JULIAN

I chase my own crown, yet it feels like it’s never meant to be mine, and failure is a word I’m not allowed to speak. — 伟 | FICTION by 𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖔𝖓.

[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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予我黄金以承重，然吾心惟愿烈火洗尽。

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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He paused just long enough to meet her eyes again, amusement flickering there. “Though between us, I think it’s you they’re trying to impress, not me.”

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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The smirk softened briefly before returning, sharper now. “But don’t worry, I’ll play along. Wouldn’t want to ruin your mom’s effort—or the dress she picked out for you.”

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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“Tell me,” the playful edge lingered, but his tone softened as he settled back. “Are your parents here as well? In Indonesia, I mean. Or did they leave this entire… arrangement to you?”

—@Kanyariwa

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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He leaned forward a little, lowering his voice. “Or maybe you’re just saving that smile. For when I actually deserve it.” He murmured, almost to himself. A subtle smile appeared on his face.

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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Then the smile returned. “I’ll take whichever you’re having. Seems only fair I let you choose for the both of us.”

It wasn’t just nothing—it was his way of apologizing, handing her the reins, letting her decide how the evening would go.

—@Kanyariwa

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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His eyes caught hers deliberately, holding them just a beat longer than necessary. “Wouldn’t have felt right otherwise.”

“Thank you for asking, Anne.” He added.

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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The pause that followed felt heavier than the minutes he’d stolen from her. He let it stretch before asking, softer now, “How have you been, Marianne?”

—@Kanyariwa

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[JULIAN @dominusvail]

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“I should’ve been on time.” Paris, the flight, the business—none of it excused the wait when he had flown across continents just to see her.

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