CHAPTER 112: OUR QUEEN -TO -BE

"Here you are, our queen-to-be," Denovan said with a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. His deep voice carried that familiar mix of warmth and teasing authority.

"Come, come—sit here, dear," Lisa added, lifting a graceful hand and curling her fingers toward herself in an inviting motion. She patted the small space between her and Denovan on the couch, her eyes twinkling.

"Here, come," Lisa repeated, parting the space between them, as though making room for Julie was the most important thing in the world.

Before Julie could take a step, Roman’s voice cut through gently but firmly. "No. She’ll sit with me."

His tone was calm but left no room for argument, and his grip on Julie’s hand tightened just enough for her to feel the warmth and quiet possession behind it. He didn’t even glance at his grandparents, his gaze fixed only on her.

Julie’s lips curved into a small, helpless smile. The affection in the way he held her—pulling her just close enough that there was no mistaking his claim—made her cheeks flush a rosy pink. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to sit with Lisa and Denovan; it was simply that Roman’s subtle but stubborn protectiveness felt... endearing.

He was like a child unwilling to share his favorite toy—only the "toy" in question was her.

"Oh my!" Lisa and Denovan exclaimed in unison, exchanging a knowing look. Lisa’s eyes sparkled like someone who’d just uncovered a delightful secret, while Denovan’s lips twitched with amusement.

Roman, completely unbothered by their shared teasing, simply guided Julie toward the opposite couch. He moved with casual ease, never letting go of her hand, and sat down beside her. His arm rested on the back of the couch, not quite touching her shoulders but close enough to make her aware of his presence.

"Rose," Lisa called, her tone brisk as she addressed the maid standing at the far end of the room.

"Yes, ma’am," Rose replied, stepping forward with a slight bow of her head.

"Serve us the sweet dessert," Lisa said lightly, as though it were the most natural request in the world.

Denovan’s head turned sharply toward her, his brows lifting in surprise. "When did you start eating sugar?" His voice was laced with mock suspicion, and his gaze pinned her with playful scrutiny.

Lisa froze, her lips parting slightly as the realization hit her—she’d just exposed herself. She blinked once, then closed her eyes briefly, as if weighing whether to deny it or simply admit the truth.

"I... occasionally indulge from time to time," she said, lifting her chin with practiced dignity. "It’s nothing."

Denovan’s slow smile deepened. "Occasionally," he repeated, drawing out the word as though he didn’t believe her for a second.

Julie, watching the exchange, felt a soft laugh bubble in her chest. The air was light, filled with the gentle clink of Rose setting down plates on the low table, the faint sweet scent of the dessert drifting over, and the warmth of family teasing settling comfortably around her.

---

The scent of dessert lingered in the air, a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, as Julie took another bite, savoring the delicate sponge.

The light conversation continued between them, with Lisa and Denovan teasing Roman about his possessiveness, which only seemed to make him more steadfast in his silent claim over her.

Julie glanced at Roman, who was still seated beside her.

His demeanor had softened, but there was a quiet intensity in his gaze, a possessiveness that made her heart race.

He kept his hand on the back of the couch behind her, his fingers occasionally brushing her hair as if the simple act grounded him.

"Roman, you’re not even going to try it?" Lisa asked, looking at his untouched plate.

Roman raised an eyebrow, never looking away from Julie. "I’m fine," he replied, the hint of a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

Lisa raised her glass with a knowing glance toward Denovan, whose deep chuckle was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

A guard appeared in the doorway, his face polite but alert, his uniform crisp. He paused just inside, acknowledging the room with a respectful nod.

"Madam Lisa," he began, his voice calm but carrying a subtle urgency. "The guests you requested have arrived."

Lisa’s eyes immediately lit up, the familiar gleam of someone who had planned this moment with great anticipation.

She set her fork down with a soft clink, then turned to Julie with a smile. "Oh, it’s time for the surprise I promised you."

Julie blinked in mild confusion, her curiosity piqued. "Guests?" she asked, glancing between Lisa and the guard.

