Chapter 4

Lucas’s bravado instantly deflated.

“Uncle, what are you doing here?”

He lowered his head, not daring to meet Julian’s gaze.

Julian ignored him, walking directly to my side.

“See anything you like? Feel free to pick anything out in *my* store.”

As soon as he spoke, the manager led a group of employees who respectfully lined up.

“We apologize, Mr. Sterling. Our oversight. We didn’t know you were here.”

Only then did I realize this store belonged to Julian.

“How did you know I was here?”

Julian shook his phone. “Text message.”

I shyly smoothed my hair, but he saw right through me.

“It took you this many days to finally decide to spend some money. Keep it up.”

Even though we were only married in name, it still felt inappropriate to be out with my ex-boyfriend.

I couldn’t help but explain, “Lucas dragged me out here.”

“Nothing else you want to tell me?”

I nervously looked away, then heard a faint sigh beside me.

“How much longer will you hide it from me? We’re going abroad for surgery next week.”

I couldn't refuse his kindness and nodded in agreement.

Just then, a SnapChat message popped up from Chloe, inviting me to her birthday party again.

After some thought, I decided to go.

After all, Julian and I were married, and it wouldn't be good for him if I kept being labeled a homewrecker.

I had to clear my name of these baseless accusations.

I hired someone to do my makeup and wore the fitted, tasseled dress.

As soon as I arrived at the venue, many people noticed me.

I ignored their probing stares.

If I remembered correctly, I had originally booked this venue under Lucas’s name.

It was meant for our fifth-anniversary party, but he’d apparently used it to impress Chloe.

“Eleanor, what are you doing here? Are you trying to ruin Chloe’s birthday party? Just leave her alone; she can’t handle any stress right now.”

Lucas looked at me with disgust, then quickly walked to my side, as if afraid I might do something to Chloe.

“Didn’t I say we’d get divorced in a couple of days? Are you in such a hurry?”

I pushed him away a bit.

“Nephew, please show some self-respect.”

Lucas’s face immediately darkened.

“Don’t put on an act for me. You used to beg me to touch you.”

“I know you’re deliberately using Uncle to make me jealous. Just wait for me, okay?”

“How long should I wait?”

I couldn’t help but retort, but he hadn’t expected the question and was momentarily speechless.

“Eleanor, you’re here too! I was just wondering if I should invite you.”

Chloe’s words drew everyone’s attention.

The unbearable insults came flooding in again.

Everyone believed I was the mistress who destroyed their marriage.

“Chloe, you’re so kind! How can you be so generous as to invite a wretch like Eleanor?”

“Yeah, Mr. Sterling, say something! How are you going to apologize to Chloe?”

Chloe had invited me, but now it seemed I’d crashed the party.

“Eleanor and I have nothing going on. Everyone, please don’t misunderstand.”

Lucas hastily tried to distance himself from me.

The man who had just asked me to wait for him was abandoning me so quickly.

“What do you mean, ‘nothing going on’? I’m your aunt, you know.”

At my words, the venue fell silent for a few seconds.

Lucas’s expression was a mix of shock and disbelief.

“Eleanor, you can’t just say things like that.”

“You’re the one who shouldn’t be talking out of turn.”

The main doors opened again.

Julian Sterling stood there in a perfectly tailored navy suit, which highlighted his athletic build.

Julian stopped about half a meter from me, knelt on one knee, and pulled out a ring box, all in one fluid motion.

“Eleanor, will you marry me? Give me a chance to take care of you.”

I hadn’t expected Julian to propose so suddenly. A long-forgotten flutter of emotion stirred within me.

I didn't know his true intentions, but I could feel he was helping me.

It was Chloe’s meticulously planned birthday party, yet Julian and I had become the center of attention.

I had no reason to refuse. I gave my hand to Julian.