Chapter 3

3.

When I snapped back to the present, Julian had moved from the driver's seat and was sitting next to me. He took my hand, his voice trembling with a hint of hope.

"Chloe, do you remember what today is? It's my birthday."

Honestly, if it weren't for the calendar notification, I would have forgotten.

Ever since Julian became the general manager of his division, he'd spent nearly every birthday at the office.

Last year on this day, I had booked a table at a Michelin three-star restaurant. I called him countless times, but he never picked up.

Unable to wait any longer, I went down to his office in the Financial District. Through the glass wall, I saw Sienna and a few other analysts celebrating with him.

Sienna had picked out an Hermès tie for him. As he took it, a genuine smile spread across his face. "You have great taste," he said.

The cozy atmosphere in the office, the champagne and cake on the table, made me feel like an outsider intruding on a private party.

We had a huge fight that night. He chose to sleep on the office couch rather than come home with me.

Thinking of this, I said flatly, "I don't remember."

Julian tried to hold onto me, but I opened the car door and went upstairs before he could say another word.

Late that night, I was woken by the sound of the intercom. I walked out of the bedroom and could faintly hear someone sobbing downstairs. It was Sienna.

"Jules, can we talk? About the merger..." she said through her tears.

Julian's voice was calm and firm. "Sienna, it's one in the morning. If it's a work issue, email me tomorrow or schedule a time on my calendar. This is not appropriate."

"But my dad said he'll pull his investment if this project fails! I know how important this is for your career, I just..." Her voice broke with another sob.

"We will handle this at the office. Please go home now." His tone didn't waver.

I walked a few steps down the spiral staircase and saw Julian standing at the door, intentionally keeping his distance. Sienna was on the steps outside, hugging herself, looking pitiful and helpless.

When Julian noticed me, he immediately turned. "Chloe, Sienna is under some work-related stress, but I told her this isn't the right time."

Sienna saw me, and a flicker of embarrassment and resentment crossed her face before she quickly composed herself. "I'm so sorry, Chloe. I know this is highly inappropriate..."

Julian closed the door and turned to me, his eyes filled with exhaustion and a strange sense of relief.

"Chloe, did I handle that right? I'm really trying to maintain boundaries."

I turned calmly and started back up the stairs.

"I saw. I'm going back to bed. You should get some rest too."

A few nights later, Julian came home looking exceptionally grave.