Chapter 26

PRUDENCE was still in the midst of an important client meeting a few more minutes before six. She would’ve almost forgotten about it if she hadn’t received a text message from Julian informing her that he was on the way.
She impatiently tapped on her wristwatch as she waited for the meeting to end, and one of her business partners noticed that.
“Prudence,” Geline patted her knuckles. “Is there a problem?” her partner asked.
“Nothing.” She shook her head and smiled. “I just—”
“And that would be all. Are there any questions or anything you would like to suggest?” the presenter asked.
She immediately excused herself and left the meeting room. For some reason, there was this feeling of excitement to see Julian for the second time that day. What kind of sorcery was that? She didn’t know.
Prudence headed straight to her office to pack up her things. After a few moments, her secretary followed her.
“Just email me the minutes, Macy, okay?” she told her secretary without glancing in her direction.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“And oh, what time is my earliest appointment for tomorrow?” She grabbed her bag and turned to face her secretary.
“Wait a second.” Macy opened her planner. “It’s a breakfast meeting with Victoria Greene at eight in the morning, Ma’am.”
“Sounds good to me. See you tomorrow, dear.” She waved goodbye at Macy and headed to the door.
Prudence was even humming as she walked to the elevator.
“Going home already?” She turned around abruptly upon hearing Geline’s voice right behind her. “I think this is the first time I’ve seen you in a rush to go home. Let me guess… You have a date, don’t you?”
She let out a nervous laugh. Yes, Julian asked her out at dinner, but she didn’t consider that a romantic date. Their relationship was more of a business and a mission she must do well. However, it was hard to deny that there was this strange feeling that was starting to sprout out of nowhere.
Soon the elevator doors opened, and Julian emerged from it. He immediately strode toward her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and kissed her on the lips. She wondered if he meant what he did or was just showing off because they were in front of her colleague.
“Wait…” Geline looked at them with wide eyes, back and forth. “You have a new… boyfriend?”
“I stand corrected. It’s fiancé.” Julian held out his hand. “Julian Whitewood.”
Now her business partner looked even more puzzled.
“I…” Geline shook hands with him briskly. “Nice to meet you, Julian.”
She then looked at her with an arched brow. Of course, she wanted some explanation. However, she couldn’t give it to her now.
Prudence leaned closer to Geline and whispered, “I will tell you tomorrow.”
“Prudence, shall we?” Julian asked afterward.
Her gaze reverted to him.
“Yeah.”
He gestured on the elevator.
“Are you coming with us?” she asked Geline before getting in.
“O-oh. No! I… uhm… I’m not leaving yet. I just approached you a while ago.” Geline waved her hand and turned around immediately.
Shaking her head, Prudence got inside the elevator.
“So, where are we heading to?” She looked at Julian, standing beside her with his eyes fixed on the moving numbers above the elevator.
“We will be having dinner at my penthouse tonight. I will cook for you.”
“A-at your place?” She swallowed hard.
“Why? You don’t want to go to my place?” He glanced at her.
“I-it isn’t like that.” Prudence cleared her throat. “I just didn’t expect that.”
“Expect what? That I will bring you to my place or—”
“Both.” She looked at him intently. “I don’t think you’re the type of guy to do such—”
“Don’t tell me you find it romantic?” His lips twitched.
She pinched the bridge of her nose. Did she really think that way?
Prudence shook her head. There must be something wrong with her system. Why was she changing her mind so quickly when it came to Julian? He hated him, his guts, everything about him.
*I must be crazy… *she told herself. Ah, she must pull herself together.
*But it won’t be that bad to let it slide just this once*, said the voice at the back of her mind.

“DO you live here?” Prudence asked as she followed Julian to the kitchen.
Her eyes kept wandering all over the place since they entered his penthouse.
“Why are you asking?”
“Well…” She leaned on the kitchen counter. “It looks like no one’s staying here.”
He turned to her and scoffed.
“Don’t you think you’re being a little judgmental?” She raised a brow. “I live here. It’s just that I have a stay-out housekeeper who always keeps things in order.”
“So, you just go to your parents’ estate when needed?”
“Hm.” He opened the fridge and started taking out the ingredients he needed.
“I thought you lived there as well since Chase—” She cupped her mouth when he turned to her. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Do you like spicy foods?” he asked suddenly.
“E-eh?” She thought he would scold her for that, but he didn’t and asked her something instead. Perhaps it was Julian’s way of changing the topic. “O-oh… I can’t handle too much spiciness, just mild.”
“I see.” Julian strode to a drawer and got himself an apron that he wore immediately. “Would you mind taking a seat?”
He gestured on the stool at the other side of the kitchen counter.
“Why?”
“I don’t want anyone near me while working inside the kitchen.”
She shook her head but followed his orders without complaining. If that would make him work comfortably, then she would gladly sit still and watch him cook.
To her amazement, Julian moved so gracefully inside the kitchen. It was like he belonged there. And she also noticed how he seemed calm while cooking. It felt like a discovery.
Did he show her a soft side of him?
“Julian, can I ask you something?” Prudence couldn’t hold back any longer.
“What is it?” he gave her a side-way glance.
“Are you a chef?” She propped a hand on her chin. “You move as if you’re one.”
“Nope. Cooking is just my hobby.”
Her mouth formed an O.
“That’s nice. I’m flattered that you’re cooking for me.”
She caught his shoulders moving up and down. He must’ve laughed without a sound.
“Would you mind preparing the table? I’m almost done here.”
“Sure.” Prudence left the stool.