"Scent Memory"
(7:32 PM | Aiden’s penthouse – guest bedroom - Julian ---> Aiden)
Julian Hale
Is this gala really necessary?
(Master bedroom closet – tying his cufflinks)
Aiden Reiss
Yes.
Our marriage isn’t just legal. It’s public.
Julian Hale
You say "public" like I'm your latest investment.
Do I need a barcode?
Aiden Reiss
(Fixing his tie in the mirror)
I already gave you a ring. If you want something more permanent, Julian…
Julian Hale
(Narrowing his eyes at the phone)
Don't finish that sentence.
Aiden Reiss
…..you’ll have to earn it.
Julian Hale
Oh, I am going to poison you.
(7:40 PM | Voice Note - Kai ---> Julian)
Kai (Julian's Best Friend)
Bro. If you're showing up in public with Reiss in a suit, you better SERVE. Send a mirror selfie. Show that alpha who's boss.
Julian Hale
(Photo sent: low angle mirror pic – red silk shirt, unbuttoned collar, soft gold chain)
Serving face. Regret. And bondage realness.
Kai (Julian's Best Friend)
Omg you look edible 😭
Even I’m catching secondhand heat from this pic.
Julian Hale
He’s not going to know what hit him. I smell amazing, by the way. Subtle, sweet, dangerous.
Pheromones dialed to revenge.
Kai (Julian's Best Friend)
That’s the spirit. Go ruin his night. 💋
(Imperial Hotel Ballroom – Charity Gala)
Julian descends the staircase slowly. Red silk shirt catching every light, pants tailored like sin. The room quiets as he steps in, eyes locking directly with Aiden across the marble floor.
Aiden Reiss
(low voice to Sasha)
He came dressed to kill.
Sasha
Or to remind you who owns the spotlight.
Aiden offers his arm. Julian hesitates—then takes it, smirking.
Julian Hale
Try not to combust when people ask if you marked me.
Aiden Reiss
If I had, they’d smell it before they saw it.
Julian Hale
(soft chuckle)
Then lucky for both of us—I’m still unclaimed.
(Unknown Number | 8:12 PM )
Luca Fenmore
You still wear red for me.
You always did.
—L
Julian Hale
(typing furiously under the gala table)
You watching me now, Luca?
How pathetic.
Luca Fenmore
Watching. Waiting.
He doesn't deserve you.
Julian Hale
You didn’t either.
Sasha
He’s watching you like a starving man. Did you wear that scent on purpose?
Julian Hale
Do I look like I care?
Sasha
You smell like you care. And trust me—he’s barely holding it together.
(Post Gala - Private Elevator – Returning to Aiden’s Penthouse)
They stand in tense silence. Aiden’s jaw tight. Julian presses the button wordlessly. The space feels thick—humid with heat tension.
Aiden Reiss
That scent...
Wasn’t an accident, was it?
Julian Hale
(leans in close, voice low)
Maybe I wanted to see what happens when the control breaks.
Aiden’s hand curls into a fist, nostrils flaring—but he doesn’t move.
Julian Hale
(smirks)
You’re welcome.
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