Julia.

That night, I was overcome with anger. I locked myself in my room after an encounter with Dr. Knight. His cruelty was beyond belief, and it broke my heart. Overwhelmed with sadness, I hid under my blanket. My father, concerned, wanted to know what happened that had left me so distraught.

I gave him no answers, especially because Dr. Knight had started working at my father's hospital, and I didn't want to cause any issues. The issue was deeply personal. My father was my best friend, but I could not bring myself to share this ordeal with him.

A knock on my door came from my mother. To her, I replied, "Mom, I am sleepy. Please leave me alone.".

However, she opened the door and slowly made her way to my bed. Gently, she pulled back the blanket and told me, "You need to get out of this bed now."

Feigning sleep, I closed my eyes, "Mom, please turn off the lights. I want to sleep."

But she was not persuaded, "Listen, I don't know what happened, and I won't force you to tell me. But I cannot bear to see you crying yourself to sleep. Get up now."

Stubbornly, I retorted, "I am not crying."

Unfazed, she responded in a stern tone, "Really? Well, I've invited your cousin over for dinner. You know, the one who just returned from Australia."

"I am not well. Please don't do this," I begged, my eyes firmly closed.

But she was resolute, "Too late. Get dressed. He is already downstairs waiting for you. Unless you want him to think you're avoiding him."

David was my cousin and I had harbored a crush on him since young. I didn't want him to feel unwelcome, so with a sigh, I sat up in bed, "Okay Mom, I see what you did. You intentionally did this to get me out of my room."

Her smile was both teasing and soft, "Exactly. I hate to see you upset. You mean everything to me."

Finally, I relented and got off the bed to give her a kiss on the cheek, "I will be okay, Mom."

She patted my head gently, urging me softly, "Okay then, freshen up and get dressed."

She walked into my closet and picked a sultry, sparkling silver dress for me, "And wear this," she instructed.

I furrowed my brows in confusion, tilting my head, "But this isn't appropriate for a family dinner. I'm confused."

She winked at me, "Just dress up. Don't forget to apply some makeup, and put on your sexy silver high heels."

Feeling weak, I gave a weak smile in response and decided to do as my mother asked, hoping that seeing David would help me forget about Knight.

I retreated to my bathroom, undressed, and took a lukewarm shower. After about ten minutes, I brushed my hair, applied some makeup, and slipped into the silver dress and heels. I checked my appearance before leaving the room – I looked stunning.

Descending the staircase, I found my cousin David, who was looking his best. His toned physique and piercing blue eyes could allure any woman. Flashing a wide smile at him, he expressed his surprise, "Wow! You have transformed into a true lady! You look gorgeous."

I blushed, recalling those days before he left for Australia. When he was in college and I was only a timid 13-year-old crush harboring feelings for him.

My mother suggested, "Why don't you both have a night out together?"

Surprised, I looked at her, "But Mom! You never let me stay out at these places at night!"

My father cupped my cheeks and said reassuringly, "Yes, but you're not alone. You're with your cousin."

Despite my embarrassment, David welcomed the idea enthusiastically, "I've been away from the country for years, so why not? It would be incredible if Julia agrees, of course."

Turning to my dad for approval, he nodded, "Yes, sure. But take care of her, don't stay out too late and, I swear David, don't dare lay a finger on her or you'll regret it."

My father's stern warning resonated in the room. That was my father – ever so protective.

David raised his hands in surrender and jokingly responded, "I swear on my life, I will protect her – even from myself."

My mother approached, patting my back, and said, "Enjoy the night, sweetheart." David took my hand, leading me toward the door. However, my father interjected, reminding David with another warning, "Don't be late and remember: don't touch her." David saluted him obediently, replying, "Yes sir."

We made our way to David's car where he graciously opened the door for me. Once we were both seated in the car, he turned to me and questioned, "Honestly, you look stunning. Do you have a boyfriend?"

After a gulp, I replied, "A boyfriend? No, I have never had one."

He looked taken aback and asked, "What happened to the men here? Are they blind or something?"

Feeling shy, my gaze fell to my lap as I explained, "My father never allowed any guy near me."

Starting the engine of his car, he remarked, "Well let's go then. It feels like a lucky night, considering you've never fallen in love yet and are single."

His comment made me sad as I was sure that I had developed feelings for Knight, but he had left me heartbroken. I hoped to never cross paths with Knight again, even by coincidence. However, I knew our paths would eventually intersect at my father's hospital.

The silent drive continued until we reached a nightclub, a place unfamiliar and intimidating to me.

David reassured me as he opened the car door, "Let's go, princess. Don't worry, you will enjoy the night."

