Chapter 5: Devotion for Sale
Night had fallen. I settled him in a small apartment I’d bought years ago on Willow Lane.
The apartment was cozy, with mismatched furniture and faded curtains. The air smelled like lavender and old books. I flicked on the lamp, casting a warm glow over the room. Julian stood awkwardly in the doorway, unsure what to do.
Julian Lane knelt, bowing deeply.
He dropped to one knee, head bowed. “Thank you for saving me. I don’t know why you did it, but I’ll never forget your kindness. Someday, I will…”
His voice was clear as spring water. A strand of hair slipped down, brushing against his beauty mark. The lamplight flickered, making it look like a cherry blossom blooming in snow—breathtakingly beautiful. My breath caught.
He looked up, eyes shining with gratitude and something else—hope, maybe, or longing. I felt a flutter in my stomach, a sense that anything was possible.
At first, I just wanted to steal Evelyn’s benefactor and use his future influence to rebuild my business. But now, I’ve changed my mind. Since I’d bought him, I was going to use him.
This was my second chance, and I wasn’t about to waste it. My heart pounded. I was ready to take control.
I removed my veil, reached out, and pressed my finger to his lips.
He froze, eyes wide. I leaned in, my voice low and steady, daring him to move.
“But I want you to repay me now.”
“Why not devote yourself to me, right here and now?”
The words hung between us, charged with possibility. For the first time in a long time, I felt alive—powerful, in control. The future was mine to claim.
For once, the power was in my hands.













