章 9: Welcome Back

Julian parked the car and exited, not bothering to wait for me. I quickly got out and followed after him.

The house we approached was better described as a French manor. From the antique double doors to the stone courtyard, its appearance was enough to make someone question if they weren't actually in France. There were gorgeous arched windows, wrought-iron balconies, and red clay roof tiles. For all the misery I had suffered here and I as much as I might mock the opulence, I loved this house.

As we approached the front doors, one swung inward to invite us in. The housekeeper greeted Julian with a smile as she reached out to take his coat.

"Welcome back, Julian."

"Thank you, Ileana." Julian paused for a moment before he opened his mouth again. "This is Alice, the new madam of the house."

I smiled brightly at Ileana, doing my best to hide how pleased I was Julian had given me an introduction. "It's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine." The older woman gave me a smile that could blind a lesser woman. In all my past lives I had learned very well what that smile meant.

Ileana had been in charge of Julian's housekeeping since he was old enough to live on his own. She did not let a single button fall out of place, keeping everything neat and perfect for Julian's residence.

In my first life I had made her my enemy unintentionally through my attempts to take over running the household. I hadn't realized that although Ileana was deeply loyal to Julian, that same respect did not extend to his abandoned wife. But now that Julian had introduced me, it was a clear sign that Ileana was meant to care for me as well. I had no intentions of reattempting to take over. I was happy to leave Ileana to it.

Julian didn't stop to chat, heading straight for the back gardens. "How's Moxie?"

"David just took her for a walk."

Julian didn't pause as he opened the back door and disappeared outside. I heard a familiar joyful bark and Julian's laughter.

Moxie was the only girl that ever received Julian's full attention. She was just a dog, but she had the audacity to receive more love than me. I always ranked lower than a dog!

In my first life, I was afraid of Moxie. I couldn't remember the reason for my fear of dogs, but over my lives I had done my best to get over it. In that life, I had screamed until Julian had moved Moxie to another home. I remembered his annoyance and anger from that time and knew I had been in the wrong. Moxie was a sweet dog, despite her size, and she wouldn't hurt even a fly.

In this life I was determined to get Moxie on my side. If the dog liked me, then Julian would be forced to recognize how great I was.

After nodding a farewell to Ileana, I followed Julian outside into the back gardens.

On a stretch of grass, Julian was squatting next to his german shepherd. Moxie had her ears back and she was whining in excitement at seeing her owner. Her tail whipped back and forth. I gulped. I could do this.

I walked slowly towards them and Moxie looked up. She immediately started barking, moving in front of Julian. He stood up, staring at me. He had long known of my fear of dogs. I didn't remember it very clearly, but once he had mentioned he had a dog to me and I definitely reacted poorly. Before my marriage, I had been so afraid of dogs, just one walking on the same sidewalk towards me would make me cross the road. I began to sweat from nervousness.

"I-It's okay, I'm nice," I said with the best smile I could muster. Inside I was crying. Why was this dog so big? This hurdle was too high!

Julian pet Moxie soothingly. "She's a friend." Did I imagine it, or was Julian laughing at my struggle? This bastard. I'll show him.

Moxie stopped barking at Julian's words, but she kept her ears forward, alert and ready to defend if she needed to. I slowly approached and stretched out my hand. It was shaking, but I was determined. I looked Moxie in her eyes as she hesitantly sniffed my fingers. She paused before she gave them a small lick as if in approval before turning back to Julian.

I-I was licked!

"Good girl," Julian gave Moxie a blinding grin as he scratched her neck. I knew the words were for the dog, but I felt like I was being praised. I couldn't help staring at my shaking fingers in amazement. Moxie let out a happy bark and I pitifully yelped in surprise.

Julian snorted quietly with barely restrained laughter. He was completely laughing at me. I suppressed the tears threatening to leak out from my eyes and backed up a step.

"I'll go check on my things." Leaving that excuse behind, I walked back inside. I was not running away, this was merely a strategic retreat. A retreat!

Once back inside, I headed upstairs towards the bedrooms. I walked down the hallway and saw my familiar bedroom door open. As I headed towards it, Ileana came out of the room and shut the door behind her.

"Oh, Madam. Exploring the house?" Ileana gave me a friendly smile.

I nodded, returning her smile. "Please, call me Alice. I was just looking for my room."

"Of course." Ileana walked to the end of the hall and turned towards a set of double doors. "This is the master suite." Ileana pushed open the doors and stepped aside for me. "I've taken the liberty of placing your personal things aside for you to put away. All your clothing has been placed inside the second closet. Julian's closet is the first."

I couldn't take a step into the room out of shock. ...The master suite?