Just then Julia thought to herself, "Does Max imply that we should stop sleeping in separate rooms?" But she didn't dare to ask, fearing the answer.
"Hey, I cooked noodles, come and eat now," Julia said, trying to sound casual. "I'll just go ask your aunt Georgina if she wants some."
Max's eyes widened in surprise. "My...aunt? But she doesn't live close to us.
Julia nodded, unaware of the tension in his voice. "Yeah, you didn't know? Your aunt bought that beautiful mansion I have always admired and moved in yesterday."
Max's expression turned guarded. "There's no need to call her, Julia. She never eats breakfast, and she's probably still asleep. Georgina usually sleeps late and doesn't get up before ten o'clock."
Julia didn't push the issue and instead said, "Then you have your breakfast quickly, while I go clean up."
Max asked, "Don't you want to eat?"
"I'm going to the hospital for a physical examination today, so I have to go on an empty stomach," Julia replied.
Max's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing. Julia continued, "By the way, why did Skyreach Group choose me? There were so many outstanding people, but I was selected."
Max shrugged. "That's their insight."
Julia smiled, unaware of the secrets Max kept. "Anyway, it's actually a dream come true."
Max switched topics, asking, "What time is the physical examination?"
Julia checked her phone. "The appointment says nine thirty in the morning..."
Max offered, "I'll go with you later."
Julia nodded, not mentioning that Linda was originally supposed to accompany her. She sent Linda a quick message, telling her not to bother, and turned back to Max with a smile.
Max's offer to accompany Julia to the hospital caught her off guard. She hadn't expected him to be so thoughtful, especially given their recent distance. But she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest at his words.
"Thanks, Max," she said, trying to sound casual. "But I'll be fine. You don't have to come with me."
Max's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "I want to come with you, Julia. I want to be there for you."
Julia's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his voice. She couldn't remember the last time they had connected like this.
"Okay," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd like that."
She immediately picked up and sent a message to Samantha.
Samantha's heart raced as she read Julia's message: "Max is coming with me to the hospital for a physical examination." She knew Julia's secret and the potential consequences if Max discovered it. Without hesitation, she rushed out of her house, skipping her usual morning routine, and drove to meet Julia and Max at the gate of Villa Park Estate.
As she pulled up, Julia and Max turned to face her. Julia looked surprised. "Didn't I say you didn't need to accompany me to the hospital anymore?"
Samantha's usual composure was replaced by a flustered expression. "I'll explain later, I was in a hurry," she said, her eyes darting towards Max.
Max's gaze narrowed slightly. "What's urgent, can I help?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes piercing.
Samantha's anxiety spiked. She couldn't reveal the truth, not even to Julia's husband. "No, please, I don't think so," she replied hastily. "This is a matter between women, Mr. Wellington. You don't need to worry, I'll take good care of Julia."
Julia intervened, sensing the tension. "Why don't you go to work, I'll go with Samantha," she suggested, her eyes meeting Max's.
Max held Samantha's gaze for a moment longer, his eyes seeming to bore into her soul. Then, he nodded and turned to leave, his expression unreadable. Samantha breathed a sigh of relief as he disappeared from view, her heart still racing with fear. What if Max discovered Julia's secret? The thought sent a chill down her spine.
"Let's go," Julia said, breaking the silence. "We don't want to be late for the appointment."
Samantha nodded, her eyes locked onto Julia's. She knew she had to protect her friend's secret, no matter what it took.
As they drove to the hospital, Samantha couldn't help but glance at Julia, her eyes filled with concern. "What's going on, Julia?
Julia hesitated, her eyes darting around the car as if searching for an escape route. "It's just... Max can't know my Erotophobia , Samantha. He can't know."
Samantha's eyes widened in shock. "What? Julia, why not? He's your husband, he has a right to know!"
Julia's voice dropped to a whisper. He might start thinking differently about me, and that could affect our relationship and marriage.
Samantha's heart went out to her friend. She knew Julia's fears, her dreams, her aspirations. She knew that Julia wasn't ready to be told the truth of that dark night, not yet. But she also knew that keeping this secret from Max could lead to devastating consequences.
Julia was unaware of the real story behind the dark night, there was more to it than she knew; only Samantha and Mrs . Robin knew the real story.
"Okay, Julia. I'll support you, no matter what. But promise me one thing: you'll tell Max the truth soon. You can't keep this secret forever."
Julia nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I promise, Samantha. I'll tell him soon. But for now, please, let's just keep this between us."
Samantha nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of Julia's secret. She knew that she had to protect her friend, no matter what. But she also knew that the truth would come out eventually, and when it did, it would change everything.
So why were you in such a hurry?" Julia asked, her voice laced with concern.
Julia raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You had a terrible nightmare that scared you to death? Really, Samantha?"
Samantha nodded vigorously, her eyes wide with fear. "Yes, Julia! I dreamed that my boyfriend cheated on me and stole all my money. Isn't that terrifying?"
Julia's gaze remained doubtful, but she humored her friend. "That's quite a nightmare. And how's your young boyfriend doing? Any signs of him running off with your money?" Julia's tone was playful, but Samantha detected a hint of sarcasm.
Samantha ignored Julia's skepticism, prattling on about her boyfriend's virtues. "He's doing great, Julia! He's so charming and thoughtful. And he's only twenty-two, can you believe it?"
Julia smiled indulgently, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's lovely, Samantha. I'm sure he's a real catch."
As they arrived at the Medical Center, Julia got out of the car and walked into the building, Samantha following close behind. At the front desk, Julia confirmed her appointment while Samantha chattered on about her nightmare, still trying to convince Julia of its validity.
Julia listened patiently, her expression a mask of calm, but her mind racing with thoughts of her own secrets and worries. Little did Samantha know, Julia's life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change everything forever.
As Julia sat nervously in the exam room, Samantha stood by her side, her eyes fixed on the doctor with a mix of anxiety and concern.
The doctor reviewed the test results, his expression serious. "Julia, your blood work looks good, but I want to run some additional tests to rule out any potential issues with your liver, gallbladder, and kidneys."
Julia nodded, her eyes locked onto the doctor's. "Okay, whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this."
Samantha couldn't help but chime in, her voice laced with worry. "Yes, please, doctor. We need to make sure Julia is okay."
The doctor smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of this. Now, Julia, are you married?"
Julia hesitated, her eyes darting to Samantha before responding. "Yes, I'm married."