Three Little Words

Reeva sat at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped around a mug of lukewarm tea. The house was quiet, the boys still asleep, and the early morning light filtered softly through the curtains. She had hoped for a moment of peace, but her mind was a storm of memories and emotions, all centered around Julian Kole.

To take her mind off things, Reeva picked up her phone and put her headphones on. Listening to music would be her escape, a temporary refuge from the swirling emotions that threatened to consume her. She went to her playlist, a carefully curated collection of songs that had seen her through countless sleepless nights, and hit play.

The first sound that came on was a familiar melody, a gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar. It was a Taylor Swift song, one of her favorites. Listening to the lyrics, each word resonating deep within her soul, Reeva felt a profound sense of déjà vu. It was as if the song had been written for her, a haunting soundtrack to their romance, capturing the intensity of their emotions, the bittersweet joy and the crushing pain.

"These chemicals hit me like white wine": Reeva felt a familiar wave of dizziness, a dizzying cocktail of emotions – fear, desire, and a dangerous sense of longing. It was like the first time she met Julian, the air crackling with unspoken desires, the attraction undeniable."What if I told you I'm back?": Julian's words echoed in her mind, his confident declaration a stark reminder of the powerful pull he still exerted over her. Was it possible to resist him? To fight against the tide of emotions that threatened to engulf her?"The hospital was a drag": Reeva thought of the past two years, the loneliness, the struggle to raise her children alone. It had been a difficult journey, a constant battle against the shadows of the past."Worst sleep that I ever had": The nightmares, the constant worry, the fear of the future – sleep had become a distant memory."I circled you on a map": Julian's words, "I know you want me," echoed in her mind. He had always known how to find her, to circle her, to make her feel seen, desired."I haven't come around in so long": Two years. Two long, agonizing years. But he was back now, a force of nature, disrupting the fragile peace she had finally begun to build."But I'm coming back so strong": Julian's presence was undeniable, a potent force that threatened to shatter the carefully constructed walls she had built around her heart."So when I touch down": He had touched down in her life, unexpectedly, unexpectedly. And the impact was immediate, shattering the fragile calm she had worked so hard to achieve."Call the amateurs and / Cut 'em from the team""Ditch the clowns, get the crown": The thought of being with Julian, of experiencing that kind of passion again, was both terrifying and exhilarating. Was she ready to risk it all?"Baby I'm the one to beat": Julian, with his confident swagger and undeniable charisma, was a force to be reckoned with. He was the ultimate prize, the one that could sweep her off her feet."Cause the sign on your heart / Said it's still reserved for me": Deep down, despite her attempts to deny it, Reeva knew that a part of her heart still belonged to him. The signs were undeniable, the chemistry undeniable."Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?": Could she truly resist the powerful pull of their connection? The alchemy between them, the magic they shared, it felt like fate.

It had been more two years since that night, but the memories were as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. She closed her eyes, letting herself be transported back to the night she first met Julian.

Two years ago

It was a warm summer evening, and Reeva had reluctantly agreed to attend a charity gala with her friend, Emily. The event was held at a luxurious hotel downtown, and Reeva felt out of place among the glittering gowns and sharp tuxedos. She had never been one for high society events, but Emily had insisted, promising it would be fun.

As they entered the grand ballroom, Reeva was immediately struck by the opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Waiters in crisp uniforms moved gracefully among the guests, offering trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Reeva felt a pang of self-consciousness, but Emily's infectious enthusiasm soon put her at ease.

"Come on, let's get a drink," Emily said, dragging Reeva towards the bar. "You need to loosen up a bit."

Reeva laughed, allowing herself to be pulled along. As they reached the bar, she noticed a man standing nearby, his back to them. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair neatly styled. There was something about him that caught her attention, a magnetic pull she couldn't quite explain.

Emily ordered their drinks, and as Reeva waited, the man turned around. Their eyes met, and Reeva felt a jolt of electricity. He was strikingly handsome, with chiseled features and piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through her. He smiled, and Reeva's heart skipped a beat.

"Hi," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "I'm Julian."

"Reeva," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Nice to meet you, Reeva," Julian said, his smile widening. "Are you enjoying the gala?"

Reeva nodded, feeling suddenly shy. "It's... beautiful."

Julian chuckled. "It is. But I have to admit, these events can be a bit tedious. Would you like to join me for a walk outside? The gardens are lovely this time of year."

Reeva hesitated for a moment, but something in Julian's eyes made her trust him. She nodded, and he offered her his arm. They made their way through the crowd and out into the hotel's lush gardens. The night air was cool and refreshing, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the gala fading into the background. Reeva felt a sense of calm wash over her, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. Julian seemed to sense her mood, and he led her to a secluded bench beneath a canopy of wisteria.

"Tell me about yourself, Reeva," Julian said, his voice gentle. "What do you do when you're not attending glamorous events?"

Reeva laughed softly. "I'm a teacher. I work with young children."

Julian's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "That sounds incredibly rewarding."

"It is," Reeva said, smiling. "I love my job. The kids are amazing."

They talked for an hour, sharing stories and laughter. Reeva found herself opening up to Julian in a way she hadn't with anyone in years. There was something about him that made her feel safe, understood. As the night wore on, the connection between them deepened, and Reeva felt herself falling for him.

When Julian suggested they head back inside, Reeva felt a pang of disappointment. She didn't want the night to end. But as they walked back to the hotel, Julian took her hand, and the simple gesture sent a thrill through her.

