Chapter 17
At nineteen, Zara had fallen for him–the heir of the prominent Hayes family–and they’d dated. They’d watched stars together, climbed mountains, and gone to bonfire parties. Julian was the kind of guy who made you believe in good things.
Even after seven years, he still haunted her dreams.
It wasn’t until that moment, as they stood there in the cold, that she whispered in his ear, “Let’s buy flowers tomorrow, okay?”
Julian froze for a beat, a slight frown creasing his brow. “You go buy the flowers, alright?”
Zara’s voice was barely above a whisper as she responded, “You buy the flowers… and get me a ring. Let’s date, okay?”
She felt like seaweed, struggling against the current, trying to break the surface, gasping
for air.
As Julian stood still, unsure of what to say, a single tear slipped from Zara’s eye, falling with a quiet splash onto his palm. The warmth of it stung him, but it wasn’t just the tear–it was everything she hadn’t said, everything she couldn’t say.
It was just a drop, but to Julian, it felt like a weight in his chest, like endless rain washing away what was left of him.
“Alright,” he said quietly, his voice almost breaking.
That night, Zara had a dream.
She dreamt of Landon. The dream was hazy, full of pain and regret.
Every year, it seemed like a cup of warm milk was handed to her, but it was something far more painful–abortion pills.
In the dream, Zara broke down, sobbing, her heart shattered by the realization of what she’d done, what she’d lost.
What kind of love had made her harm herself?
What kind of love had made her lose everything?
It wasn’t really about Landon anymore. It was about the seven years of her life that she’d given to him, the youth she’d wasted on someone who never truly saw her.
When Zara woke up, she felt something missing. There was a hollow emptiness inside her, a sense of loss that she couldn’t explain. Even she didn’t understand why she felt like this. But then, she saw Julian through the window.
Grandfather was in the kitchen brewing some herbal medicine for Julian, who took it obediently, despite his old distaste for it.
Maybe he was just in a good mood today.
Just as Zara was about to step outside, Julian pulled her into his arms, a bouquet in his hand.
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He raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “So, do you like them, Zara?” “Wait–he had gone out early just to buy flowers? Zara raised an eyebrow, watching his slightly anxious but careful expression.
She couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
She took his hand. It was a little cold.
Finding his gesture adorable, Zara laughed softly. “Why’d you go out so early? You could’ve just bought them later.”
Julian’s eyes lit up, and a teasing grin pulled at his lips as he answered, “Hmm, you’re being extra agreeable today. Gonna listen to everything I say now?”
For the first time, Zara found herself smiling at him in a way she hadn’t before. There was something about him, standing in the cold morning, that felt… oddly cute.
She grabbed his hand, flashing a grin. “Alright, alright, I’ll give it to you. You’re the good one today.”
What happened with Landon was in the past.
It was over.
From this point forward, Zara and Landon would go their separate ways. No more second–guessing, no more looking back.
Bridges were bridges, and roads were roads.
“So, will you be with me?” Julian asked, his voice softer now, almost like he was hoping for
an answer.
“Yes,” Zara replied, her heart finally free from the past.
The old Zara–the one who had been stuck in her memories, too scared to move forward- was o
gone. She wasn’t that timid girl anymore, hiding away like a snail in its shell.
The Zara standing here with Julian? She was ready to take the next step.
“Zara, come here,” Julian said, grinning as he pulled her closer.
“What’s up?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Let’s post on Instagram,” he said, flashing her a wide grin.
Zara beamed, squinting against the sunlight before playfully pinching his cheek. It soft, plump, and just… cute.
t was
In a matter of seconds, the post was up, and their notifications instantly flooded with teasing comments, jokes, and a stream of endless likes.
Julis
wasn’t exactly known for his patience or his good mood, but today? Today, he was in an unusually great mood. It was like he was shouting to the world, proudly declaring to anyone who’d listen that he was taken.
Even Batu showed up at their place, laughing as he walked in. “So it’s official, huh? You two are actually dating now?”
Julian raised an eyebrow, clearly a little tipsy from the excitement, too lazy to do anything
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but smirk. “Believe it or don’t”
“Well, congratulations,” Batu said, laughing. “It’s about time, huh?”
Julian’s usual serious demeanor seemed to melt away, replaced by a more youthful, carefree vibe. For the first time, he looked like the kind of guy you’d want to grab a beer with–lighthearted and easygoing.
“What’s the point of just saying ‘congrats‘?” Julian teased, raising an eyebrow at Batu. “C’mon, hand over the cash to your sister–in–law.”
Batu rolled his eyes but grinned. “Alright, alright.”
When Batu handed her an envelope, Zara’s eyes widened at the amount inside. Her breath. caught in her throat.
“Batu, this is a lot of money,” she said, her voice full of surprise.
Batu raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Look at you, acting like you’ve never seen money before. Come on, Zara. Just admit it. You like money, don’t you? Our family’s got plenty of
it”
Zara rolled her eyes, sinking into the swing and pretending to be casual. “Oh, sure. Your caught me. I’m just here for the cash.”
Julian grinned and pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her. “I’m going out for drinks tonight. Wait for me to come back, okay?”
