All the Distance Between Us

Zara Xavier stood there, frozen. She felt cold all over.

She kept telling herself that it was just a case of two people having the same name.

Julian Sterling loved her. He could not possibly be cheating on her.

Then, a tall, slender man walked over. He put an arm around Zoey Ramsey and pulled her close. “Hey, are you still upset with me? Don’t be mad. I’ll apologize, okay?”

As soon as Julian finished, a group of people came out of the private room laughing and chattering.

“Exactly, Zoey! It’s Julian’s birthday. Can’t you let it go just for today?”

“It’s just ice cream. Julian wouldn’t let you have any because he cares about you. Once the baby’s born, you can eat all the ice cream you want.”

“We’ve all seen how good Julian is to you. He treats you like you’re the most precious person in the world.”

When she heard those words, Zoey could not help but pout. “I’m not even mad at him! But Julian, I have to tell you something. Your birthday present is gone. I sold it to this lady for one dollar.”

Julian looked up in the direction Zoey was pointing.

The others saw Zara too. They all cried out in shock.

“Oh, my God! It’s Zara! Wasn’t she in Javerton? What’s she doing here?”

When Zara saw them, the watch slipped from her hand and hit the floor.

It really was Julian!

Every face behind him was familiar to Zara.

Even Ruby Johnson, her best friend since childhood, was there!

She never imagined that they had all teamed up with Julian to deceive her.

Zara froze, and tears welled up in her eyes. She stared at them without saying a word.

She thought Julian would explain himself and would at least look shocked to see her here.

Instead, he lowered his head and kissed Zoey on the forehead. He said softly, “Sweetheart, go inside with them. I’ll be there in a minute. Ruby, take Zoey to the private room.”

Ruby nodded quickly. “Got it. Mrs. Sterling, let’s go inside.”

Everyone quickly helped Zoey back into the private room.

Zoey clearly had no idea what was going on. “What’s wrong? What happened? Why does everyone look so serious?”

“Nothing. Julian ran into someone he knows. Let’s go inside first.”