Chapter 6

Audrey POV

I didn't make a scene at the exhibition.

I simply turned and walked out of that suffocating art gallery, leaving Julian stunned.

The cold wind on my face felt incredibly clear.

Fifteen days until I left for the island.

Back in the empty mansion, I turned off my phone, cutting off all outside noise.

I began to liquidate my assets even faster, transferring all the money from the resale of luxury items into the overseas account provided by my private butler.

Three days later, when I turned my phone back on, a deluge of news notifications popped up.

"Breaking! Brandon Scott and Lyla Hayes officially announce engagement!"

"Wedding of the Century! The Scott and Hayes families unite, the most perfect couple!"

The accompanying photo showed Brandon in a white suit, gently kissing Lyla's hand.

Standing behind them, as a "male relative of the bride," was Julian.

In the photo, Julian's eyes were deeply fixed on Lyla, harboring a profound, suppressed affection that even the media could discern.

I quietly looked at the photo, and the last ripple in my heart completely settled.

He finally got what he wanted.

Using my dignity, my reputation, and my seven years of youth, he paved a smooth path for the woman he loved.

Late that night, the mansion door was suddenly pushed open.

Julian stumbled in, reeking of alcohol.

His eyes were bloodshot, his tie askew. He had completely lost his usual aristocratic composure.

Seeing me on the sofa, he seemed to find an outlet for his emotions. He lunged, pinning me roughly to the couch.

He buried his head in my neck, his voice conveying a almost pathological sense of relief and pain.

"She's engaged... she finally got what she wanted..."

The strong smell of alcohol mixed with his familiar woody scent made me feel a wave of physical revulsion.

I stared coldly at the man pressing down on me.

"Julian, what the hell are you doing?"

"I'm not crazy!"

Julian suddenly lifted his head, staring at me with a wild, possessive look.

"It's all over! Brandon married her. I don't have to worry about her being wronged anymore. Now I only have you. Let's get married, let's get married right now, okay?"

He said, lowering his head to kiss my lips, his hands roughly pulling at the buttons of my sleepwear.

I used all my strength, delivering a sharp slap to his face.

The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the silent living room.

Julian's head was knocked to the side. The alcohol in his system seemed to clear up a bit.

He touched his stinging cheek, his eyes instantly turning sinister and terrifying.

"You hit me?"

He sneered, his eyes filled with the brutality of a torn facade.

"Audrey, why are you acting so high and mighty? You're nothing but a nude model who poses for paintings! Besides me, what other man in this world would marry you? Brandon thought you were dirty, your parents thought you were a disgrace. What do you think you are?"

The most vicious words often come from the most intimate people.

He stepped right on my most painful wound. He was trying to hide his own pain of losing Lyla. By belittling me, he tried to prove he was still the god who controlled everything.

I didn't struggle, nor did I cry.

I just looked at him like he was a pathetic creature.

"Yes, I'm dirty."

"So, Mr. Vance, don't soil your noble hands."

He suddenly stopped all his movements, looking into my eyes.

He scrambled off me, trying to fix my torn collar.

"I'm sorry, I was drunk... I didn't mean that..."

I avoided his hand, stood up, straightened my clothes, and walked upstairs without looking back.