The next morning dawned gray and heavy, the clouds sagging low over the city like a warning.Amelia sat by the window of her small apartment, cradling a cup of coffee that had long since gone cold.
Her mind was a mess.
Every thought led back to the night before — to Liam, to his confession, to the way his kiss had unraveled her entire world.
But even as her heart ached for him, a small voice inside her whispered of caution, of fear.
She was still trying to make sense of it all when her phone buzzed on the table.
Julian Crane.
Amelia hesitated for a heartbeat before picking it up.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Amelia," Julian's smooth voice came through the line, rich and confident. "I was wondering if you might join me for lunch today. I have something... important I'd like to discuss with you."
There was something in his tone that made her heart skip.
Something serious.Urgent.
Part of her wanted to say no — to retreat into the confusion that already overwhelmed her.
But another part, the part that craved answers, that craved a different path, made her say, "Alright. Where?"
"I'll send a car," Julian said. "And Amelia? Dress warmly."
Before she could ask what that meant, he hung up.
An hour later, Amelia found herself bundled into a sleek black town car, being driven across the city.
The driver didn't speak, and she didn't ask questions.
She had no idea where Julian was taking her, but somehow, she wasn't afraid.Just... curious.Nervous.
Finally, the car pulled up outside a small, private airfield on the outskirts of Manhattan.
Amelia's mouth dropped open as she stepped out and saw Julian waiting for her, leaning casually against a gleaming private jet.
He was dressed in a dark cashmere coat and a charcoal scarf, looking every bit the charismatic billionaire.
"Julian," she said breathlessly, "what is this?"
He smiled — that slow, magnetic smile that always made her feel like the only woman in the world.
"I wanted to show you something," he said. "Something important."
Before she could protest, he was guiding her up the stairs and into the luxurious interior of the jet.
Within minutes, they were airborne.
Amelia clutched the leather armrest nervously as the plane climbed higher into the sky.
Julian sat across from her, watching her with an intensity that made her cheeks flush.
"Relax," he said with a soft chuckle. "I promise, you're safe with me."
"I'm just... surprised," Amelia admitted.
Julian's smile faded slightly.
"You deserve more than surprise, Amelia," he said quietly. "You deserve a future you can believe in."
Her chest tightened.
"Where are we going?" she asked, needing to focus on something — anything — other than the way he was looking at her.
"You'll see," he said mysteriously.
Less than an hour later, the plane touched down at a small, snowy airstrip in Vermont.
Amelia stared in amazement as they drove through picturesque little towns, all whitewashed in winter, until they finally pulled up to a stunning glass-and-stone building nestled at the base of a mountain.
"This," Julian said as he helped her out of the car, "is the future."
Amelia blinked up at the building.
It was sleek and modern, yet somehow warm — a perfect blend of innovation and nature.
Inside, the space was bright and airy, filled with state-of-the-art technology and cozy lounges.
"This is my newest venture," Julian explained. "An eco-friendly luxury resort. Sustainable, innovative, forward-thinking."
Amelia turned to him, confusion knitting her brow.
"And... why are you showing me this?"
Julian stepped closer.
"Because I want you to be a part of it," he said simply.
Her breath caught.
"I know your talents, Amelia. Your instincts. Your creativity. I want you to help me shape this place. Help me make it more than just another project."
She stared at him, stunned.
"You want me to work for you?"
"Not work for me," Julian said gently. "Work with me. As a partner."
Amelia's knees nearly gave out.
A partnership.Real influence.A chance to build something lasting and meaningful.
It was everything she had ever dreamed of.
And yet...
"You don't have to answer now," Julian said, seeing the turmoil in her eyes. "Just think about it."
He paused, his expression softening.
"And Amelia? This isn't just about business."
She swallowed hard.
"I care about you," he said, voice low and earnest. "More than you know. And I believe in you."
Amelia's heart twisted painfully.
Julian was offering her more than a career.He was offering her a future.Stability.Respect.Maybe even love.
She turned to look out the window, blinking back tears.
How could she even begin to choose?
On one hand, there was Liam — dangerous, passionate, consuming.He made her feel alive in ways she couldn't explain.
But he also terrified her.
Because loving Liam meant risking everything.Her heart.Her future.Her very soul.
And on the other hand, there was Julian.
Safe.Steady.Offering her a place by his side without games, without manipulation.
Could she really turn her back on that?
Could she risk everything for a man who had already admitted he once intended to use her?
Amelia pressed her forehead against the cool glass.
She didn't know.
She honestly didn't know.
Later, after they toured the resort and Julian showed her all the plans — the spa, the farm-to-table restaurant, the artist-in-residence program — they sat by a roaring fire in the main lounge.
Snow was falling gently outside, turning the world into a dreamscape.
Julian handed her a mug of hot chocolate and sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed.
"I'm not asking for an answer today," he said softly. "But I had to show you. Had to let you see what your future could be."
Amelia turned to him, her heart breaking all over again.
"Why me?" she whispered. "Why are you doing this for me?"
Julian smiled, but there was sadness in his eyes.
"Because," he said simply, "you're worth it."
Tears burned behind her lids.
No one had ever said that to her before.
Not like that.
Not with such fierce, unwavering certainty.
Not even Liam.
Amelia closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire on her skin, the weight of Julian's faith in her heart.
She was standing at the edge of a cliff.
One leap could take her to everything she ever wanted.
Or destroy her completely.
And somehow, she had to decide which risk she was willing to take.