Chapter 4The Day I Woke Up Dead

What are they talking about?!

I open my mouth to say I am Chloe, but Liam yanks me back.

His face is ice cold. He glares at Julian.

"If you want a substitute, go find your own. Stay away from her."

Julian chuckles, ignoring him. He pulls out a black and gold business card and flicks it at me.

Liam tries to block it, but I snatch it mid-air.

"If you get bored of Liam... if you want a change of pace..." Julian smiles deeply. "Call me."

I want to put it in my bag, but Liam might confiscate it. I memorize the number instantly and shove the card in my pocket.

"Okay, I'll call."

Assuming he isn't married too.

Liam is grinding his teeth beside me. I can't believe the guy who wouldn't talk to anyone in high school grew up to be a cheater!

Men ain't shit.

"I'll be waiting," Julian says, dropping his eyes. My heart skips a beat. He steps back, waving, holding those roses.

He doesn't look like he's visiting a grave. He looks like he's waiting for a date.

"Too bad these flowers aren't for you... Next time, I'll bring you your own."

The driver hits the gas. I tumble back into Liam’s arms.

He feels warm, but his vibe is freezing.

I break away easily this time and buckle my seatbelt.

The car interior is luxurious. Even a broke kid like me knows this leather is expensive.

I glance at Liam. He’s staring straight ahead, looking like he’s built a fortress around himself.

The driver is driving like a maniac.

"Liam..."

He snaps his head to look at me, eyes wide with hope.

"...Put your seatbelt on?"

His eyes dim. He buckles up.

I’m terrified of meeting his wife. I run through a dozen scenarios in my head until the car stops.

I step out nervously. Liam grabs my hand again.

I try to shake him off. "What are you doing?!"

He purses his lips. Silence.

He drags me to the elevator. Beep.

He drags me to the door. Beep.

I close my eyes, preparing to be yelled at by a angry wife.

He lets go and pushes me gently inside.

"Look."

I peek through one eye.

There, on the wall, is a massive wedding photo.

My eyes pop out of my head. My face catches fire.

Liam stands behind me, sounding hurt.

"I told you, you're my Babe."

"Who else would I marry?"

Oh my God.

This is scarier than being dead.

I’m eighteen. I’ve never dated. I only know the sour taste of a secret crush. And now I’m looking at this?

Also... at my age... I like Julian.