Chapter 2

Inside the suite, glasses clinked and conversation flowed freely.

"Mr. Thorne, aren't you twenty-eight this year? When are you tying the knot with Cassie? You absolutely have to invite us to the wedding!"

Someone blurted out the question, and the entire room fell silent instantly.

Julian, with an arm still around the woman, exhaled a plume of smoke. The swirling haze obscured his expression.

The person who spoke realized their blunder. "My apologies! Guess I've had too much to drink, Mr. Thorne. Don't mind me."

"Why would I mind? It's not like it's a secret." Julian chuckled. "You all know about me and Cassandra."

Seeing that the atmosphere wasn't as awkward as expected, everyone exchanged relieved glances and relaxed.

"Right, we all know."

"Cassie was really good to you, no doubt about it."

"Back when you were still…" The person paused, seeing Julian's gaze, and quickly changed tack. "Speaking of which, we haven't seen Cassie in ages. What's she been busy with lately?"

"I don't know." Julian pressed his cigarette into the ashtray, letting out a slow sigh. "I haven't seen her in a long time."

No one replied, so he continued talking to himself.

"You all know how I used to be, sitting in that wheelchair for over ten years. Even my own mother had given up on me.

"I met Cassandra when I was a shell of a man. She saved me.

"I'm grateful for her, and I did care for her, but honestly, she doesn't fit into my life anymore."

A miracle six years ago had allowed him to walk again.

It had also overturned his predestined tragic life.

He had redefined his life.

These past few years had proven it vividly.

He was born to shine.

Julian's eyes flickered. "Cassandra saw me at my most pathetic. Now, every time I see her, I'm reminded of those days in the wheelchair. It makes me feel...sick."