Chapter 4The Face I Couldn't Quit

Julian came home the next afternoon. I was eating leftover cake at the table.

I was in a good mood, swinging my legs, replying to Liam's texts.

Just simple greetings. Polite, distant, but much warmer than Julian.

"Today... is it your birthday?" Julian finally realized something. His hand tightened on his phone. A trace of annoyance and panic flashed in his eyes.

Last night, I called him multiple times.

He just watched the screen and let me go crazy at home.

Now he remembered. This was the day he promised three years ago to always be with me.

I ate a mouthful of cream and waved the fork.

"Wrong guess. It was yesterday."

I didn't question or scold him like he expected. I didn't beg for love like a dog.

This was what Julian wanted, but a secret uneasiness gnawed at his heart.

He stood at the door, conflicted.

I knocked on the table, signaling him to sit.

"Let's talk."

Julian thought this was a peace offering. He sighed in relief and sat down, defenseless.

I continued eating cake.

He was still wearing yesterday's clothes. Wrinkled cuffs. Smell of alcohol and smoke. Hair messy.

"I was too busy yesterday. I didn't mean to forget. Let's make it up today, okay?"

When Julian spoke, the first thing I saw was his dry, peeling lips.

His lips, his tongue, his teeth. Dull. Nothing to praise.

I interrupted his self-righteous plan.

"Let's break up."

He stood up abruptly, staring at me. Like he was stunned by the good news.

"You explain to the parents. You changed your heart and betrayed me. It's not my fault. If you hide anything, I will show them Chloe's photos and name. Your parents won't accept a mistress as a daughter-in-law."

"I lived in this apartment longer. I have feelings for it. Please move out this week."

"Money-wise, we'll get lawyers. It's fair."

...

I finished calmly. Seeing Julian still dazed, I waved my hand in front of his face.

His eyes cleared. He looked at me slowly.

I smiled at him: "We broke up, Julian. Are you happy?"

Just like three years ago when I finally got him, I smiled and said: "We are finally together, Julian. I'm so happy!"