Interview Nerves and New Beginnings

Jules Moretti, recently fired from her job as assistant to the formidable Vivian Carlisle, is desperate for a new start. She's interviewing nannies for Vivian, who is five months pregnant, while also navigating the awkwardness of their new romantic relationship. The power dynamic is fraught: Jules is no longer Vivian's employee, but their history and the secrecy of their relationship create tension. Jules is anxious about public perception, fearing judgment and misunderstanding, while Vivian insists on honesty and authenticity, even in private. The chapter sets the stage for a story about ambition, vulnerability, and the challenge of building something real amid high stakes and shifting roles.

Navigating Love and Power

Jules begins work at Adrian & Jo, a startup led by Simon, her former colleague. The environment is less glamorous than Du Jour, but Jules is determined to carve out her own space. Despite her new job, her connection to Vivian remains strong, and she struggles to separate her professional ambitions from her personal life. Simon, aware of the complicated history, teases Jules about her ongoing contact with Vivian, hinting at the blurred boundaries between friendship, loyalty, and love. Jules is caught between the excitement of a fresh start and the gravitational pull of her past, especially as she and Vivian continue to orbit each other's lives.

Gifts, Fantasies, and Intimacy

Jules and Vivian's relationship intensifies, blending emotional and physical intimacy. Vivian's extravagant birthday gifts to Jules—designer items and perfume—are both a gesture of affection and a symbol of her power. Their sexual connection is passionate and exploratory, with each woman learning to trust and reveal her desires. Yet, beneath the surface, Jules worries about being truly seen and loved, not just desired. The chapter explores the thrill and terror of being known, the risk of loving someone powerful, and the hope that vulnerability will be met with acceptance.

Ambition, Opportunity, and Doubt

Jules lands a writing opportunity with Modernity magazine, thanks to Vivian's influence. While the article is accepted, the editor's backhanded compliment—crediting Vivian for the connection—undermines Jules's confidence. She grapples with the fear that her achievements are tainted by nepotism, not merit. The relentless pace of her new job leaves little time for reflection or for Vivian, and the couple's communication suffers. Jules is forced to confront the cost of ambition and the challenge of building a career—and a relationship—on her own terms.

Tension, Truths, and Boundaries

Jules finally confronts Vivian about her discomfort with professional favors and the need to succeed independently. Their conversation is fraught but honest, revealing both women's insecurities and hopes. Vivian's work is under threat from her boss, Mark Tavio, and she faces the possibility of being replaced. Jules, feeling powerless, wants to help but is reminded of her own limitations. The chapter highlights the difficulty of maintaining boundaries in a relationship where power, love, and ambition are so deeply entwined.

Balancing Work and Heart

Jules and Vivian struggle to find time for each other as their careers demand more and more. Jules seeks advice from her mother, only to be reminded of the sacrifices required for both love and ambition. The couple's rare moments together are precious but tinged with anxiety about the future. Jules's declaration of love is met with Vivian's cautious acceptance, underscoring the emotional risks they both face. The chapter captures the universal challenge of balancing personal fulfillment with professional success.

Confessions and Invitations

Jules's late-night confession of love to Vivian is met with surprise and a hesitant "yes." The emotional vulnerability of the moment is both a breakthrough and a source of new anxiety. Vivian's invitation to a high-profile party signals a possible shift in their public dynamic, but also raises questions about discretion and exposure. The couple's playful, erotic phone conversations contrast with the underlying tension about how—and when—to reveal their relationship to the world.

Armor, Dresses, and Identity

Vivian sends Jules a striking, armor-like designer gown for the upcoming party, symbolizing both protection and empowerment. Jules is initially unsure if the dress suits her, but with encouragement, she begins to see herself as strong and worthy. The act of dressing up becomes an assertion of identity and a preparation for the challenges ahead. The chapter explores how external appearances can both shield and reveal inner truths, especially in a world obsessed with image.

Shifting Power and Unspoken Plans

As the party approaches, it becomes clear that Vivian is orchestrating a major power play at work, possibly to unseat her boss. Jules is kept in the dark, asked to trust Vivian's judgment without knowing the details. The secrecy strains their relationship, but also highlights the high stakes of Vivian's world. The chapter is a study in power—how it's wielded, protected, and sometimes shared—and the cost of being close to someone who must always be in control.

Professional Risks and Jealousies

Jules is tasked with interviewing Monique Leung, a designer who once tried to poach her from Du Jour and who arouses Vivian's jealousy. The professional opportunity is exciting but fraught, as Jules must navigate Vivian's possessiveness and her own desire for independence. The chapter explores the complexities of professional loyalty, the dangers of ambition, and the ways jealousy can both threaten and clarify what matters most in a relationship.