As we entered the eclectic club, David seemed more comfortable, and everyone's attention soon fell upon him. With his wallet flush with cash, he distributed tips generously as we walked by the doorman, manager, dancers, and bartenders. I knew both my father's and mother's families were wealthy, but David's ostentatious behavior felt distasteful and showy.

David secured a VIP table, and to my shock, I spotted Knight at a nearby table. The scene escalated quickly: Knight spotted us, strippers danced around him, he shamelessly flirted-it drove me to pull David onto the dance floor. I danced with him in a seductive manner for the very first time. Regrettably, David took this as an invitation to invade my personal space, an act I found unnerving.

Despite our dance, Knight's gaze never wavered from me. In a heartbeat, Knight was beside me, accusing me of behaving like a call girl. He callously threw money at me, sneering sarcastically, "So, how much is he paying you for the night? I can afford to pay more."

I couldn't calm myself. My head lifted and, gathering all my strength, I slapped Knight's face, yelling at him, "He's my cousin, David."

David, eager for confrontation, began to shout, "Who the hell is he?"

I interjected before things escalated further, "He's nothing. Let's leave now."

As we departed, Knight remained behind, visibly shocked and confused, his gaze following us out.

My sadness threatened to spill over in tears. Nearly running, I made for David's car when a strong hand caught my arm.

Turning, I saw Knight standing there. "I'm sorry," he said.

His apology, though desired, came too late. He should have said it the night he humiliated me, not now.

Brushing his hand away, I pointed a finger at his face, "I'll make you regret this. I promise you."

I gave his chest a firm push, distancing him from me. Turning away, I got into David's car, tersely instructing, "Drive to the nearest restaurant. There's one at the end of this street, by the beach."

David, to my dismay, showed no sign of indignation or caring about the confrontation. He made no attempt to fight, seemingly not wanting to ruin his own evening. His lackadaisical response made me feel a pang of disgust.

Dr. Knight.

I rushed out of the bar, my eyes fixed on Julia and her cousin David as they headed towards a romantic-looking beachside establishment. Jealousy burned within me - how dare she be out with another man, especially after the connection I felt we'd been building. I had to follow them, to see what was happening.

I parked my Porsche a discreet distance away and watched as they entered the restaurant. David was walking ahead of Julia, not even offering her his arm. And Julia - she was still crying, her face streaked with tears. What had happened to upset her so? I had to know.

As I entered the restaurant, I spotted them seated at a table near the front. Making my way over, I heard their exchange.

"Julia, stop crying. You're not a kid," David said dismissively.

"Uh, not," Julia replied.

"Great. Now let's enjoy our evening. Let's drink and eat something," David responded, flagging down a waiter.

I couldn't believe his callous attitude towards Julia's distress. Didn't he care at all about how she was feeling? I kept my distance, not wanting to draw attention to myself yet, as I watched the scene unfold. Julia seemed reluctant to partake, but ultimately accepted the glass of champagne David pressed into her hand. Her eyes briefly met mine, and I saw a flicker of something - was it relief? - cross her face.

The evening wore on, the soft strains of violin music filling the air. I nursed my own drink, my gaze constantly drawn to Julia. She appeared to be getting more and more inebriated, until finally she announced she needed to go to the bathroom, feeling sick and dizzy.

Without hesitation, David rose and moved to Julia's side, his arm snaking around her waist to support her. The protective instinct in me surged - there was no way I was going to let him take advantage of her vulnerable state. I followed them discreetly as they made their way to the restrooms.

As soon as they were inside, I heard Julia's panicked scream. Bursting through the door, I saw David forcibly trying to kiss Julia, his hands gripping her tightly. Without a second thought, I strode over and landed a solid punch to his face, feeling his nose crack under the impact. David stumbled backward, blood streaming from his nose, and fled the room.

Julia could barely stand, her eyes unfocused. Gently, I helped her to her feet, supporting her weight. "I want to go home," she murmured weakly.

My original plan to seduce Julia had clearly been derailed. Guiding her out to my car, I drove us to the mansion where I knew she lived with her parents. As we pulled up to the gate, the guard took one look at Julia's state and immediately called her father, Dr. Angelo.

Watching as Angelo and his wife Bella rushed out to tend to Julia, my heart clenched. This was the man who had adopted Julia, the father figure I had always longed for. And yet, he had no idea that I was his biological son, the child he had never known. The pain of that realization was almost too much to bear.

Angelo's concerned voice broke through my thoughts. "What happened to her? And where's David, and why are you here?"

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. "Calm down. I think Julia should explain it to you tomorrow. She... she's had a bit too much to drink."

