Ice - A Mycroft Holmes Love Story

Chapter Two

Julia woke up on her own accord, turning to see the clock indicated half past six. She need not set an alarm any more, it was as if there was some biological alarm built in her to wake her up every morning. She couldn't sleep in even if she wanted to, for that matter, not since that day. Not since him.

Getting up and putting her robe on, Julia went to the kitchen to fix herself some much needed morning coffee. She made her way down the wooden stairs which led to the ground floor that harboured the entrance hall, living room, a bathroom, and most importantly, the kitchen.

Julia sat down at the kitchen table with her coffee mug in hand as she absent-mindedly played with the ring circled around her wedding finger.

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Flashback
They were walking hand in hand after a much enjoyed dinner on a clear London night. Julia moved closer and snuggled up to him as they continued walking until he suddenly stopped. Julia looked at him questioningly.

"Is everything alright, George?" She asked worriedly.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I was just wondering. Would you like to continue living and having dinner with me, for the next eighty years or so?" George asked nervously and she froze, not knowing how to react. Was he really..?

"All I'm trying to say is" he paused as he pulled a small black box out of his jacket's pocket and got down on one knee "would you do me the honour of becoming my wife, Julia?"

There was a long pause before she could make out a coherent answer "Yes! Yes! I love you so much" She replied excitedly as he slid the ring across her finger and proceeded to stand up and kiss her passionately.

----

Julia shook her head profusely as she pulled herself out of her thoughts. No. She wouldn't dwell on the past, it wouldn't do her any good. Feelings were not an advantage.

She got up and made her way back up to her room to get ready for the day. After a few minutes of pondering she chose a grey pencil skirt, a black cotton long sleeved pique button up shirt, black heels and her coat. Julia decided to let her hair down in its natural waves and once satisfied with her appearance, she left the house and climbed through the open door held by Alfred into the black Mercedes.

The ride to work relatively went by in a blur as she was once again shaken by her thoughts when the car came to a halt. Julia walked out of the car and into the building without interruptions to which she was thankful because she was definitely in no mood for some cheerful and friendly 'chit-chat'. She walked into the lift and pressed the button to the twenty-fifth floor, growing annoyed by the horrendous music she had to endure on her way up.

Finally the torture ended before the migraine could start and Julia made her way towards her office, greeting a couple of passerbys. She walked in and Philip stood up immediately and followed behind as she entered her office.

"Good morning madame" He greeted politely.

"Good morning Philip" She replied.

"Judging by the time I'd say you've already had your morning coffee, I'll be on my way to get your tea then. If you'll excuse me" She nodded, allowing him to exit her office to fetch her tea. Julia smiled internally at how her personal assistant had become well accustomed to her habits and mannerisms.

In little under five minutes Philip walked back in, a cup of tea in one hand and two files in the other. He placed the cup on Julia's desk and handed her the files.

"An ambassador and her assistant have gone missing and these are their respective files. An urgent meeting has been scheduled in the conference room in twenty five minutes and they require your presence, madame. Will that be all?" Philip inquired after explaining.