Chapter 3
When I returned to the hotel, it was already 3 a.m.
The first thing I did was cancel the room I’d lived in for five years, then I went back to pack my things.
Just as I pulled out my suitcase, someone grabbed my hand.
It was Julian, rushing in–breathlessly.
He furrowed his brow, panting.
“I was just a bit angry and said some unpleasant things, and now you want to leave? Your temper is getting worse.”
He tightened his grip on me, pulling so hard that my wrist ached, but I didn’t even notice the pain.
My eyes couldn’t help but fall on the wedding invitation in his hand–the gold embossing stung me.
I didn’t understand. How could Julian keep saying he loved me, yet marry someone else?
Noticing my gaze, Julian shoved the invitation into my hand.
“Adeline, stop this. We both know it Auto–added to the Library
ve you. You can’t live without me.”
“Today’s New Year’s Eve. I hope to see you at the wedding tomorrow at 10 a.m. If you come, everything can be like it used to be.”
Suddenly, I laughed. I lifted my head to look at him
With the same familiar tone, I said, “If you love me, then cancel the wedding with Evelyn.”
“You can only choose one of us, me or her. Which one will you choose?”
I locked eyes with him, waiting for his answer.
But Julian slowly released my wrist. “The wedding can’t be canceled.”
I smiled, a sense of relief washing over me. I had expected that answer all along.
I wasn’t trying to force him to choose me at that moment. Asking him was simply my way of giving myself an answer for the love I had held onto for two lifetimes.
And now that I had my answer, I could finally let go.
Still smiling, I stepped back with my suitcase in hand. “Alright, Julian. This is where we end.”
“I wish you and Evelyn a happy marriage and a lifetime of happiness.‘
”
But Julian clearly misunderstood me. Disappointment and exhaustion flickered in his eyes.
Chapter 3
1/3
“I’ve apologized; I’ve done everything I can to calm you down. What you need now is space.”
“If you still want a future with me, you must come to the wedding tomorrow.”
With that, he walked away, not looking back once.
I silently picked up my suitcase and continued packing.
I only took the things that belonged to me. The jewelry Julian had given me was sold off, with the money deposited into an account under his name. I left the passbook on the table, right in the most noticeable spot.
After I’d destroyed the room in a fit of rage, most of the items we once shared were already gone.
There was a full wardrobe of clothes, but I chose two of my own everyday outfits and packed them
into the suitcase, instructing someone to take care of the rest.
By the time I finished everything, it was already 5 a.m.
It was time to head to the airport.
I carried my light suitcase and slowly walked downstairs, leaving the place I’d called home for five
years.
I didn’t look back, not once, until the plane took off.
In my past life, Julian and I were fated to be, but never meant to be. In this life, we were still
destined to be apart.
Perhaps this was what they called fate. I had finally made peace with it.
Facing the morning light, I watched as the sun rose from the edge of the clouds, its golden rays stretching across the sky.
From this day forward, I would leave the past behind and embrace my true rebirth.
From now on, I would never see Julian again.