"Did David do something to her?" Bella asked.

"He, uh, he tried to do some bad things to her in the restroom while she was intoxicated," I admitted, my jaw tightening with anger at the memory.

"The asshole!" Angelo exclaimed, his fists clenching. "I'll punch his face until he bleeds!"

"I, uh, I already did that," I confessed.

Angelo's expression softened, and he laid a hand on my arm. "Thank you. Please, come inside."

I hesitated, glancing at Julia's prone form. "No, I should go. Please, take care of her."

"Thank you for saving our daughter," Bella said sincerely.

With a nod, I climbed back into my car and drove away, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. I had never planned to fall in love with Julia - that was never part of the plan. And now, witnessing the care and concern her adoptive parents had for her, I was more aware than ever of the gaping hole in my own life where a loving family should have been.

Determined to distract myself, I headed straight for the hotel where I knew I could find the company of one of the women I kept on retainer. As much as I hated to admit it, I needed the physical release, the mindless pleasure, to stop myself from dwelling on Julia. I couldn't afford to let my feelings for her consume me.

The woman - her name was Chloe, I think - greeted me with a coy smile, already undoing the buttons of her blouse. I pulled her close, crushing my lips to hers, my hands roaming her body. But even as we tumbled into bed, Julia's face kept flashing through my mind. I tried to lose myself in the sensations, the familiar rhythms, but it was no use. Julia had gotten under my skin in a way no other woman ever had.

Afterward, as Chloe curled up beside me, I stared pensively at the ceiling. This wasn't working. I couldn't shake Julia from my thoughts, no matter how hard I tried. Perhaps it was time to reevaluate my plans, to figure out what I really wanted. Because continuing down this path - using meaningless sexual encounters to try and forget her - was only going to lead to more heartbreak.

With a heavy sigh, I disentangled myself from Chloe and began to get dressed. She watched me curiously, but wisely kept silent. As I made my way back to my car, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would I ever be able to have a real connection with someone, or was I doomed to a life of empty, meaningless relationships?

The drive back to my mansion only served to deepen my melancholy. I poured myself a generous glass of scotch, savoring the burn as it slid down my throat. Perhaps I should just give in to the inevitable and try to get to know Julia better. But could I risk exposing my true feelings, only to have my heart broken once again?

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, my phone suddenly chimed with an incoming message. It was from one of my business associates, informing me of an urgent matter that required my attention. Grateful for the distraction, I quickly replied, arranging to meet him first thing in the morning. Yes, I was a gynecologist but a businessman too taking care of my mother's and grandparent's family business.

The next day, I found myself immersed in the details of a complex corporate merger, my mind laser-focused on the task at hand. It was a welcome respite from the emotional turmoil that had been consuming me. As I reviewed the financial statements and negotiated the terms of the deal, I felt a sense of control and purpose that had been lacking in my personal life.

But even as I worked, I couldn't help but wonder how Julia was faring. Had she recovered from her ordeal the night before? What would she tell her parents? And what would they think of my involvement? The thought of facing Angelo again, of having to explain my actions, filled me with a mixture of dread and longing.

Eventually, the deal was concluded, and I found myself with a rare free afternoon. Driven by an impulse I couldn't quite explain, I found myself driving towards the mansion where Julia lived. I parked a safe distance away, my heart pounding, and simply watched the house, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

After what felt like an eternity, the front door opened, and Julia emerged, looking strikingly beautiful even in the simple sundress she wore. I drank in the sight of her, my fingers drumming nervously on the steering wheel. Should I approach her, or would that be too forward? Would she even want to see me after what had happened?

Before I could make up my mind, Julia turned and began to walk down the path that led to the garden. Without hesitation, I opened the car door and followed her, my steps quickening as I closed the distance between us. "Julia!" I called out.

She whirled around, her eyes widening in surprise. "Dr. Knight? What are you doing here?"

I swallowed hard, suddenly acutely aware of how presumptuous my actions might seem. "I, uh, I was just... I wanted to make sure you were alright. After what happened last night, I..."

Julia's expression softened, and she took a step towards me. "I'm doing better, thanks to you. My parents told me what you did - how you saved me from David. I... I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't have to thank me," I murmured, my heart swelling with a strange mixture of pride and regret. "I'm just glad I was there to help."

We stood there in silence for a moment, the air thick with unspoken tension. Finally, Julia spoke again. "Would you like to join me for a walk? I could use the company."

"I'd be honored," I replied, falling into step beside her as we meandered through the lush gardens. As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder where this might lead, what the future might hold for us. But then I saw David coming our way with flowers in his hands!!!