An Unforgettable Evening

The evening had finally arrived. Julian stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his sleek black suit. Mr. Sam had outdone himself—Julian barely recognized himself. He looked sharp, confident, ready. For once, he didn't feel like the struggling artist with too many responsibilities on his shoulders. Tonight, he was just a guy going on a date with a girl he really liked.

Meanwhile, across town, Lexi was in her bedroom, standing in front of a pile of discarded outfits. She sighed, running her fingers through her hair before finally settling on a simple yet elegant black dress. It wasn't about the clothes—tonight was about the company.

Just as she finished touching up her makeup, her mom knocked on the door and peeked inside.

"Where are you off to tonight, sweetie?" she asked, folding her arms with a curious smile.

Lexi glanced at her reflection one last time and shrugged. "Just hanging out with friends, Mom."

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. And does this 'hanging out' involve anyone special?"

Lexi rolled her eyes. "Mom, not everything has to be about romance."

Her mom smirked but let it go. "Alright, alright. Just be careful. Oh, by the way, Harrison called earlier—he's heading to Australia for a business trip."

Lexi let out a short, uninterested sigh. "Yeah, I know. He already called me."

Her mom's smile faded slightly. "Lexi, are you okay? You seem… distracted."

Lexi hesitated before responding. "I don't know, Mom. I just don't really feel anything for Harrison, you know? He's distant. And honestly, it feels like he's trying to buy my affection instead of earning it."

Her mom nodded, understanding. "I get it. But maybe some space will help you figure out what you really want."

Before Lexi could respond, her phone buzzed. Harrison's name flashed across the screen. She sighed and answered.

"Hey, Lexi," Harrison said, his tone businesslike as always. "I'm flying out in a few hours. I sent you $500,000 to cover any expenses while I'm gone."

Lexi blinked. "Half a million… for what?"

"Just to make sure you're comfortable," Harrison replied as if it were nothing.

Lexi's expression remained neutral. "Thanks, Harrison."

He kept talking, but Lexi's mind wandered. She had everything—money, status, luxury—but none of it made her happy. Harrison didn't make her happy.

After the call ended, she slipped on her heels, grabbed her car keys, and left the house, her mind on one thing—Julian.

Julian's phone buzzed.

Lexi: I'm outside.

He took a deep breath, grabbed his wallet, and stepped outside.

Parked in front of his house was a sleek black Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Lexi leaned against the driver's side door, effortlessly stunning. When she saw him, her lips curved into a slow smile.

"Wow," she said, tilting her head slightly. "You clean up nicely."

Julian smirked. "Thanks. You look… absolutely incredible."

Lexi's smile widened. "Glad I'm not the only one who thinks so."

Julian chuckled. "I was worried about being the most handsome person in the room tonight."

Lexi laughed. "Oh, I don't know about that. You're definitely giving me some competition."

Feeling more relaxed, Julian opened the car door for her. "Shall we?"

She raised an impressed eyebrow. "Such a gentleman."

As they drove through the city, Lexi found herself stealing glances at Julian. He was different from anyone she had ever spent time with. He wasn't trying to impress her with wealth or status—he was just himself. And she liked that.

"So, what's the plan for tonight?" she asked, intrigued.

Julian smirked. "I've got a few surprises up my sleeve."

Lexi leaned in slightly. "Oh? And what might those surprises be?"

Julian just chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Guess you'll have to wait and see."

Lexi bit her lip, both frustrated and excited by his answer. What was he planning?

As they pulled up to the cozy coffee shop, the warm glow of fairy lights reflected off the car's windshield. The place looked charming, intimate. Lexi felt a small rush of anticipation.

Was tonight going to be just another nice evening out? Or was this the beginning of something… more?

And as Julian stepped out of the car, a confident smile playing on his lips, she couldn't help but wonder—

Was she ready for whatever came next?