Chapter 6: A Shadow of Jealousy

The annual Thorne Enterprises Charity Gala was the event of the season. Lily stood in front of the mirror in the penthouse, smoothing down the emerald green silk dress Julian had bought for her. It was elegant, fitting her curves perfectly. Julian walked into the room, and Lily's breath hitched. He was wearing a classic black tuxedo, looking incredibly handsome and powerful.

"You look... beautiful, Lily," Julian said, his voice husky.

"Thank you," she smiled, stepping closer to adjust his bow tie. Her fingers brushed his collar, and he leaned down slightly, his eyes locked on her lips.

"We must go," he murmured, though he didn't move away for several seconds.

At the gala, the atmosphere was thick with flashing cameras and wealthy guests. Julian was back to his cold, intimidating public persona, his face expressionless as he shook hands with investors. But he never let Lily go. His hand remained firmly on the small of her back, his thumb rubbing soft circles against the silk of her dress. He was fiercely protective, keeping her close as if she were the most precious thing in the room.

"I must speak with the board members for a moment," Julian whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "Stay near the garden terrace. I will be right back."

Lily nodded, stepping onto the quiet terrace.

"Well, hello there," a voice called out.

A young, arrogant billionaire named Carter approached her. He had a smirk on his face and a glass of champagne in his hand. "You must be Julian's new wife. I must say, he is a very lucky man. A woman like you shouldn't be left alone in the dark."

"I am not alone," Lily said politely, trying to step back.

"Come on, let me buy you a drink," Carter said, stepping closer and reaching out to touch her arm. "Julian is too cold to appreciate someone as warm as you."

"Remove your hand from my wife."

The voice was quiet, but it carried a terrifying edge. Julian stood at the entrance of the terrace. His eyes were dark, his jaw clenched so tightly the muscles jumped. He walked over, his stride powerful. He stepped directly between Carter and Lily, wrapping a protective arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side.

"Julian, I was just—" Carter stammered, his arrogance vanishing.

"Leave," Julian said. "Now."

Carter quickly walked away.

Julian turned to Lily, his eyes searching her face. "Did he hurt you?"

"No, I'm fine," Lily said, surprised by the intensity of his reaction. "Julian, were you... jealous?"

Julian didn't answer. He gripped her hand tightly, leading her out of the gala and back to the car. The ride home was silent. When they entered the penthouse, Julian kicked the door shut. He turned to her, his face pale, his chest rising and falling heavily.

"You're quiet," Lily said, stepping closer. "You were jealous, weren't you?"

"Yes!" Julian burst out, pinning her gently but firmly against the door. He placed his hands on either side of her head, his eyes burning with a raw, fierce intensity. "I was jealous, Lily. Because the thought of anyone else looking at you, touching you, makes me lose my mind. I cannot bear it."

He slid his hand up her neck, his thumb lifting her chin. "Tell me you don't want him, Lily. Tell me you only want me."

Lily stared at him, her heart hammering. "Julian... I only want you."

Julian leaned down, his lips brushing hers in a light, teasing torment that made her gasp. "I want to believe you," he whispered against her lips. "But our contract... it ends in three months."