The Bound Flame

op

ows of the penthouse. For a moment, I lay still, staring at the cei

e faint scent of fresh flowers drifted through the air. It was all so

terrupted by a gent

ll?" a female

oment to realize that the voice w

l strotted in, balancing a tray of breakfast. She had warm brown eyes

ring you breakfast with a warm smile etched on h

Julian already orchestrating my day

thing else you would want me to do, please let me know. Mr. Blackwell h

and the thought of Julian micromanaging my com

immaculate -perfectly sliced fruit, fluffy pastries, and a steaming cup o

ul

he city skyline stretching behind me. My father Gregory

ne was devoid of praise."But numbers aren't everything

pression neutral. "The results spe

manent. Don't forget that" my father

carry the Blackwell name. My marriage to Sophia was suppose

adjourned, Crawfo

arcus?" I asked,

s been meeting up with key investors behind

to know immediately any sl

~~

op

Still in awe of the money spent in bringing it to life. The living room was beautiful, it w

place. It was abstract, with bold strokes of black and gold tha

Restraint," a voice

ding in the doorway, her cl

continued stepping closer."He bought it

ow raised remembering vividly the night he told

e would go to different art exhibits to gather u

d, and utterly unyielding. Still, I found myself staring at the painting a litt

~~

ine when Julian returned, my e

I said, closi

oosening his tie. "I trus

presence made me feel like a guest more than a wi

t," Julian said while p

used to it?" I

en spare me a glance "It's not about getti

e of his voice. I wanted to press him mo

ances you mentioned? I assume there's a

o a faint smile "ef

red," I said, my voice comin

of his glass before answering "There's a charity event next we

s room. But something about the rhythm fell of