his posture relaxed in a way rare for him.

Julie leaned against him with a book in her lap, but her eyes wandered to the window, her lashes lowered as she stared at the drifting light.

Roman glanced down, catching her stillness.

His lips tugged upward as he reached down and slid the book gently from her hands.

"You’re not reading," he said, his voice tinged with amusement.

Julie tilted her chin up, feigning indignation. "I was trying."

His smirk widened. "Then try something better."

Her brows furrowed in confusion until he shifted, drawing her fully into his lap.

She gave a startled laugh, her cheeks flushing as her legs draped across him.

"Roman!" she exclaimed, palms pressing lightly against his chest.

"Yes?" His tone was deliberately innocent, but the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him.

She shook her head, laughter spilling from her lips as she buried her face into the curve of his neck.

His skin was warm beneath her cheek, and his scent—fresh and faintly woody—wrapped around her like a tether.

Roman’s hand moved in slow, steady circles across her back, and his expression softened as he looked down at her.

For once, his features were free of the usual sharpness, his eyes holding only quiet reverence.

"Stay like this," he whispered, his lips brushing the top of her head. "Stay in my arms like this forever."

Julie tilted her head back slightly, meeting his gaze.

Her eyes glistened with something tender, her lips curving into a smile she couldn’t hold back. "Only if you promise to never let go."

Roman’s throat worked, his hand tightening faintly on her waist. "Never," he said, with a conviction that made her heart skip.

And in that moment, with sunlight warming their skin and laughter still lingering in the air, the world outside their mansion ceased to matter.

It was just them—two hearts tangled, two souls resting in a day that felt timeless.

The day slipped into evening, painting the mansion in hues of orange and gold.

The chandeliers in the grand hall glimmered softly, their light mingling with the last rays of the sun filtering through the tall windows.

Julie stood in the kitchen—though she had no need to cook with the staff always waiting—insisting she would prepare something simple herself.

Roman leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his tall frame filling the space as he watched her with quiet amusement.

"You’ll make the maids jealous," he murmured, his voice smooth, eyes following the way she moved about the counter.

Her dress swayed lightly as she reached for a bowl, strands of hair falling against her cheek.

Julie glanced over her shoulder, lips tugging into a smile. "Let them. They can cook for you every day. I want to do it tonight."

Roman tilted his head, studying her. "Do you know you’re the first person who’s ever walked into this kitchen and told me what they want?"

"And do you know," Julie shot back playfully, chopping vegetables, "you’re the first man I’ve ever seen stare this hard at someone cooking?"

He smirked, uncrossing his arms and strolling closer. "That’s because the food is only the second most interesting thing in the room."

Julie rolled her eyes, though her cheeks colored faintly. "If you want dinner, stop distracting me."

"I want both," Roman countered, brushing past her to steal a slice of carrot from the cutting board.

"Roman!" Julie swatted his hand. "You’ll ruin the portions."

He popped it into his mouth anyway, chewing slowly, deliberately.

"Hmm. Tastes better than anything I’ve ever had."

She shook her head, fighting a smile. "You’re impossible."

"And you," Roman said, his voice softening as he stood close behind her, "are my peace."

Her hand stilled on the knife, her heart skipping.

She didn’t reply right away, only continued cooking, though the curve of her lips betrayed her.

---

By the time they sat down at the smaller dining table—far cozier than the grand one—Julie had laid out a simple meal.

Nothing extravagant, just warm, home-cooked dishes that filled the air with a comforting aroma.

Roman took a bite, his expression unreadable at first.

"Well?" Julie asked, her fingers tightening around her fork.

Roman set it down, leaned across the table, and kissed her forehead. "I’ve eaten at the best restaurants in the world," he said softly, "but nothing has ever tasted like this. Nothing has ever tasted like you put your heart into it."

Julie’s lips parted, surprise flickering in her eyes before she ducked her head with a smile. "You’re flattering me."

"I’m telling you the truth."

---

Later, they wandered into the mansion’s library.

The shelves towered above them, lined with books bound in leather and gold, the scent of paper and polished wood rich in the air.

A fire crackled in the fireplace, its glow bathing the room in warmth.

Roman stretched out on the velvet sofa, tugging Julie down with him.

She nestled into his side, her hand idly tracing the edge of his jaw.

"You ever get tired of being so serious?" she asked softly.

He tilted his head, feigning thought. "With anyone else, yes. With you? Never. You make seriousness feel... lighter."

Julie chuckled, brushing her thumb along his cheek. "So, I’m your balance?"

"You’re more than that," Roman replied. "You’re the part of me I didn’t know I was missing."

Her laughter faded into something softer, and she laid her head against him. "Sometimes I wonder what my life would’ve been like without you."

He turned to her immediately, his eyes sharp. "Don’t. Don’t wonder that. Because I refuse to imagine my life without you."

Julie blinked, her breath catching at the weight in his tone. She reached up, touching his face gently. "Roman..."

He kissed her forehead instead of saying more, his silence heavier than any vow.

---

When night finally settled fully over the city, Roman led Julie back to their bedroom.

The massive windows reflected the silver glow of the moon, draping the room in a soft, ethereal light.

Julie slipped into a simple silk nightdress, her hair tumbling loose.

Roman was already in bed, leaning against the headboard, watching her as if she were the only thing worth seeing.

"Why are you staring?" she asked shyly as she climbed in beside him.

"Because you’re mine," he said simply, pulling her into his arms.

Julie laid her cheek against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"Thank you... for today. For giving me a piece of peace."

"No," Roman murmured, kissing the crown of her head, "thank you—for reminding me that I can stop. That I can breathe."

She tilted her face up, their eyes locking. "I love you."

Roman’s lips curved faintly, but his eyes softened deeply. "I love you more than I can say."

Their lips met, a kiss slow and lingering, filled with everything unspoken.

When they parted, Julie rested her head on him again, her breathing steadying.

"You’ll be here when I wake up, won’t you?" she asked sleepily.

"I’ll always be here," Roman promised. "As long as you want me."

Her lips curved faintly before sleep claimed her. Roman stayed awake longer, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek, watching her peaceful face.

A rare, private smile touched his lips. One that belonged only to her.