Chapter 18
“I’m just going out with Batu. No other girls,” Julian said casually.
Zara didn’t even look up from her task. “I didn’t ask.”
Julian, clearly not satisfied with her indifference, continued, “Well, I wanted to say it anyway. You don’t even care about me, Zara,”
She just sighed, the words rolling off her back.
Zara was sitting on the swing, lazily knitting a small doll, her focus elsewhere. It had been a long day, and she wasn’t in the mood for any more drama.
Then her phone buzzed. Landon’s name flashed across the screen, sending a knot tightening in her stomach. But she answered anyway.
His voice came through, sharp and laced with bitterness. “You like that kid? What does he have that I don’t? Or is it that your taste has seriously deteriorated, Zara?”
Zara exhaled slowly, unbothered.
“Whatever he can give you, I can give you too!” he added, almost pleading.
She let him ramble, then cut him off with a cool tone. “You belittling Julian? Doesn’t that just prove how insecure you are?”
“You think you can just replace me with some kid?” Landon sneered. “What, does he look better? Is he more fun? Or maybe you’re just too stupid to realize what you had with me. I gave you everything–everything–and now you throw it away for him?”
Landon’s rant continued, but Zara wasn’t having it.
Zara responded, “Do you even know who you are, Landon? No matter what happens, Julian’s first instinct is to protect me. You? You could never do that.”
She was merely stating facts.
On the other end, Landon’s breathing became erratic, his frustration mounting. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing, the walls he’d built around his pride crumbling.
Zara wasn’t done.
“And don’t even think it’s just because he has money. Julian was rich seven years ago, too. And guess what? I liked him back then, too.”
She let out a dry laugh, almost mocking him. “Honestly, sometimes I wonder–was I ever really in love with you? Or did I just like your face?”
There was a beat of silence before she dropped the final bomb. “To be honest, you’re not even good enough to be his stand–in.”
With that, she ended the call.
Landon, the man whose ego was as inflated as his temper, stared at his phone in disbelief. His chest burned with rage. He had never been so humiliated, not by anyone, ever.
22:08 Sat, 15 Mar
Unable to contain his fury, he slammed the phone down. The sound of crashing furniture echoed in the room as he let his anger explode. His eyes flickered to the screen of his phone, showing saved video files.
Each one was a painful memory–each a different year, each showing the same scene: Zara being forced to undergo an abortion.
His fingers clenched around the phone. Zara had better stay in line.
Or else…
He didn’t know what he was capable of anymore. But one thing was certain.
Zara belonged with him.
And that brat Julian Hayes? He needed to stay as far away as possible.
Meanwhile, as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over everything, Zara stood by
the door.
She caught sight of Julian coming home. He walked toward her, bathed in the warm light of the sunset, his figure almost glowing. His phoenix–like eyes shimmered in the fading light, deep, unreadable, and carrying a mischievous glint. His white shirt was a bit unbuttoned, a flash of fair skin showing.
Casual. Relaxed. And, inexplicably, seductive.
He sauntered up to her, arms swaying by his sides, before wrapping them around her without hesitation.
With a playful click of his tongue, he teased, “Oh? Were you waiting for me?”
Zara was so tightly wrapped in his arms that she could barely move.
She rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. “You actually came back? Why didn’t you just drink yourself to death out there? Don’t touch me.”
There was no malice in her voice. It was all playful banter, even though she’d never admit it out loud.
Batu, slightly tipsy, chuckled from the doorway. “Hey, sis, I got him home for you. I’m heading back now.”
Just as Batu turned to leave, he heard Julian’s voice trailing after him, slurred and whining. “Not my fault. Batu forced me to drink. He kept pouring me shots.”
Zara glanced at Batu, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. Julian, acting like a spoiled, drunken puppy? Now that was a new one.
Batu sighed deeply, shaking his head. “What a tragic day! Seeing the once–proud young master brought down like this… All for love. I really messed up, befriending this lovestruck fool.”
Zara was about to say something to Batu when Julian suddenly grabbed her by the nape, pulling her toward him.
He kissed her.
1/3 6425
Firm. Possessive.
His breath was warm against her lips, and his voice, rough from the alcohol, whispered. urgently. “Forget about him. Your man’s right here. Why are you looking at other men?”
The kiss left Zara breathless.
She pulled away, flustered, her cheeks flushed. “Grandpa’s still home, Julian.”
Julian didn’t seem to care. He hummed lazily, unfazed. “That old man? He’s probably too busy with his chess games to notice us. Besides, he’s not even back yet.”
He leaned in again, eyes glinting with mischief. “Now, let me kiss you again.”
“Julian!” Zara couldn’t help but laugh softly.
She knew she should be annoyed, maybe even put him in his place. But instead, she let him. pull her back in, her heart thudding in her chest.
22:09 Sat, 15 Mar A
Chapter 19
