Julian wasted no time traveling to the Imperial Orion Grand Hotel, his destination looming ahead like a symbol of wealth and prestige. The moment he stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted—cool, refined, and laced with the scent of imported orchids and polished marble. Every detail of the grand lobby spoke of luxury, from the intricate chandeliers casting warm light over the space to the perfectly tailored uniforms of the staff moving with practiced efficiency.
As a VIP++ guest, his presence did not go unnoticed. A sharply dressed concierge, exuding quiet authority, approached him with a practiced smile.
“Welcome, Mr. Julian. Your reservation has been confirmed, and our staff is at your service. Is there anything specific you’d like during your stay?”
Julian’s gaze drifted past the opulence of the lobby toward the towering glass windows. Beyond the shimmering panes stretched a private garden—a hidden sanctuary of lush greenery and tranquil pathways, offering a stark contrast to the city’s towering skyline.
“That garden—” he gestured toward it. “Would it be possible for me to run there?”
The concierge nodded, already anticipating the request. “Of course, sir. As a VIP++ guest, you have unrestricted access to all exclusive facilities. The garden is typically reserved for private events, but we can make accommodations for your morning or evening runs.”
Julian gave an approving nod. “Great. I’d appreciate that.”
“If I may, sir,” the concierge continued smoothly, “I’d recommend a path that balances both privacy and convenience. It leads through the quieter section of the garden but remains close to the venue for your reunion.”
“That works.”
Before heading for his run, one of the hotel’s attendants—dressed in a sleek black suit with a gold insignia—offered him a brief yet luxurious tour of the hotel’s exclusive amenities. The rooftop infinity pool, the high-end whiskey lounge, the private spa—all impeccable. But Julian had only one thing in mind: running.
Once alone in the garden, he exhaled deeply and stretched, the crisp evening air cooling his skin. He began his pace, his breathing steady, his mind already clearing with each rhythmic step against the cobblestone path. The soothing rustle of leaves accompanied him, the distant murmur of city life fading into the background.
Then—
“Julian?”
His body froze mid-step.
That voice.
He turned sharply, his heartbeat quickening as his eyes landed on a familiar figure seated on a stone bench beneath the sprawling branches of an acacia tree.
Sophia Villarreal.
Back in college, she had been more than just a classmate—she was the unattainable goddess of their year. The daughter of a powerful hotel magnate, she had always been surrounded by admirers but never truly touched by any of them. Wealth, status, beauty—she had it all. Untouchable. Out of reach.
And yet, here she was, in the very hotel her family owned, looking as effortlessly elegant as ever. The warm glow of the garden’s lanterns illuminated her features, her almond-shaped eyes gleaming with amusement as she stood up, a radiant smile gracing her lips.
“Long time no see,” she said, walking toward him with the same effortless confidence that had captivated so many before.
Before Julian could react, Sophia closed the distance—and, to his utter shock, wrapped her arms around him in a warm, unexpected hug.
Julian’s entire body stiffened.
His first thought wasn’t Why is she hugging me? or even Is this real?—
It was—
She smells amazing.
Jasmine and vanilla—subtle yet intoxicating.
Then, reality came crashing back.
“H-Hey—wait,” Julian stammered, trying to step back. “I’m still sweating.”
Sophia only chuckled, completely unfazed. “Mmm, doesn’t matter,” she mused, her voice teasing as she gave him a playful squeeze before pulling away. “You’re just the same as ever, Julian.”
Julian, still caught off guard, ran a hand through his damp hair. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Julian, my family owns this place.”
“Right.” He cleared his throat. “Forgot about that.”
Her smirk deepened. “Did you now?”
Julian let out a breathy laugh. “Well… yeah. Guess I did.”
Sophia studied him, her gaze unreadable. Then, she leaned in slightly, her voice laced with curiosity and something else he couldn’t quite place.
“So… do you have a girlfriend?”
Julian blinked. Of all the things she could’ve asked, that wasn’t even on his list of possibilities.
He hesitated for half a second before answering. “No.”
Sophia’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Hmm. Interesting.”
Julian narrowed his eyes at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She shrugged, her gaze playful. “Nothing. Just curious.”
A brief silence settled between them—comfortable, yet charged with something unsaid. Then, Sophia broke it with another unexpected remark.
“You know, a lot of people in college thought I was secretly dating someone.”
Julian arched a brow. “And were you?”
She simply smiled. “What do you think?”
Julian scoffed, shaking his head. “Still as cryptic as ever, huh?”
Sophia laughed softly. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like keeping people guessing.”
Julian exhaled, amused despite himself. She hadn’t changed.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt like maybe—just maybe—he wasn’t alone.
But then, the moment shifted.
Sophia’s gaze softened, and her playful smirk faded as she studied him more closely. “You look different, Julian.”
Julian’s own smile dimmed. The weight of Camille’s name pressed at the back of his mind, uninvited and unwelcome.
He hesitated before finally saying, “I actually… just got out of a relationship. A month ago, to be exact.”
Sophia’s teasing demeanor faltered. “A month?” she echoed, tilting her head. “So, it’s fresh.”
Julian let out a hollow chuckle. “Yeah. That’s one way to put it.”
Silence. Then—
“So, you already kissed her?”
Julian blinked. “What?”
Sophia grinned, feigning innocence. “Your ex. Camille, was it? You already kissed?”
Julian scoffed. “That’s a weird thing to ask.”
“Not really.” She smirked. “A relationship isn’t real unless there’s a kiss involved.”
Julian gave her an incredulous look. “What kind of logic is that?”
“The fun kind.”
And then, she delivered the knockout blow—
“How about I date you at the reunion?”
Julian’s mind short-circuited.
What?
Sophia folded her arms, watching him with quiet amusement. “You heard me. It’ll be fun. You’re single, I’m single—it’s a win-win.”
Julian just stared.
And for the first time in a long while… he had no idea what to do next.