Chapter 2
I met Julian’s gaze, my face devoid of emotion, and finished my last sentence. Then, I turned to leave. Julian’s hand shot out, clamping around my wrist, his fingers
trembling from the sheer force of his grip. “What do you mean? Eleanor, what do you mean?”
I didn’t look back. “Divorce. Don’t you understand?”
“I don’t agree!” he roared, his voice tight. “Are you mad because I gave so much to Seraphina…?”
I frowned. “I have no relationship with you. You can give your things to anyone you like.”
“That’s not it-”
turned impatiently. His eyes were turbulent pools of inky black. “Anything you want, it’s yours. There’s no need for divorce.” Julian’s gaze locked onto me, his voice
low and hoarse.
Thad no desire to speak further with him “Let go.”
I had no desire to speak further with him. “Let go.”
“I won’t let you leave,” he insisted, tightening his grip, almost stubbornly. I let out a pained gasp. Just then, my friend stepped between us, her teeth gritted. “Julian, you can have as many mistresses as you like, but Eleanor Hayes will never share a roof with someone who openly flaunts their illicit affair!”
Seraphina shrieked. “Who are you calling an illicit affair partner?! Julian loves me most!”
My friend scoffed. “Then why won’t he let go of Eleanor and just marry you instead?”
Seraphina froze, then looked at Julian, her voice choked. “Julian, what are you doing? You don’t even like her. Isn’t a divorce exactly what you wanted?”
Julian hadn’t spared anyone else a glance. The corners of his eyes were slightly red. “Eleanor, stop playing games. The Blackwood family, me–it’s all yours.”
“What makes you think I’d want any of it?” I countered. I yanked my hand free from his grip. Any further entanglement with him would only delay my departure. I said blandly, “I wish you both happiness, a long life together, and many children.”
Julian’s lips parted, but I took a step back. “Don’t stop me. Don’t make me lose what little respect I have left for you.”
As I walked toward the gala exit, the bullet comments scrolled relentlessly:
[Huh? What kind of plot twist is this? Isn’t this supposed to be the happy ending? Isn’t Ellie supposed to live happily ever after with Julian?]
[Julian really overplayed his hand… Ellie seems genuinely jealous.]
If Ellie just leaves like this, who knows what the Mad Prince will do? He might just kidnap her tomorrow.]
[What? A kidnapping scenario? I’m waiting for it…]
Of course, I feared Julian’s potential madness, so there was no time to lose. I had to get out of there quickly.
I found a fast horse and left the city. Only when I was ten miles outside the city did I finally relax enough to drift off to sleep. In my hazy slumber, I felt the coach approaching, being slowly surrounded. Just then, I caught a familiar scent… one that only Julian carried.
My heart nearly stopped. I slowly turned my head. My gaze met his dark eyes, a faint mole near his eye. His thin lips parted. “Where are you going?” Julian’s shado- wy eyes gazed deeply into mine. I was enveloped in his shadow.
I closed my eyes. Tears welled and spilled from the corners of my eyes, one by one. The air was silent.
“Why are you crying?” He hesitated for a long moment, then his fingertip traced the tear from my eye. After a long pause, his expression complex and unreadable, he murmured, “I won’t let Seraphina appear before you again.” He pulled me into his arms. His familiar scent enveloped me. I wept silently.
Julian tightened his embrace, holding me captive. His chin rested on my neck. “Don’t ever talk about divorce again, my love.”
Bullet comments:
[Julian is probably ecstatic inside, finally seeing Ellie jealous and crying with frustration.]
[That friend who advised Julian deserves a reward! Now Ellie will finally be insecure around Julian every day, obediently playing the doting wife.]
[Seraphina: Waaah, doesn’t Julian love me most?]
[Julian: Thank you for showing me my wife’s jealousy. It was awesome. Reward everyone!]
I whispered, “Why bother following me? I’m going to find my true love.”
Julian’s body stiffened. Then, he calmly reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Lying just to make me jealous?” His tone was confident.
Not everyone is like you, I thought, my mind calm. I pushed him away. “When we get there, I’ll introduce you.”
Julian clenched his jaw. Seeing my blank expression, he let out a frustrated laugh. “I don’t like you lying like that.” He clamped his hand on my jaw. “Pretending to have someone else, just to upset me? Eleanor, you’ll never have anyone else you like, not in this lifetime.” I forcefully turned my head away, looking out the window at the dark sky.
Julian grunted, his voice casual. “I’ll take you somewhere nice, as an apology. Then, when we get back, we’ll have a grand wedding, so everyone knows you’re my
wife.”
