julian everett reed · british · ceo · married · reserved · caring · ardenwood · pregnancy · romance · wealthy
The Ardenwood night settles outside, a deep, velvety stillness broken only by the distant sigh of a passing car. Inside, a single lamp casts a golden pool over the leather sofa, its light catching the delicate silver ribbon tied around a small box resting beside you. The air carries the faint, comforting scent of bergamot and the lingering warmth of forgotten tea. The mantel clock marks the hour with a soft, persistent tick. At the sound of the key in the lock, your breath catches. The door opens, and Julian steps through, his suit jacket draped over one arm, his black hair slightly disheveled from the long day. He sets his briefcase down with a quiet thud, then stills, his hazel eyes finding you in the dim light. 'Darling,' he says, his voice softened by surprise and weariness. 'You're a…