Chapter 3The Scent of Independence

Just as I stepped out of the elevator, my best friend Olivia called, her voice cheerful: "Chloe! We're having a college reunion tonight, a lot of old classmates are coming. You should come too!"

I initially wanted to decline, but thinking about the mess lately, I really needed a change of scenery.

After hesitating for a few seconds, I agreed.

The dinner was held at a private restaurant. When I pushed the door open, Olivia spotted me immediately. She rushed over and grabbed my hand: "You finally made it! Sit down, everyone's been asking about you!"

She dragged me to the table. As soon as I sat down, I met a familiar gaze.

It was Julian.

He looked much more mature than he did in college. He wore a simple white button-down, sleeves rolled up, revealing the smooth lines of his forearms. His eyes were as gentle as ever.

The moment our eyes met, the air seemed to freeze for a few seconds. He reacted first, standing up and smiling at me: "Long time no see, Chloe."

"Long time no see." I managed a small smile.

This is the downside of dating a classmate.

Running into them at reunions is awkward.

After a few rounds of drinks, Olivia was busy chatting with others.

As the conversation flowed, the topic somehow shifted to Julian and me. Someone joked: "I remember you two were a thing back in the day. Why did you break up?"

I felt instantly embarrassed. We were young back then. Julian was a bookworm, not very talkative. I was very outgoing and loved to have fun. Julian was always forcing me to study and take all sorts of certification exams.

I felt like I was dating a teacher, so I suggested we break up.

Later, Julian went abroad to study.

"Alright, back off, you dogs. That was ancient history," Olivia chimed in, defending me.

Everyone laughed it off, and the topic moved on.

The atmosphere remained lively, but my phone suddenly pinged with a WeChat notification.

I frowned. It was my dad, telling me to come home.

Probably because of my impending divorce from Carter.

"Sorry everyone, I have to go."

Julian stayed silent for a few seconds, then stood up and grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair: "I haven't had any alcohol. I'll drive you."

I frowned. It wasn't a good time to call a driver, so I nodded: "Sorry to trouble you."

"No trouble at all."