JULIAN
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie with precision. My wife, Sarah, entered the room, a warm smile on her face.
"Big day, huh?" she asked, handing me my favorite coffee mug.
I nodded, taking a sip. "Keynote speech. Can't embarrass myself."
Sarah chuckled. "You'll be brilliant, as always."
Our children, Evie and Jax, burst into the room, arguing over whose turn it was to play with the iPad. I intervened, mediating the dispute with practiced ease.
"Remember, kids, Dad's got a conference today. Let's keep the noise down."
Evie, my little artist, threw her arms around me. "Good luck, Daddy!"
Jax, my aspiring adventurer, gave me a serious handshake. "Kick butt, Dad."
Sarah's eyes met mine, filled with pride and adoration. My heart swelled, but a pang of guilt followed. This perfect family life was a carefully crafted facade.
As I headed out the door, I felt the familiar weight of my secret. The one I kept hidden from the world, from my loved ones. The one that threatened to destroy everything.
In the taxi, I checked my phone. A text from Lucy, my former... distraction. I deleted it, ignoring the flutter in my chest.
At the conference hotel, I took a deep breath and slipped into my public persona. Julian Blackwood, acclaimed author. The man everyone thought they knew.
But beneath the surface, I was drowning in my own deceit.
YOU ARE READING
LOVE REBORN
Romance"Lexi Thompson's world is turned upside down when Julian Blackwood, the charismatic and enigmatic public figure, ignites a secret affair with her. As their passion grows, the risks escalate. Will Julian's love for Lexi be enough to overcome his fear...
