Chapter 3

3.

In the underground parking garage, I saw them.

The girl was clinging to Julian like a koala.

His hands were firmly on her hips, lifting her slightly.

His voice, scolding yet indulgent, drifted over to me.

"Didn't I tell you to wait in the car? Do you want to be punished again?"

The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice a playful whine.

"Yes, Daddy. I want you to punish me real good."

"And I was so smart. I bought two matcha lattes and said I was the delivery girl. Your precious girlfriend won't suspect a thing."

Julian chuckled and pinched her nose.

"Clever girl. But don't pull stunts like that again. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you. But she can never know you exist―that's my bottom line."

The girl pouted, shifting restlessly.

"Aren't you tired of this? Having to change clothes every time you see me, scrubbing my scent off you like you're a criminal."

"Do you really love her that much?"

Julian paused.

"Yes. I do. That's why she can't find out. I can't hurt her."

"Then what about me?"

"You're my favorite little secret."

"Hmph. Then you have to stay with me tonight. The whole night. No going back to her."

Julian leaned down and pecked her on the lips.

"Deal."

He carried her to the car and got in.

A moment later, the car began to rock rhythmically.

I leaned against a cold concrete pillar and slowly slid to the ground.

So this is what it feels like when your heart breaks completely. There are no sounds, no tears.

I don't know how long I sat there before the rocking stopped.

The engine roared to life, and the car sped out of the garage.

I opened my call history.

I found the number with no name saved.

I dialed it.

Elizabeth Blackwood's voice came through the line.

I watched the taillights disappear into the darkness and spoke calmly.

"One hundred million dollars. I'll leave your son."