Chapter 3The Guardian's Secret

Elena wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, glancing between Julian and me.

Her tone was utterly aggrieved, shifting the topic away from our confrontation.

"If I had known you and Sarah were together, maybe I shouldn't have come back to disturb you."

Having my secret exposed, I forced myself to remain calm.

After all, my feelings for Julian weren't exactly a secret these past years.

Hearing this, Julian raised an eyebrow, his gaze cooling.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Elena's tears fell silently. Without a word, she moved to take off the apron and leave, but Julian grabbed her arm.

A stack of photos spilled from her apron pocket.

Seeing what they were, I froze.

They were candid shots I had taken of Julian, the backs of the photos filled with words of my hidden love for him.

But I had kept these on my bookshelf, unknown to anyone.

A sense of shame at having my secret discovered washed over me. I instinctively looked at Julian.

He looked at the pile of photos on the floor, his brows furrowing deeply.

A moment later, he picked one up and threw it into the fireplace.

"These are just childish games. They don't count."

I panicked, grabbing his sleeve.

"How can this be a game? I'm nineteen. I'm not a child anymore."

"Uncle Julian, do you remember... three years ago at the Plaza Hotel gala, I came to pick you up. You said... you said you'd wait for me to grow up and..."

"Impossible."

Julian cut me off coldly, his eyes darkening.

"Sarah, I've indulged you too much."

"I've always treated you as a child. You shouldn't have such thoughts."

I closed my eyes, my face pale, realizing the worst outcome had arrived.

It was just a drunken remark from years ago. I was the one who took it seriously.

Julian's voice came from ahead, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I bought a house in the suburbs. The deed is in your name. Pack your things and move out tomorrow."

I heard myself give a soft, disappointed "Okay."

He was probably angry.

I always thought I was special to Julian. That he liked me.

The kitchen window was open, and the wind blew the photos across the floor.

I sniffled, squatting down to pick them up one by one.

The cold wind hit my nose, feeling like blades scraping my throat. I couldn't stop coughing violently, sensing the taste of iron rising.

I frantically searched my pockets, turning my back to wipe the tears from my face.

Julian glanced at me coldly and walked around me.

"If you're sick, go to the hospital. The Huo family isn't short on money."

Elena followed him closely.

I stood up, calling out to Julian, unwilling to give up.

"Uncle, you said last time you'd go to the hospital with me. I want to go tomorrow."

Julian stopped.

I stared at his back, stubbornly speaking again.

"I'll wait for you tomorrow."