Chapter 2

Two months later, Julian’s ‘one who got away,’ Seraphina Lockhart, came back for a vacation.

She’d heard Julian had a mistress, and she was curious. So Julian brought me out to show me off to her.

“So, you’re Eleanor Vance?”

Her hair was styled in soft curls. In the flashy, vibrant bar, she wore a simple white dress, looking every bit the pristine ‘one who got away.’

Brandon introduced her to me: “Future Mrs. Hayes, this is Seraphina.”

Seraphina raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You call *her* Mrs. Hayes?”

“Brandon,” Julian snapped, his face sour. “I told you, she’s not worthy of any title.”

“Julian’s right. Not just anyone can be compared to Seraphina.”

“What are you saying? Does Seraphina even *need* to be compared to anyone? She just has to stand there, and everyone will hand her whatever she desires.”

“An international elite like her is just different. Some people will never leave their hometown. Guess that’s just fate.”

It sounded like deriving superiority from me made them very happy.

I looked at Julian. He was staring at Seraphina, as if he were deaf, or perhaps he just didn’t care.

Seraphina, however, remained perfectly composed. “I hear you’re a student at a top university? You attend classes during the day and sleep at night. I’m just curious how you manage to care for Julian.”

With just that one sentence from Seraphina, Julian’s face immediately darkened.

I frowned, confused. “I don’t just sleep as soon as I get home from school…”

Julian cut me off, his voice cold. “Enough! Seraphina has a point. You’re always going to school, running back and forth between here and there. It’s a waste of time!”

“Tomorrow, you’re going to drop out!”

I stared at Julian, utterly disbelieving. Just because of one illogical comment from Seraphina, he wanted me to drop out of a top university?!

Brandon Miller actually started applauding, saying it was a great idea. I thought they were all insane.

I looked at Julian defiantly. His brows furrowed in fury. “What kind of impression are you making, running around outside all day?!”

“Besides, if you drop out, won’t you have more time to look after that old woman? I’m doing this for your own good!”

His words did remind me. Grandma Helen hadn’t had her surgery yet.

I heard my own voice, trembling. “…Fine.”

I dropped out.

Julian didn’t come back until the third morning. The moment he walked in, he started throwing my belongings out.

“Didn’t I buy you clothes? Do you think your own rags are presentable?!”

What counted as ‘presentable’ clothes? I didn't get it. Julian, dressed in thousands of dollars worth of designer clothes, was throwing my things around, looking anything but dignified.

He started tossing things off my desk.

“Wait! Julian, that’s the necklace Grandma Helen gave me. Throw out whatever else you want, just not this!”

I lunged forward, snatching the necklace from his hand.

He looked absolutely enraged. I suspected he wanted to hit me, but he opted to just smash another glass instead.

“Don’t play the victim. Do whatever you want, just don’t let me see you wearing it.”

I clutched the necklace tightly, promising I wouldn't wear it out.

But Julian wasn’t done with me. “Who said you could even go out? As long as Seraphina is here, you’re not leaving this house!”

I couldn’t help but argue. “What does Seraphina have to do with this? Besides, I need to go with Grandma Helen for her surgery in a few days!”

“You’re not a doctor, what good would you be there? Just stay put! As long as Seraphina is here, you’re not going anywhere!”

When it came to Grandma Helen, I wouldn’t make any concessions to Julian.

He locked me in my room, but on the day of the surgery, I jumped out the window.

Luckily, Grandma Helen’s surgery was a success.

The bad news was, I’d sprained my ankle.

While the doctor was wrapping my ankle, Julian stormed into the hospital, with Brandon Miller trailing behind, clearly enjoying the drama.

“Eleanor Vance, are you insane?! Jumping from that high building, do you think that makes you look impressive?!”

I was actually more afraid his shouting would wake Grandma Helen.

Julian was about to continue his tantrum when he suddenly got a call. The fury on his face melted away like butter. “Sera? You’re leaving? Okay, I’ll drive you to the airport right now.”

He turned and left. I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Brandon Miller, surprisingly, didn’t leave with him. He found a seat nearby.

He smirked. “Your ankle looks lovely, future Mrs. Hayes. Julian clearly doesn’t appreciate it.”

I didn’t want to engage. I put my shoes back on.

Brandon immediately offered a feigned apology. “Sorry about that, future Mrs. Hayes. Oh, by the way, did you know Julian has a childhood sweetheart fiancée? Briar Rosewood.”

“What’s that to me, Mr. Miller?”

He clicked his tongue. “Looks like you don’t care for Julian at all, future Mrs. Hayes.”

“What’s that to *you*, Brandon Miller?”