Public and Private Loyalties

At a high-profile reception, Jules discovers that Vivian is quietly supporting Simon's new venture, despite their personal rift. The revelation forces Jules to reconsider her assumptions about loyalty and rivalry. The lines between public and private, friend and foe, are blurred, and Jules must decide where her true allegiances lie. The chapter underscores the difficulty of maintaining integrity in a world where appearances often matter more than reality.

Love's Unspoken Demands

A heated argument about the meaning of love and the need for verbal affirmation brings Jules and Vivian to a breaking point. Vivian, who values actions over words, struggles to say "I love you," while Jules craves explicit reassurance. Their fight exposes deep-seated fears of abandonment and inadequacy, but also leads to a raw, honest reconciliation. The chapter is a meditation on the different ways people express love, and the importance of meeting each other's needs.

Family, Secrets, and Selfhood

Jules's parents, unaware of the true nature of her relationship with Vivian, pressure her to return home and question her choices. The confrontation forces Jules to assert her independence and defend her love, even as she fears losing her family's support. Vivian, for her part, is forced to justify herself to people who will never fully understand her. The chapter explores the pain and necessity of choosing one's own path, even at the risk of alienation.

The Coup and Its Cost

Vivian executes a masterful coup, ousting her boss and securing a powerful new role. The public triumph is exhilarating, but it comes at a personal cost: more responsibility, less time, and new pressures on her relationship with Jules. The couple must adjust to a new reality, balancing pride in their achievements with the fear that success will drive them apart. The chapter is a reminder that every victory carries its own burdens.

Aftermath, Adjustments, and Promises

As Vivian settles into her new role and Jules adapts to living together, the couple faces the challenges of merging lives and routines. Small domestic moments—sharing meals, negotiating space—become tests of compatibility and commitment. The specter of past relationships and the fear of repeating old mistakes haunt them, but they make promises to communicate and prioritize each other. The chapter is about the slow, sometimes awkward process of building a shared life.

The Price of Ambition

Vivian's new job is all-consuming, and Jules finds herself increasingly alone, both physically and emotionally. Attempts to connect are thwarted by exhaustion and conflicting schedules. The couple's once-passionate connection is strained by the relentless demands of ambition, and both women must confront the possibility that love alone may not be enough. The chapter is a sobering look at the sacrifices required for success, and the risk of losing oneself—and each other—in the process.

Distance, Doubt, and Decisions

As the distance between them grows, Jules and Vivian are forced to reevaluate their priorities. Jules seeks solace in friends and writing, while Vivian buries herself in work. Both women are haunted by doubts—about their worth, their choices, and the future. A crisis brings their fears to the surface, prompting a difficult but necessary conversation about what they want and need from each other. The chapter is about the pain of longing and the courage to ask for more.

Signs, Writing, and Self-Belief

Jules receives a sign—a chance to submit an essay anonymously to a major collection on queerness in fashion. The opportunity reignites her passion for writing and gives her a sense of agency and self-worth. As she throws herself into the project, she begins to believe in her own talent again, independent of Vivian's influence. The chapter is about reclaiming one's voice and the importance of self-belief in the face of doubt.

Parties, Priorities, and Patterns

Jules attends a party, reconnecting with friends and rediscovering the pleasures of independence. But when Vivian cancels their plans yet again, Jules is forced to confront the pattern of neglect and the danger of becoming a "doormat." A heated argument exposes the recurring issues in their relationship, but also opens the door to new possibilities. The chapter is about breaking cycles and daring to demand more from love.

Breaking Points and Proposals

After a painful confrontation, Jules proposes that they live together, hoping that proximity will bridge the growing gap between them. Vivian is hesitant, fearing the risks and the scrutiny, but ultimately agrees. The decision is both a leap of faith and a pragmatic response to the realities of their lives. The chapter is about the courage to make big changes, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Living Together, Living Apart

Jules and Vivian navigate the logistics and emotions of moving in together. The process is both exhilarating and fraught, as they negotiate space, routines, and the meaning of home. Family tensions resurface, and the couple must balance their private happiness with the demands of public life. The chapter is about the messiness of intimacy and the ongoing work of building a life together.

Merging Lives and Spaces

As Jules settles into Vivian's home, the couple blends their belongings, habits, and histories. Small acts—hanging curtains, sharing closets—become symbols of commitment and compromise. The process is not without friction, but it deepens their connection and sense of belonging. The chapter is about the beauty and difficulty of creating a shared space, both literal and emotional.