"Indeed," Lisa said with a knowing smile. "They’re from one of the finest salons in the city—an exclusive, high-end brand. I contacted them this morning to arrange a special treat for us."

She reached for Julie’s hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "A full manicure and pedicure. It’s something every woman deserves, and with all that’s happened, you certainly do."

Julie’s breath caught slightly at the thought. She’d never been pampered like that—never had the chance to experience something so luxurious. "For me?" she asked, surprised.

"Of course," Lisa replied warmly. "Every queen should have her hands and feet treated like royalty."

She glanced over at Roman, who hadn’t released his grip on Julie’s hand.

"And you should join me too, Roman," she added with a teasing grin, as if daring him to be pampered for once.

Roman raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking slightly. "I’ll pass." His grip on Julie’s hand tightened just a little. "I’m good with just this."

Julie smiled, her heart warming at his steadfastness.

The contrast between his indifference to luxury and the way he held her close never failed to make her feel special, even in simple moments.

Lisa gave Denovan a playful look, and he raised an eyebrow in return, his lips curling up in a slow smile. .

"Careful, Roman," he said, the teasing note back in his voice. "She’s already got you wrapped around her finger."

Roman didn’t answer, only squeezing Julie’s hand again in a silent promise that she was his priority.

The warmth of the gesture spread through Julie like a soft wave, comforting yet thrilling.

The guard waited patiently in the doorway, not interrupting, until Lisa finally turned her attention back to him.

"Show them to the spa room," she said with a graceful gesture. "We’ll join them shortly."

The guard nodded and stepped aside to allow the salon staff to enter. Julie hadn’t noticed them at first, but now she could see two well-dressed women entering the room.

Their uniforms were sleek and professional, carrying a subtle scent of lavender and mint that seemed to refresh the air around them.

They moved with quiet precision, setting up their equipment with a quiet hum of activity.

Julie’s eyes widened slightly as one of the women, with a confident yet gentle smile, came toward her.

"Welcome, Miss Julie," the woman said, her tone light and inviting. "Shall we begin?"

Julie looked at Lisa, who nodded encouragingly. "Let them treat you, my dear. Relax." Lisa’s voice was soothing, a balm to the small knot of anxiety that had unexpectedly formed in Julie’s chest.

"All right," Julie finally said, offering the woman a tentative smile. "I’m ready."

Roman stood up slowly, not moving far from her.

He stood by the door, his posture slightly guarded, though he made no move to interrupt the pampering. His gaze, however, never strayed far from Julie.

Lisa, too, rose from the couch, her eyes glancing briefly at Roman before she turned back to the salon staff.

"You’ll find the treatment room just down the hall," she said. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."

As they all made their way toward the room, Julie felt a wave of gratitude toward Lisa for this unexpected kindness.

She wasn’t used to being treated like this—like she mattered enough for someone to arrange such an indulgent experience.

The spa room was soft and inviting, lit with dim, golden lights that bathed the space in a gentle glow.

The air was filled with the calming aroma of essential oils, lavender and eucalyptus mixing with the faint, crisp scent of fresh towels.

It felt like a private retreat, the world beyond the room almost forgotten.

Julie settled into the plush, wide chair as one of the salon staff began to set up for the manicure.

The woman moved with practiced grace, her hands steady and confident as she prepared the tools for Julie’s treatment.

It was a strange, almost surreal experience, having someone tend to her with such care.

Lisa sat next to her, already relaxed in the other chair, her hands resting comfortably on the armrests. "You’re in good hands," Lisa murmured, a soft smile on her face. "Just let go of all the tension."

Julie nodded, taking a deep breath as the staff began their work, her fingers gently taken in hand by the soft, cool touch of the technician.

It was like all the little worries of the world began to fade.

Roman, ever watchful, stood by the door. His gaze flickered over to her once more, but his attention remained respectful.

It was clear he had a deep respect for Julie’s space, even as he stood guard at the threshold.

The scene in the spa room was peaceful, intimate, and filled with a warmth that Julie hadn’t expected.

She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so cared for, so protected.

It was like the world had slowed just enough for her to breathe, to feel like she truly belonged.