Chapter 7
Julian had never set boundaries with me. His door was never locked, he came whenever called, and he even knew my exact clatin
sizes.
So that first time I caught him standing in the bathroom for an hour…
Impatient as always, I had called his name.
That single utterance was followed immediately by a soft groan from Julian.
He emerged quickly but pushed me away with uncharacteristic awkwardness.
If not for the faint musk lingering in the bathroom, I might never have realized the effect I had on him.
It wasn’t until later, talking with more experienced friends, that I understood the tension of that night.
Afterward, I fled to Westlake, partly to escape Julian’s intense feelings.
From my calling his name to his reaction–it had taken mere seconds.
Now, Julian’s robe had fallen open. His brow furrowed as he gripped my wrist.
“Whether I’m capable or not–w
don’t you find out yourself?”
stinged with a faint blush that somehow conveyed humiliation.
His eyes were downcast, his eyelid…
I’ve never been particularly modest. Following his lead, my fingers slid down.
Soon, they encountered burning heat.
Compared to Rhys, Julian was certainly not lacking. His scent was fresher, cleaner.
I tried to loosen his robe’s belt. Julian looked thoroughly tormented as he caught my hand.
“Is this just to make him jealous?”
I froze for half a second, not understanding Julian’s train of thought.
Then I heard him sigh heavily, his voice trembling: “Fine. Even if it’s to make him jealous, that’s acceptable.”
“You’re the lady of the house. It’s your decision.”
Julian closed his eyes in what appeared to be resignation, his long eyelashes casting shadows. Yet I didn’t make the next move he clearly expected.
He had no idea how much he resembled a reluctant victim about to be taken advantage of.
I reached past him for the warm milk and/drank it all.
When I opened my eyes, disappointment flashed across Julian’s face.
I noticed his reaction immediately and patted the left side of my bed.
“Julian, I’m not using you as a tool,” I said. “Come here. Sleep with me.”
Hearing my words, Julian moved stiffly, like a robot.
16.22
Our Vows Were Lies. But Your Revenge Will Be Very Real
As he lay down, the mattress dipped slightly beside me.
I smoothly found a comfortable position and nestled into his arms.
I guided his hand around my waist and softly said, “You’re my fiancé, after all.”
“Pre wedding test drive. Don’t disappear in the midnight.”
The man I embraced still moved mechanically, but his chin rested on the top of my head as he nodded slightly.
The next morning, Rhys caught Julian leaving my room.
His brows knitted together, his face tinning stony.
Despite the visible kiss marks on his own neck, he demanded, “Camden, what exactly is your relationship with him?”
The question ignited my anger. Who was he to question me about anything?
I didn’t notice Julian pause in the hallway, waiting to hear my answer.
“It’s a relationship you don’t need to know about,” I replied coldly.
Julian and I could be engaged, family, friends–but we certainly weren’t something Rhys had any right to question.
My stomach was growling. I wanted to go downstairs and ask Julian for some milk.
As I turned to leave, Rhys grabbed my wrist.
He lowered his head and softened his tone. “Camden, help me with my tie?”
I raised an eyebrow in surprise, looking at Lily trembling in the doorway.
“Can’t she help you with that?”
“Her hands are too clumsy. She can’t make a Windsor knot as perfect as yours.”
We stood too close. From certain angles, it would appear as though Rhys was embracing me.
Lily’s face drained of color. Two tears slid down her cheeks before she silently ran downstairs.
I still had no intention of helping him. Arms crossed, I asked coldly, “Aren’t you going after her?”
Despite just one night having passed, Rhys acted in her direction.
as
though he’d grown tired of Lily after years together. He didn’t even spare a glance
“Young girls are such trouble,” he said dismissively. “Leave her alone for a while and she’ll behave. Don’t worry about her.”
I smiled pleasantly, but my eyes remained cold.
Rising to my tiptoes, I reached for his tie as if to help him. Just as Rhys’s lips curved into a satisfied smile–thinking he’d regained control–I yanked the tie viciously, cutting/off his air.
His eyes reddened as he tried to push me against the wall, but I’d already released my grip and nimbly stepped away.
“Sorry,” I shrugged unapologetically. It’s been so long since I’ve tied one–I’m out of practice.”
As I headed downstairs, I suddenly collided with a pair of dark, intense eyes.
7:11
