Chapter 3

Julian probably thought I'd schemed my way back into his life, that all I wanted was to crawl back to him.

I couldn't make out his expression in the darkness, so I played along and wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing myself against him. "Yes, I need you so much. So please don't marry her, okay? Julian, Mom and I can't live without you."

Before I could finish, he lifted his hand to my lips and let out a low, satisfied laugh that sent chills down my spine.

The feeling reminded me of when we were kids.

During his rebellious phase, Julian's relationship with Liana had been terrible. He resented her for driving his father away.

Every time he fought with Liana, he'd run away from home, and she would sit in her study crying silently. I'd always sneak after him, keeping him company during his little escapes before coaxing him back home.

One time, a golden-maned dog cornered Julian in an alley, and he was crying so hard he could barely breathe.

I'd thought about letting Julian disappear before, but then I realized he couldn't die because Liana wouldn't survive it.

That night, I used every ounce of strength I had and fought that dog with my bare hands and teeth. I killed it.

Julian stared at me, his cheeks puffed, his chubby body radiating shock and confusion.

In the evening breeze, I spat out bloodied dog fur and teeth, and the pain was excruciating.

Julian hesitantly reached out his pudgy hand and gently touched the bloody marks on my mouth, stroking them one by one.

My whole body felt electrified and numb, just like it did right now.

We'd been intimate many times since then, but nothing ever felt like that moment again.

That was when Julian started working obsessively to lose weight. He probably didn't want another vicious dog eyeing him like a piece of meat ever again.

Back at the party, Charlotte collapsed on the floor in tears, looking completely devastated.

Liana stood over her with a cold expression, maintaining her elegant composure while everyone watched.

To anyone watching, it looked like Liana had just torn Charlotte apart.

Sure enough, Julian stormed over and got right in Liana's face, his jaw tight with anger. He helped Charlotte and her mother up and walked them out without so much as a backward glance.

A bunch of balding men immediately swarmed around Liana, trying to comfort her with their sweaty concern.

I spread my arms and planted myself in front of her, wishing like hell I was a young man.

But she didn't even look at me. The defeat in her posture made my chest ache so badly I thought I might break.

I crushed the glass in my hand until it shattered. Julian, you bastard. You were beyond forgiveness.

I tried to track Julian down after that night, but he vanished like smoke.

Word around town was that he'd cut ties with the Windsor family for his one true love.

He was a real romantic, just like his father. Not that I ever met the man.

I was too busy trying to make Liana smile, trying to be whatever she needed.

I hoped Julian would never come back.

Things were good with just the two of us, even if Liana still spoke to me like I was nothing most days.

Then I found out I was pregnant.

I had no idea how it was possible when Julian couldn't have children, but somehow it happened.

I figured it was fate, some kind of divine intervention.

I've always believed in signs.

I spent days turning it over in my mind before I finally decided to tell Liana the news.

I wanted her to let go of Julian and build a real life with me.

I could be her daughter, her child, or her lover, whatever she needed me to be.

We were going to have a baby together, our baby.

Liana's brow furrowed instantly, and I knew this feeling was twisted.

But I couldn't control the pregnancy hormones raging through my body.

I wiped away my tears and spilled everything out like a confession, all the heartache and grievances I'd bottled up for years, pouring out at once.

"So Liana, do you know? My goal was never Julian. It was always you. I like you. I've liked you for so long."

I reached for her hand, desperate for her to understand. "Look, we have a child now. You can let Julian go through with the arranged marriage, and then we can be together. We'll raise the baby, just the three of us. We'd be a real family."

I looked at her with so much hope, waiting for her answer.

Her expression twisted like she'd swallowed something bitter.

I knew this was shocking, that she needed time to process it all.

That was okay. I could wait.

But then I heard the sound of beads hitting the floor behind me, scattering and bouncing across the tile.

I went rigid and turned around slowly.

Julian stood there, and he looked worse than I'd ever seen him. His hand was wrapped in threads that were soaked through with blood, and his eyes locked onto me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

He would never let me keep this baby. I knew that with absolute certainty.

Instinct took over, and I stepped behind Liana, using her as a shield.

I didn't know why, but being near her made me feel safe.

Julian stared at us for a long moment, and then his lips curved into a smile that sent chills down my spine. He looked at me like I'd just betrayed him in the worst possible way.