Family Reckonings

Jules's parents arrive unannounced, demanding answers and expressing their fears about her relationship with Vivian. The confrontation is raw and painful, forcing all parties to confront their assumptions, prejudices, and hopes. Vivian, usually unflappable, is forced to justify herself and her intentions. The chapter is about the necessity of standing up for love, even when it means facing those you care about most.

Homecoming and Healing

After the storm of confrontation, Jules and Vivian find solace in each other and begin to heal. Small gestures—shared meals, quiet moments—become acts of reassurance and renewal. The couple recommits to their partnership, vowing to support each other through whatever comes next. The chapter is about forgiveness, resilience, and the power of home.

Coming Out, Coming Together

Jules and Vivian decide to come out as a couple, navigating the complexities of public perception and personal truth. Their announcement is met with a mix of indifference, confusion, and support, but the act of claiming each other publicly is transformative. The chapter is about the liberation and vulnerability of being seen, and the joy of standing together, above all things.

Plans, Press, and Parenthood

As the press takes notice, Jules and Vivian carefully manage their narrative, choosing when and how to share their story. The impending arrival of the baby brings new challenges and joys, forcing both women to reevaluate their priorities. The chapter is about the intersection of public and private life, and the ways parenthood reshapes identity and ambition.

Anticipation and Acceptance

With the baby's birth imminent, Jules and Vivian are filled with anticipation, anxiety, and hope. The nursery is prepared, the hospital bag is packed, and both women reflect on the journey that brought them here. The chapter is about the art of waiting, the acceptance of uncertainty, and the quiet courage required to face the unknown together.

Revisions, Reconciliations, and Resolve

Jules revises her essay, seeking validation on her own terms. Reconciliation with her family is tentative but real, as old wounds begin to heal. The couple's resolve is tested and strengthened, as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. The chapter is about the power of second chances, the importance of self-expression, and the enduring strength of love.

Family, Forgiveness, and Forward

Jules's family visit ends with a fragile peace, as forgiveness and understanding replace anger and fear. The couple looks forward, focusing on the future they are building together. The chapter is about the necessity of letting go—of old hurts, expectations, and fears—in order to embrace what comes next.

Arrival: Birth and Becoming

Vivian goes into labor unexpectedly, and the birth is chaotic but ultimately safe. The arrival of their daughter, Felicity, is a moment of awe, relief, and transformation. Both women are changed by the experience, discovering new depths of love, gratitude, and responsibility. The chapter is about the miracle of birth, the terror and joy of becoming parents, and the promise of a new beginning.

The World Expands

In the aftermath of Felicity's birth, Jules and Vivian adjust to the realities of parenthood. Sleepless nights, small victories, and shared wonder define their days. The world feels both larger and more intimate, as their love expands to include their daughter. The chapter is about the ongoing work of partnership, the beauty of ordinary moments, and the sense of purpose that comes from loving and being loved.

Epilogue: Above All Things

Months later, Jules and Vivian have come out publicly, weathered the media storm, and settled into a new rhythm as partners and parents. Their love, tested and tempered by adversity, is stronger than ever. The story ends with a sense of peace, fulfillment, and hope—a testament to the power of love to overcome obstacles, heal wounds, and create something lasting and true.

Characters

Jules Moretti

Jules is a young, driven woman determined to make her mark in the world of fashion and publishing. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates the complexities of ambition, love, and identity. Initially Vivian's assistant, Jules is both awed and intimidated by her boss's power, but she refuses to be defined by anyone else's expectations. Her relationship with Vivian is a crucible—testing her confidence, boundaries, and sense of self. Jules is fiercely loyal, quick-witted, and emotionally open, but she struggles with insecurity and the fear of not being enough. Over the course of the story, she learns to assert her needs, claim her achievements, and trust in her own worth, both as a professional and as a partner.

Vivian Carlisle

Vivian is the editor-in-chief of a world-renowned fashion magazine, a woman whose poise and authority command respect—and fear. Beneath her icy exterior lies a complex mix of ambition, vulnerability, and longing. Vivian is used to control, both in her career and her personal life, and she struggles to let others in. Her relationship with Jules challenges her to confront her own fears of intimacy, loss, and inadequacy. Vivian's journey is one of gradual opening: learning to trust, to express love in words as well as actions, and to accept help. Her pregnancy and eventual motherhood force her to reevaluate her priorities and redefine success. Ultimately, Vivian's greatest transformation is not professional, but personal—allowing herself to be loved, and to love, above all things.

