Chapter 3

3.

It was strange.

Watching Julian grab his car keys and bolt out the door, I didn't feel sadness. I felt relief.

At least he didn't hesitate.

With his actions, he had delivered the final verdict on our relationship.

I turned off the coffee maker, wiped down the kitchen counter, and placed my spare key on the marble surface.

Then I picked up the bouquet of red roses he had just given me and, without a second thought, tossed it into the trash.

I prefer white jasmine. My guess is that gaudy red roses were always Selena's favorite.

"Door is locked."

"Confirm deletion of this user's fingerprint? Confirmed."

The robotic voice of the smart home system echoed in my ears. I took one last look at the apartment I had shared with Julian for three years.

Then I walked away without looking back.

Running into him and Selena at his company was a complete accident.

I was there for a final work handover.

Professor Laurent's team needed me to wrap up a few projects in New York before I left.

Because of Julian, I had been deeply involved in a project with the Sterling Group. As a professional, I didn't want my personal life to affect my reputation.

When I pushed open the door to the CEO's office, I saw Selena leaning against the leather sofa. Her face was pale, but she still carried herself with an air of elegance.

Seeing me, she stood up and extended her hand.

"I've heard about you, Chloe."

"I'm Selena. I assume you've heard about me, too?"

I nodded, shaking her fingertips politely.

I clutched the folder in my hand and glanced around. Julian wasn't there.

"Looking for Julian? He went back to the apartment to make me some soup. He said I wouldn't like the food from outside."

"I heard you two are a couple. Getting engaged soon?"

I had zero desire to engage with her. I just gave a noncommittal hum and turned to leave.

Selena stopped me.

"Chloe, how long are you going to play dumb?"

"I heard what happened from Brad. Julian was drunk that night, and he was holding you but calling my name, wasn't he? Haven't you noticed? The outfit you're wearing today is very similar to my old style."

She clicked across the floor in her high heels, stopping in front of me. Her voice was soft, but laced with venom.

"He styled you so carefully, all in the hopes that you'd look a little more like me."

"Chloe, I need you to stop getting in the way of my relationship with Julian. You should know perfectly well that he has only ever loved me."

"As for you... you could call yourself a transition? Or maybe, a cheap copy?"

I had no intention of dignifying that with a response.

The thought of being dragged into their toxic emotional drama was sickening.

Just as I was about to walk out, the office door swung open.

Julian rushed in, carrying a thermal container from a high-end restaurant, his eyes filled with anxiety.

He really was worried about her.

"Chloe? What are you doing here?"

Before I could answer, Selena, behind me, suddenly started making sharp, irregular gasping sounds.

"Julian... I... can't... breathe..."

Selena's breathing became labored. Her already pale face turned red as she clutched the fabric over her chest.

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said anything to make your fiancée angry..."

"She was right to yell at me! Chloe, I'm so sorry..."

Julian panicked. He dropped the container and rushed to her side, expertly pulling an inhaler from his pocket and handing it to her.

"Easy, look at me, Selena. Breathe in... breathe out..."

"It's okay, I'm here."

Once he was sure Selena had calmed down a bit, Julian turned to me, his face a mask of fury. His eyes were locked on me.

"Selena has congenital asthma, she can't handle stress! Can't you watch what you say?"

"Just... get out of here! You're not welcome here!"