Chapter 3The Face I Couldn't Quit

Julian's indifference became blatant. He ghosted me, ignoring my texts and calls.

I was anxious without seeing his face.

Finally, I saw him in a mutual friend's Instagram story.

He was at a quiet bar, heads together with Chloe, talking.

I cropped Chloe out and saved the picture.

I got the address and took a taxi there.

Julian's face was sour. Chloe looked uneasy seeing me, only calming down after Julian comforted her.

"Evening, Sister-in-law! Come have a drink!"

"Yeah, we missed you! Not used to you not checking up on Julian."

Everyone laughed. I ignored Julian's gaze and mingled quickly.

I drank a lot and felt dizzy.

Sitting in the seat they made for me, I wanted to lean on Julian's shoulder. Suddenly, Julian stood up. He was tall, attracting attention.

"Liam, switch seats with me."

Everyone froze, looking back and forth between us.

"Julian, that's awkward for her..." a friend whispered.

I rubbed my temples, surprised by Julian's sudden malice. He gave up talking to Chloe just to avoid sitting next to me.

"It's okay..."

I tried to smooth things over. Before I could finish, Julian cut in.

He looked at me with contempt: "Don't worry. She has thick skin. She gets along with everyone. She knows this kind of environment well."

Few people knew that after high school, I worked at a seedy bar to save for college tuition. I was almost assaulted several times.

I told Julian this when I was most vulnerable. He hugged me tight then.

Now, he used it as a blade to hurt me.

I looked up in disbelief. He seemed startled for a second, then frowned and looked away.

No apology.

Julian never apologized.

I was tired. I didn't fight back. My heart felt like it was being hit by a dull axe.

A boy in a light blue flannel shirt sat next to me. He handed me tissues and hot water.

Halfway through the party, Chloe had a stomach ache. Julian panicked first. Ignoring everyone, he picked her up and rushed out.

Including me, no one had seen him this anxious.

"I thought Julian only had emotions for Candace. Seems like he really cares about this junior."

Someone sighed. Then realized I was still there.

He looked at me carefully.

"It's okay. Chloe is weak. Julian is kind."

I smiled, my eyes curving, but my tone was bitter.

"But that's too much. His girlfriend is right here..." someone whispered.

I drank more wine. My head hurt.

The person next to me handed me tissues again and replaced my wine with water.

I realized I was crying.

"Haha, so embarrassing. Looking this messy." Tears blurred my vision, but I still saw that shocking face immediately.

So handsome that my blood rushed, my body relaxed. I opened my mouth and forgot to wipe my tears.

I stammered: "W-what's your name?"

The boy was obedient, his voice soft.

"Liam."

1:27 AM. I was sure. I had no more obsession with Julian.