Simon Carvalho

Simon is Jules's mentor and friend, a former colleague of Vivian's who strikes out on his own to found Adrian & Jo. He is sharp, witty, and deeply pragmatic, providing both comic relief and hard truths. Simon's relationship with Jules is one of mutual respect and occasional exasperation; he pushes her to be her best, but also warns her of the dangers of ambition and entanglement. Simon's own journey is about finding fulfillment outside the shadow of more powerful figures, and learning to balance friendship, loyalty, and self-interest.

Mark Tavio

Mark is Vivian's boss and the primary antagonist, a man who wields power ruthlessly and is threatened by Vivian's competence. His machinations set much of the plot in motion, from firing Jules to attempting to unseat Vivian. Mark represents the old guard—entrenched, patriarchal, and resistant to change. His eventual downfall is both a personal and symbolic victory for Vivian and Jules, but his presence lingers as a reminder of the costs of ambition and the dangers of unchecked authority.

Allie

Allie is a young intern whose social awkwardness and scientific brilliance provide both comic relief and unexpected insight. She is loyal to Jules and, in her own way, to Vivian, offering support and encouragement when it's needed most. Allie's innocence and honesty cut through the cynicism of the fashion world, reminding the main characters of the value of kindness, curiosity, and authenticity.

Zahra

Zahra is the nanny hired to care for Vivian's child. She is the embodiment of calm competence, providing stability and support in a household often marked by chaos and ambition. Zahra's discretion and professionalism allow Jules and Vivian to be themselves at home, and her presence is a quiet but essential anchor for the new family.

Monique Leung

Monique is a designer and former editor who once tried to recruit Jules, arousing Vivian's jealousy. She is a foil to both Vivian and Jules—ambitious, unapologetic, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Monique's presence forces the main characters to confront their own insecurities and desires, and her success serves as both inspiration and warning.

Jules's Parents (Eric and Laura Moretti)

Jules's parents are traditional, loving, and deeply concerned for their daughter's well-being. Their initial reaction to her relationship with Vivian is one of fear and disapproval, rooted in generational and cultural differences. Over time, they are forced to confront their own prejudices and assumptions, ultimately choosing love and acceptance over judgment. Their journey mirrors Jules's own struggle for self-acceptance and the importance of family.

Felicity June Carlisle

Felicity is the child of Vivian and, by choice, Jules. Though an infant, her presence is a catalyst for growth, healing, and transformation. She represents hope, possibility, and the future—a living testament to the power of love to create and sustain life. Felicity's arrival forces both women to confront their fears, embrace vulnerability, and commit to something greater than themselves.

Dr. Viswanathan

Vivian's obstetrician, Dr. Viswanathan, is a figure of calm authority and reassurance. She provides medical expertise and emotional support, guiding Vivian and Jules through the uncertainties of pregnancy and birth. Her presence is a reminder of the importance of trust, competence, and care in moments of crisis.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative of Power and Vulnerability

The novel's central device is the interplay between power and vulnerability, both in the professional and personal spheres. The narrative structure alternates between moments of high-stakes ambition—corporate coups, career moves, public appearances—and intimate, vulnerable exchanges between Jules and Vivian. This duality is reinforced by the use of clothing, settings, and dialogue to symbolize both armor and exposure. The story employs foreshadowing through repeated references to past relationships, professional risks, and the specter of public scrutiny, building tension as the characters move toward greater openness and commitment. The use of parallel plotlines—Jules's career, Vivian's pregnancy, the threat of scandal—creates a sense of inevitability and convergence, culminating in the birth of their child and their public coming out. The resolution is both personal and political, affirming the possibility of love, success, and authenticity in a world that often demands compromise.

Analysis

Above All Things is a contemporary romance that transcends genre conventions by weaving together themes of ambition, vulnerability, and the search for authenticity. At its core, the novel is about the courage to love—openly, fiercely, and without reservation—in a world that often punishes those who deviate from the norm. Through the evolving relationship between Jules and Vivian, the story interrogates the costs and rewards of ambition, the necessity of boundaries, and the transformative power of vulnerability. The novel's nuanced portrayal of power dynamics—both professional and personal—invites readers to consider the ways in which love can be both a source of strength and a site of risk. The journey from secrecy to openness, from individual achievement to shared purpose, is marked by setbacks, reconciliations, and moments of profound joy. Ultimately, Above All Things is a celebration of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring truth that love—when chosen and nurtured—can rise above all things.

Last updated: February 9, 2026