Chapter 9
Julian found me outside
In the quiet courtyard, he said softly, “I’m sorry I warned her not to cross the line
“Don’t let her words get to you.”
Julian sounded like he was apologizing.
But I didn’t know what for
For not being involved? For not meaning to hurt me
He seemed to forget he’d already hurt me far worse.
I said nothing. Julian went on, “The engagement is just a formality.”
“I’ll fix it. You won’t have to see Chloe again. In the future-
“In the future what?” I cut him off. “There is no future.”
Julian’s face went blank for a second. He forced a smile.
“What do you mean? You’re really leaving me for good?”
I stayed quiet.
His smile tightened. “Lina, are you really gonna push me this far?”
I was stunned to hear those words come from him
When we first broke up, I was a wreck for a long time.
Three years was a long time.
Even when I saw the truth, it was hard to let go.
But I was sad, not stupid. I tried to move on.
That’s when I realized the worst was just starting.
Evicted. Contract loopholes. Fired. Debt
One disaster after another, out of nowhere.
I struggled, but none of it broke me completely.
What broke me was running into my old boss after yet another failed interview. He said something
Chapter 9
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cryptic.
“Everything’s gone wrong for you, Lina. Have you ever wondered why all this is happening?”
Why. The word hit me like a truck.
In that moment, I finally understood what was really going on.
I finally understood Julian’s threats.
That’s why he’d been so calm after we split.
He wasn’t scared of being caught. He had all the power to break me completely.
I still didn’t answer. I turned and walked away.
Behind me, Julian’s voice finally sounded desperate
“Lina, don’t push me anymore.”
I laughed bitterly. “Is there anything you won’t do?”
“Go ahead. Do your worst.”
“I’ll never look back at you, even if I have nothing left.”
