Emily
+25 BONUS
When the glossy magazine arrived that morning, tucked beneath thin bundle of legal briefs, I rolled my eyes and set it aside. It was probably another staged narrative approved by Logan’s PR team, full of polite lies and curated images.
I left it untouched while I sipped my tea, letting the steam rise and curl into the soft light streaming across the sitting room. But curiosity was a slow, persistent thing. Eventually, I unfolded the pages. I wasn’t prepared to like the article.
The headline wasn’t mocking or even the least bit suspicious. “The Alpha and His Anchor: How Titanfang’s Power Couple Is Changing the Narrative.” The subtext made me wince–power couple–but the tone was surprisingly… gentle. Admiring, even.
There were quotes from anonymous staffers, phrases like “genuine connection” and “she brings out something softer in him.” Photos too, stolen from a distance. Not the formal events or stiff diplomatic meetings, but the in–betweens.
There was one from the artisan fair, where I was laughing at something Logan said. He was looking at me with something in his eyes I couldn’t name.
Another photo showed us walking through the old garden paths, barely brushing shoulders, the late sunlight turning his hair to bronze and casting half my face in gold.
I should’ve hated it. Should’ve tossed it into the bin for being too intrusive.
But I didn’t. Because in those images, we didn’t look contractually obligated. We looked like a real couple.
A soft knock pulled me out of my thoughts. I folded the magazine closed, trying not to appear flustered. “Come in.”
Julian entered with his usual effortless composure, carrying a tray with several pieces of mail in one hand and—of course—a second copy of the magazine tucked beneath them.
“I take it you’ve already seen it?” he asked, setting the tray on the small side table near the window.
“Hard to miss,” I murmured.
“It’s everywhere,” he said, eyes practically glowing. “Social feeds, Pack news, even the morning podcast opened with it. The photo by the fountain, that’s the one they keep reposting. You looked…” He caught himself, smiled. “Well. You looked happy.”
I smoothed the hem of my sweater. “It was a good lighting day.”
Julian laughed politely and sat at the edge of the small chair without waiting for an invitation.
“Everyone says the piece is tasteful. Respectful. And honestly, you two-” He paused, tilting his he Was it the garden terrace? The photo where he’s brushing your hair back?”
My pulse skipped. “I didn’t realize they caught that.”
“They did,” he said, voice low. “It looks so romantic.”
That was the problem. It was. And it was genuine, not staged either
I reads… authentic.
Julian watched me carefully as I flipped the magazine closed again, tapping the corner against my knee. I could feel the weight of his expectation pressing in.
“You and Logan…” he began, as if floating the words out carefully. “I mean, if it’s not too bold–are things as amazing as they look from the outside?”
My expression didn’t falter. “We work well together.”
“Of course,” he said quickly, backpedaling. “I didn’t mean to pry. Just–there’s genuine admiration out there. People want to see something real. Especially now.”
Chapter 105
I offered a smile, light and meaningless. “I’m sure they do.”
+25 BONUS
Julian nodded, then stood, brushing invisible lint from his sleeve brought the property ledgers for your review. The legal team’s meeting is still at two?”
“Yes.”
“Would it help if I stayed to help organize the rest? I have a free hour, and I’ve already sorted most of the claims history into searchable tabs.”
I hesitated. He was being helpful. Kind. Efficient. And yet, something in his eagerness wrapped itself around my ribs and squeezed. And not in a good way.
Still, I nodded. “That would be great.”
C
