The Rejected Principessa Returns novel Chapter 93

Chapter 9

As we grew more familiar, Julian brought two wicker chairs out onto the balcony.

We sat side by side. The night breeze was gentle as we chatted idly.

Julian told me many stories about his time at U.S. Southern Command.

He said he came from a military family, grew up on a base, and never knew much hardship.

At eighteen, he was admitted to West Point. The first time he participated in a live combat exercise, he led his team to take out the opposing force’s command center, earning the respect of many senior officers.

At twenty-five, he led a counter-infiltration operation at the border, completed the mission with zero casualties. Even the local civilians remembered their unit’s callsign.

Listening, I could almost see the image of that brilliant young officer strategizing in the operations room, the stars on his epaulets just beginning to shine.

Suddenly, Julian stopped and turned to look at me. “What about you? What was your life like before you met

me?”

My fingers unconsciously traced the patterns on the wicker chair as I lowered my gaze.

It was a long moment before I spoke softly. “I was… someone who could be discarded at any time.”

Julian’s breath hitched. He didn’t speak, just quietly moved his chair a little closer.

His shoulder gently brushed against mine, transmitting a steady warmth.

I continued speaking, my voice soft, as if telling someone else’s story.

By the end, my nose felt a little sore. I was about to raise my hand, but Julian gently caught my wrist.

The warmth of his palm came through my sleeve, firm and comforting.

He didn’t say “don’t be sad.” He just said quietly, “It won’t be like that anymore.”

“With me, you will always come first. No one can replace you.”

“Eleanor, after we finish things here, come back to Aspen with me. I’ll give you a real wedding.”

I looked up at him.

The light in Julian’s eyes was brighter, warmer, than the stars in the night sky.

The night breeze rustled the leaves. Stars twinkled overhead.

In that moment, I clearly heard the sound of my own heart falling.

71543