As they unpacked, Max noticed Julia's concern and wrapped his arms around her. "We'll take care of your mom, I promise. We'll make sure she's comfortable and happy, even if she's not living with us."
Julia smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Max. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
As Julia settled into their new home, she said to Max, "I'll go buy some food and cook!" But Max gently held her back, "No, sit down, you've been busy all afternoon. We should go out for dinner."
Julia protested, "But we had lunch at an expensive restaurant today. It's better we eat at home and save money. Besides, you did all the tiring work, so I'm not tired.
Max chuckled," You're something else, Julia. But I understand. You want our first meal in our new home to be special.
Julia's eyes lit up" Exactly! And I saw some fresh vegetables in the supermarket downstairs. I'll just grab a few things and be right back.
Max nodded, thinking, "This is indeed our first meal in our new home. I won't stop her."
As Julia headed out, Max retreated to his study, where a pile of documents awaited his attention. His assistant had called several times, and he needed to review and approve some papers. He also had to initiate a video conference to resolve pending issues.
Just then, Jack's email popped up on his screen, containing the information on Grant Robin. Max's eyes scanned the information, his mind racing with the implications.
"Grant Robin, the man who abandoned Julia and her mother... now married to the daughter of a wealthy Mexican family with two children? Julia has siblings she's never met."
Max's thoughts were interrupted by Julia's return, her arms laden with groceries. "Hey, how was your shopping trip?" he asked, helping her unpack.
"It was great! I found some fresh produce and got some ideas for our first meal. How was your work?" Julia replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Max smiled, "It was fine. Just catching up on some paperwork. But let's focus on our first meal together. What's on the menu?"
Julia grinned mischievously, "You'll just have to wait and see."
Max returned to work as he delved deeper into the information on his computer, his expression turned from disgust to outrage. "How could he do this to Julia and her mother?" he wondered, his mind racing with the extent of Grant Robert's deceit.
About forty minutes later, Julia knocked on the door, her voice cheerful. "Food's ready, Max!"
Max quickly closed his laptop, his eyes still blazing with anger. "I'll be right there."
As they sat down to eat, Julia noticed Max's somber mood. "Hey, is everything okay? You look like you've lost your last dollar."
Max forced a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just work stuff, Julia. Don't worry about it."
Julia's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "You're not very good at hiding your emotions, Max. But I'll let it slide for now."
Max chuckled, his tension dissipating. "You're right, as always, Julia. I'm just glad to be here with you, away from all the chaos."
Julia's face softened, her voice gentle. "I'm glad you're here too, Max. You've been working so hard, and I know you've sacrificed a lot for me. I just want to make you happy."
Max's heart swelled with emotion, his eyes locking onto hers. "You do make me happy, Julia. Just being with you, seeing your smile every day, it's all I need."
As they continued eating, Julia mentioned, "I noticed you were on a video conference earlier. Don't worry about so much, I'll take care of the house from now on."
Max's face lit up with a warm smile. "Thank you, Julia. But we can eat out sometimes, right? And don't worry about lunch, the company provides for all the staff, so we don't need to spend money on meals."
Julia nodded, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Okay, thank you. And thank you for taking responsibility of the household expenses."
Max's gaze lingered on hers, his voice low and husky. You're welcome, Julia. And don't worry about anything. I just want to take care of you, in every way possible."
Julia's cheeks flushed red, her heart racing with emotion. "I appreciate that, Max. You're a very kind and generous man.
Max couldn't help but notice the sparkle in Julia's eyes. She had always been a hard worker, but now she seemed to be glowing with a newfound happiness.
"Julia, can I ask you something?" Max said, taking a bite of his food.
"Of course, what is it?" Max replied, looking at her curiously.
"I was just thinking... now that we're settled in, maybe it's time we started building a life together. You know, think about our future," Max said, his eyes locked on hers.
Julia's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I'd love that, Max. I've been thinking the same thing. But there's something I need to tell you first."
Max's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
Julia took a deep breath before speaking. "I've been keeping a secret from you, Max. It has something to do with my father."
Max's curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Julia? You can trust me."
Julia's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's about my father, Grant Robin. I've been trying to find out more about him, and I think I've uncovered some secrets he's been keeping from us.
Max's grip on his fork tightened. "What secrets?"
Julia's eyes locked on his, a hint of determination in her voice. "I think he's been hiding a whole other life from us, Max knew this already but did want Julia to find out so soon.
Good thing Julia only knew little about Grants double life.
As they finished their meal, Max's mind wandered back to the information, his resolve strengthened. He would protect Julia from Grant's toxic legacy, no matter what it took.
However, Max couldn't help but think about how different Julia was from every other woman he had met. She was so modest, so kind, and so selfless. He felt grateful to have her as his wife.
"Julia, what are you thinking?" Max asked, noticing her staring at him.
"Oh, nothing," she replied, blushing. "I was just wondering if you would allow me to support you for some of the household expenses. It's only fair I do this, since I'm also working."
Max smiled. Okay, I'll ask when I need your help. How about that?"