Chapter 3

I didn't think much of it.

He probably couldn't be bothered with me and had just blocked me.

But when I came back from class that afternoon,

I happened to run into Julian by the entrance.

He leaned casually against his car, attracting a crowd of girls.

"It's Julian! He's still so handsome!"

"Yeah, he was the top student eight years ago!"

Julian stared blankly at the sycamore trees on campus.

I quietly tried to walk around him, but he called out,

"Aubrey."

"Long time no see. So you're teaching here at Northwood High School?"

Northwood was our alma mater.

A flicker of teasing crossed his eyes.

"What, memories? Can't let go?"

I blinked, "Ah, yes, I can't let go. They offered me double salary."

Julian's expression darkened.

"Hah, still as money-hungry as ever."

Unable to read my expression,

He opened his car door and got in.

"Get in."

I slowly said,

"I really don't want to go…"

Julian smoothly rolled down the window.

"Spicy seafood platter is 50% off today."

I mumbled, with little conviction,

"Can I get it to go?"

He seemed to be laughing, but it was humorless. "Suit yourself."

I readily got into the backseat.

He'd changed cars today, a Cayenne.

It looked like he rarely drove it; the passenger seat was free of pink decorations.

Julian drove in silence.

I leaned against the window, neither of us speaking.

I actually didn't understand why he bothered to come.

I'd clearly said it was a joke, and he wasn't the type to cling.

After he inadvertently glanced at me in the rearview mirror,

He irritably pulled out a cigarette.

My eyes flickered. I started to open my mouth.

He was holding the cigarette pack when he accidentally hit a button.

A sweet, childlike female voice chimed.

"My dearest Mr. Julian, are you sad again?"

"Please don't smoke. I'll sing you a song."

"Two little tigers, two little tigers, dancing around…"

I froze. He also stiffened.

He instinctively put the cigarette back in the pack.

A terrifyingly warm smile spread across his eyes.

Leaving me truly, utterly uncomfortable.

The car arrived quickly.

It was a bustling beachside grill by the ocean.

Julian went in to order, and I leaned against the railing, enjoying the sea breeze.

A drunk, portly man came up, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Well, hello, beautiful. Where's your boyfriend?"

I quietly pushed his hand away and stepped back.

He persisted, and as he pestered me, my eyes met Julian's, who was not far away.

He watched silently.

It wasn't until a few college guys nearby couldn't stand it anymore and stepped in to intervene.

Only then did Julian slowly approach.

Perhaps they recognized him, because the man sobered up considerably.

"Mr. Julian, she's your girl! I had no idea…"

Julian smiled, patting the man on the shoulder.

"You harassing her? That has nothing to do with me."

I stared at him.

He shrugged, his eyes full of chilling indifference.

"What, I said we'd get back together, but I didn't say I'd be nice to you again."

With that,

Julian walked away, carrying the seafood and beer.