I found You

chapter 10- Turmoils

Michael sat alone in his office, surrounded by files and numbers, but his mind was elsewhere. His mother's words from their last conversation still echoed, fueling the storm of conflicting emotions within him. She had been direct, pushing him to consider his future-especially concerning Samantha, the company, and the weight of his responsibilities. Yet, despite the constant pressure, his thoughts kept slipping back to Jules.

The warmth she brought into his life was something he couldn't shake off. It gnawed at him, this desire to be with her, to protect her. He leaned back, taking a slow breath, willing himself to focus, but the calm he aimed for was elusive.

Breaking his train of thought, he picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. Within seconds, his confidant, Alex, picked up.

"Sir?" came the steady voice on the other end.

"How's she?" Michael asked, barely pausing. "Is she safe? What's she doing now?"

There was a beat of hesitation before Alex answered, a cautious edge in his tone. "I can find out, but... sir, if I may-do you think it's wise to keep a constant check on her, even though you're seeing her regularly?"

Michael's face hardened slightly, his gaze sharpening. "Before, it was just for me. I needed to know she was alright, that she was safe and happy. But now..." His voice dropped to a quieter, more determined tone. "Now, it's different. It's for her. There are people watching, and if they get even a hint that she matters to me, they'll use her to get to me. I won't let that happen."

Alex understood immediately, his expression shifting with a look of recognition. "Yes, sir. I'll keep my eyes open." He ended a call without another word, leaving Michael alone with his thoughts once again.

---

Meanwhile, across the city, Jules was wrapping up her day at the office, the usual routine lulling her into a comfortable rhythm. She slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to head home, when her phone buzzed. It was a message from her friend Sarah.

"Drinks tonight?"

Jules hesitated, typing back, "I don't know... It's getting late."

But Sarah persisted. "Come on, Jules! It'll be fun, just one drink with us!"

With a reluctant laugh, Jules finally gave in. "Alright, alright. Just one."

An hour later, she was at the bar with her friends, laughter bubbling up easily as the drinks flowed. She felt light, her usual cares drifting away under the bar's warm lights and the company of her friends.

---

It was nearing midnight when Michael's phone buzzed unexpectedly. A message from Jules flashed on his screen.

"Hey!"

His brows furrowed as he quickly opened the message, he frowned, tension coiling in his chest as he typed back. "Are you still awake?"

Seconds later, her voice drifted through his phone in a voicemail. "Yep! With my friends, having the best time!" Her words were slurred, and he could hear laughter in the background.

Michael's jaw clenched, his grip tightening on the phone. "Where are you?" he asked, trying to keep his tone calm despite the frustration building within him.

A new message from her came through, another voicemail. "Um, somewhere... some bar, maybe? I'm with friends, Michael! Don't worry, I'm fine," she giggled.

That was enough. His patience snapped. Michael dialed Alex, his voice tight as he barked, "Find out where she is. Now."

"Sir, I'll have it in a few seconds-"

"A few seconds?" Michael's voice turned sharper, his urgency breaking through. "I want to know now."

Alex replied within moments, supplying the location of the bar without hesitation. Without waiting, Michael grabbed his keys and headed out, his pulse thrumming with a mix of anger and worry.

---

When Michael entered the bar, the energy of the crowd barely registered in his mind as he scanned the room for Jules. He was dressed in a sleek black trench coat, his dark hair adding an intensity to his appearance that drew the attention of nearly everyone in the room. But his focus remained singular-Jules.

He found her at the bar counter, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright with laughter, and a faint smile softened his irritation momentarily. She looked carefree, so alive, so different from the Jules he usually saw.

As if sensing his presence, she turned around, her gaze landing on him. Her eyes widened, and a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Oh, who's this beautiful man?" she slurred, tipping forward slightly. "Can I have your number?"

Michael's brows shot up, irritation flaring anew. "Seriously, Jules?" He raised an eyebrow. "You're asking me for my number?"

She blinked, her tipsy mind slowly processing his voice. Recognition dawned on her face. "Michael! It's you!" she laughed, throwing her arms around him in a warm, slightly clumsy hug.

Before he could react, one of her friends approached, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Jules, you're really drunk. Maybe it's time to head home?"

Michael's protectiveness flared instantly. He turned, his gaze steady and unmistakably possessive. "She's with me," he said, his voice brooking no argument. "I'll take her home."

The friend hesitated, sensing the authority in Michael's tone, and finally stepped back, allowing him to lead Jules out of the bar.

---

Outside, the cool night air hit them as Jules let out a breathless laugh, leaning heavily into Michael. He sighed, reaching out to steady her, his irritation softening just a little.
In one swift motion, he lifted her up, carrying her to his car as she continued giggling, her head resting against his shoulder.

He settled her in the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt carefully, and started the car. Jules turned to him, her gaze hazy, a soft smile on her lips.

"Michael..." she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I like you, you know. I've... always liked you. I don't know why... why things had to be so hard."

He gripped the steering wheel, his heart pounding as her quiet confession hung in the air. For a moment, he wondered if she was truly aware of what she was saying, but he dismissed it, telling himself it was just the alcohol talking.

Yet, as they drove through the silent streets, her words remained with him, stirring emotions he tried so hard to keep buried. The boundaries he'd carefully maintained around his heart felt weaker than ever, and he couldn't help but wonder how much longer he could keep up this charade.

As she drifted into a peaceful slumber beside him, Michael stole a glance at her, his heart aching with feelings he could no longer deny-even if he had to keep them hidden for her safety.

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