The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 86: Mark meets the Lady

"The traffic was heavy," Mark muttered, trying to look composed. Then he looked at the woman beside him. "Who are you?"

​"I am Catalina Windsor," she said coldly.

​"Windsor?" Mark repeated, his eyes widening.

​"I don’t have all night," Catalina snapped. "Your fiancée is chasing after my man."

​"Your man?" Mark asked, confused.

​"My husband," Catalina corrected. Her eyes were sharp and cruel. "I don’t like losing my property to a little girl with a sketchbook."

​Mark shook his head. "There must be some mistake. We just met and agreed to have our wedding. It’s in a three month’s time."

​"She’s playing you," Catalina said, leaning closer. "But I have a plan, and I want you involved."

​Mark looked at her, his mind racing. "Okay."

​"The plan will get you your woman back," Catalina whispered. "And I will make sure you never have to worry about money again."

​Mark’s face hardened, his fists clenching as he glared at her. "Just tell me who the bastard is. I’ll handle him myself. I’ll—"

​"Quiet," she snapped, her voice cutting through his bravado. She didn’t even blink. "That bastard is so powerful, you can’t even touch him. You wouldn’t get within ten feet of him before he buries you with a snap of his finger.." freёwebnovel.com

​Mark froze. He looked at her, his anger turning into a dull chill. "Who is he?"

"Someone you don’t want to piss off. Now go. I will contact you."

​Mark didn’t argue. He scrambled out of the car.

his legs feeling like lead. The heavy door thudded shut behind him, and the black sedan pulled away instantly, disappearing into the street as if it had never been there.

​He stood on the curb as the car sped off, his heart hammering against his ribs.

That explains a lot, he thought.

....

Eleanor sat cross-legged, reading a novel on her tablet. It was late. As she stood up to leave, Catalina walked in.

​"Catalina, I’ve been waiting for you."

​"Why?" Catalina asked. "I assumed you’d be celebrating the annulment."

​Eleanor’s face hardened. "How can you say that? Do you think I enjoy a public scandal? I am the one who keeps this family’s reputation intact." She stepped closer. "I spoke with your mother. We agreed to keep this quiet. You will continue to act as Julian’s wife — at least until we find a better way out."

​Catalina forced a smile. "Thank you, Mother." She gave Eleanor a quick hug. "It’s been a long day. Can we talk tomorrow?"

​"Of course."

​"I’ll see you then," Catalina said, turning toward the stairs.

​As Catalina walked away, the smile faded from her face. She didn’t look back.

Eleanor watched her go, then picked up her tablet and turned it off.

....

​It was 1am when Julian arrived at The Royale. The elevator carried him up to the penthouse. When the doors opened, the apartment was dim and still.

​He stepped inside and shed his heavy jacket, tossing it onto a chair.

He loosened his tie and walked toward the bedroom with soft footsteps.

He didn’t want to wake her.

​Lyvana was already fast asleep, tucked under the heavy duvet. But she wasn’t alone. Snowball was curled up right against her side.

The cat, usually so picky, had clearly taken a liking to her.

​"Would you look at that," he murmured, a smile touching his lips.

​He watched them for a moment, feeling the tension of the city melt away. No matter how many enemies were waiting outside those doors, this was the only world that mattered now.

He sat on the edge of the bed, being careful not to disturb either of them, and reached out to graze Lyvana’s hand with his fingers. Lyvana stirred slightly at his touch, a soft mumble escaping her lips, but she didn’t wake.

Snowball the cat opened one eye, then went back to sleep.

​He stood up and went to the bathroom. When he came back out, he noticed Lyvana stirring, she was talking in her sleep.

​"No... Please... don’t."

​Julian leaned in closer. He wondered whether to wake her.

​"Don’t shoot me," she sobbed in her sleep. "Please... don’t shoot!"

Julian lay down beside her. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her against his chest so she could feel his heartbeat.

"Hey... hey, it’s alright." He moved his hand gently through her hair, like he was calming a frightened child. "No one’s going to hurt you. Not while I’m here."

​Lyvana’s body finally relaxed and her breathing slowed down.

​Julian stayed awake for a long time, holding her tight. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was hiding something very important from him.

The next morning, the sun shone brightly through the tall windows.

​Julian woke up first. He stayed very still, watching Lyvana sleep. She looked peaceful now.

Julian watched as her phone screen lit up.

Mark.

Julian’s eyes turned cold. He looked at Lyvana. She was still asleep, her face calm. He didn’t want this noise to ruin her morning.

​He reached over and picked up the phone. He didn’t answer it. He just looked at the screen until the calling stopped. A second later, a text message popped up.

Lyvana, we need to talk. Call me.

Suddenly, Lyvana stirred, then opened her eyes. When she saw Julian looking at her, she smiled.

​"When did you come in last night?" she asked quietly.

​"Past midnight. I am sorry I arrived late. I was in a meeting."

​He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her nose, and finally her lips. The kiss was slow and sweet. Lyvana reached up and ran her fingers through his dark hair, pulling him closer.

Julian’s hands travelled over her skin and cupping her perfect boobs.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. The loud sound echoed through the quiet penthouse.

​"Ugh, who the fuck is that?" Julian muttered against her skin. He didn’t move; he didn’t want to let her go.

​Lyvana giggled. "It must be important if someone is here this early."

​"It’s probably Lily. Let’s just ignore it."

​He tried to pull her back into another kiss, but the doorbell rang again. This time, it was long and loud, like the person outside wasn’t going to leave.

"This better be a matter of life and death," he muttered, getting up from the bed.