CLAIRE

It was Wednesday night, a few days after both our big events. The launch of CLAIRE Studio and Julian’s last day as CEO still felt fresh.

We had spent the week celebrating quietly, small dinners, proud smiles across the table, and long talks about what came next, but tonight felt different. I wanted him, really wanted him.

I cooked his favorite pasta and opened a good bottle of wine. When Julian walked through the door, he looked tired but happy. The moment he saw me in the kitchen wearing a simple silk slip dress, his eyes changed.

“Claire,” he said, voice already lower. “You look incredible.”

I walked over...