Chapter 3

The food had gone cold.

But the temperature in the air steadily rose.

He suppressed the emotions in his eyes, lifted me into his arms, and carried me out of the private room.

It was a bit cool outside. Julian hooked the jacket off the couch and placed it over my head.

The scent of cedar wood filled my nostrils, stirring my heart.

A low-profile yet luxurious Maybach was parked by the road. Just as we were about to reach it, a surprised and familiar voice rang out.

"Julian, when did you get back?"

Not far away, Liam, with Scarlett's arm around his waist, walked towards us.

His tone was full of surprise, and even through the jacket covering me, I could feel his scrutinizing gaze.

Julian merely glanced at him. "Just got back."

Liam teased, "My man, are you finally settling down? Let me see who this mysterious woman is."

With that, Liam stepped forward, reaching out to pull the jacket from my head.

I instinctively tightened my grip on Julian's collar, burying my face in his shoulder.

Liam's hand didn't touch Julian's jacket.

Julian simply looked at him, and Liam eventually pulled his hand back.

"Alright, alright. You're guarding her so fiercely, I won't interrupt your moment. Just remember to bring her out to meet us next time."

Julian didn't say anything, carrying me into the back seat of the car.

Julian Sterling was one of the most influential scions in The City.

And Liam's best friend.

I used to often see Julian and Liam at the Miller's house.

Though they were best friends, for some reason, even back then, I always felt Julian treated Liam with a subtle distance.

Later, I understood.

His intentions were never truly about Liam.

The day after my failed confession to Liam, the day the Miller family sent me abroad, Julian followed me.