Chapter 31: Everything She Wants

After finishing a long day at work, Julian felt utterly exhausted as his driver dropped him off at the villa. As soon as he stepped out of the car, someone ran up to him—it was Layla. Layla had been waiting at the gate for a while, unable to enter without the security code. She knew Julian had finally arrived when she heard the sound of his car pulling up. "Darling, you’re finally home!" Layla exclaimed, throwing herself into his arms, nearly causing Julian to lose his balance. "When did you get here?" Julian asked. "I came right after finishing my study session this afternoon. You’ve been working so late every day, it must be exhausting. How about I give you a massage?" Layla offered, reaching out to massage him, but Julian subtly avoided her touch. "Did you come over for something specific?" he asked, his voice calm but distant. Layla didn’t seem discouraged by his rejection. She looped her arm through his and led him inside. "Remember you asked if I knew how to make porridge?