Chapter 3

When I dropped out, my professors were truly disappointed.

But I didn’t let it get me down. I used my free time to self-study and write business proposals.

Julian was spending a lot of time at home then – well, it *was* his home. Anyway, he found my messy proposal drafts and dismissed them as childish nonsense.

I tuned out his cutting remarks. As long as he didn’t interfere, I was fine.

Two days later, he suddenly had his female secretary bring me a stack of case studies that weren’t available to the public, saying they were to broaden my horizons.

His secretary, Ms. Reid, was very straightforward. “These proposals are excellent. Just ‘broadening your horizons’ would be a waste.”

I actually smiled, genuinely.

I really did like these, far more than the flashy, impractical clothes Julian bought me.

Julian watched me, sipping his water, and somehow, his hand slipped, smashing another glass.

He covered his awkwardness by bringing up a fireworks display that night, asking if I wanted to go with him.

I was genuinely unaccustomed to him acting… normal.

The short period between Seraphina leaving and Briar arriving was one of the few times I could call peaceful, almost lulling me into complacency.

Julian still occasionally drank with his friends. When he got drunk, he’d barely recognize anyone, calling me “Sera,” and saying he wanted to be with “Sera.”

I felt a flicker of something, and then confusion. I wasn’t sure which ‘Sera’ he was calling for.

The drunk wouldn’t listen. He just kept repeating, “Sera, we’re going to be together forever.”

I thought about it, then patted his hand, promising that as long as he didn’t do anything to betray me, I could try to be with him.

Julian seemed to smile.

But I didn’t notice, continuing, “Still, forever is too long. We only have three years.”

The next morning, Julian left, looking absolutely furious.

I thought he was feeling unwell, but he didn’t drink the honey water I’d left on the table for him.

I tidied up the table, then went to accompany Grandma Helen for her follow-up. The doctor said her illness had a chance of recurrence and it would be best for her to stay for observation.

As soon as I got back to the Hayes estate, I saw a strange woman, wearing a pink sundress, laughing playfully with Julian.

Julian, currently, looked utterly delighted.

That girl was Briar Rosewood, the childhood sweetheart Brandon Miller had mentioned, the one engaged to Julian.

“Julian, darling, who is *she*? How can just anyone walk in here?!”

Briar saw me before Julian did. She tightened her grip on his arm.

Julian replied coldly, “She’s nothing.”

I didn't want to be ‘nothing,’ so I told Briar directly that I was Julian’s mistress.

“What?! How could Julian, darling, be interested in *you*? Is your family incredibly rich?”

“No, I’m from a very modest background.”

“Then… are you a brilliant student?”

Her words truly stung. I glanced at Julian; he was gazing at Briar with doting eyes.

“…I didn’t finish college.”

Briar refused to believe I was so utterly useless. She turned to Julian for confirmation.

Julian said, “Alright, Briar, she really is just someone I keep around for fun.”

Briar’s gaze turned hostile as she looked at me.

“Oh, I see. My apologies for earlier, Eleanor dear.”

Briar was clearly calling me that on purpose.

Julian glared at me, displeased, then ruffled Briar’s hair. “Just call her by her name. Seraphina doesn’t like being mimicked.”

“But that’s so rude, Julian, darling.”

“Hmm… I’m a little hungry. Would Eleanor, um, be upset if I asked her to make me dinner, Julian, darling?”

Julian gestured at me with a flick of his head. “What are you waiting for? Go!”