Back inside, the gala was winding down, and Emily was nowhere to be seen. Reeva pulled out her phone to call Emily and noticed a text message waiting for her. It was from Emily, a frantic message explaining that she had to rush home because her boyfriend had forgotten his keys and was locked out. Displeasure flashed across Reeva's face. "Something wrong?" Julian asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Yes," Reeva replied, her voice tight with frustration. "My friend who brought me to the party had to rush home, and I don't know if I'll be able to get a cab at this hour."

"I'll take you home", Julian said. Reeva agreed, wanting to spend more time with him, and they walked out. Julian tapped something on his mobile. Suddenly, a sleek black limousine glided to a stop in front of them, its headlights illuminating the street like a beacon. It was as if summoned by magic. Julian opened the car door for her with a flourish, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

They settled into the plush leather seats of the limousine, the silence punctuated only by the gentle hum of the engine. Julian asked for her address, his voice low and intimate. He leaned forward, his head close to the driver's window, and relayed the instructions, then rolled the window back up, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Champagne, Love?" he offered, pulling a chilled bottle from the small refrigerator in the limousine.

Reeva, feeling a touch of dizziness from the unexpected turn of events, accepted. She took a sip, the effervescence tickling her throat. But she drank too quickly, the champagne catching her off guard. She began to cough, sputtering slightly.

Julian moved closer, his arm instinctively wrapping around her, gently patting her back. "Easy there," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.

As she calmed down, she felt elevated, as if she were floating on air. His nearness was intoxicating, the scent of his cologne, a blend of sandalwood and something musky and undeniably masculine, swirling around her. She looked up at him, her gaze meeting his, and felt herself melt under the intensity of his gaze.

He leaned closer, his breath fanning her cheek. "You smell incredible," he whispered, his voice a husky caress. And then, before she could even register what was happening, his lips captured hers.

It wasn't a gentle kiss, a tentative exploration. It was a demand, a fierce, possessive claim. His tongue, bold and assertive, explored the depths of her mouth, tangling with hers in a passionate dance. Reeva felt desire take possession of her being, a primal urge that ignited every nerve in her body. She clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders, her body arching against his. They exchanged a series of endless kisses, each one more intense than the last, a whirlwind of emotions consuming them both.

Finally, he pulled back, his gaze burning into hers. He ran a hand through her hair, his touch sending a jolt of pleasure through her. "I want you tonight," he said, his voice husky with desire. "Come with me."

Reeva felt a dizzying mix of fear and exhilaration. This was dangerous territory, a path she knew she shouldn't tread. But the pull towards him was undeniable, a force that threatened to consume her.

"Reeva, I know this might sound crazy, but I feel a connection with you. I don't want this night to end." He said.

Reeva's heart raced. "I feel it too, Julian."

He stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. "Would you like to come up to my house, Love?"

Reeva hesitated, her mind racing. She knew what he was asking, and part of her was terrified. But another part of her, the part that had been lonely for so long, wanted to say yes. She nodded, and Julian's face lit up with a smile.

Julian leaned forward, his voice low and firm, "To my residence," he instructed the driver. The limousine smoothly changed direction, turning down a long, tree-lined driveway that seemed to stretch on forever.

As they approached, Reeva gasped. The house was a masterpiece, a stunning blend of modern architecture and classic elegance. Towering glass walls offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, while intricate stonework and meticulously manicured gardens lent an air of timeless grandeur. It was a home fit for royalty.

Julian helped her out of the car, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary. He led her towards a massive oak door, its intricate carvings a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Before they could reach it, the door swung open, revealing a man of imposing stature standing in the doorway. He wore a perfectly tailored suit and exuded an aura of authority that made Reeva's breath catch in her throat.

"Welcome, Mr. Kole, welcome Miss," the man said, his voice deep and resonant.

"Dimitri, this is Reeva," Julian said, his voice possessive. Dimitri nodded to Reeva, murmured, "Have a good evening," and vanished into the depths of the house.

They made their way to Julian'room, and as soon as the door closed behind them, Julian pulled her into his arms. Their kiss was electric, and Reeva felt herself melting into him. The night was a blur of passion and tenderness, and for the first time in a long time, Reeva felt truly alive.

But the morning brought a harsh reality. As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Reeva woke to find Julian already dressed, his expression distant. He avoided her gaze as he spoke.

"Reeva, last night was interesting, but I'm not looking for anything serious."

Reeva felt a cold knot form in her stomach. "What do you mean?"

Julian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm constantly traveling for work, and I don't have time for a relationship."

Reeva's heart shattered. She had let herself believe that there could be something more between them, but now she realized it had all been an illusion. She felt used, discarded.

"I understand," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Thank you for being honest."

Julian looked at her, regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Reeva. I will give instructions so they can take you home."

With that, he left, and Reeva was left alone in the empty room, her heart aching. She had thought she had found something special, but it had all been a lie.

Present day

As she sat at her kitchen table, the memories of that night still raw, Reeva felt a surge of anger. Julian had walked back into her life, and now he wanted to be a part of their children's lives. But she couldn't forget the pain he had caused her, the way he had rejected her.

She knew she had to protect her boys, but she also knew that keeping Julian away wasn't the answer. They deserved to know their father, and Julian deserved a chance to prove himself. But it wouldn't be easy. There was too much history, too much hurt.

Reeva took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. She would do whatever it took to protect her boys, but she also knew that she had to give Julian a chance. For their sake, and for hers.