Chapter 2

I refused to let him say the words.

I didn't want to hear him break up with me.

And I definitely didn't want to hear how he planned to destroy me once his real identity was out.

My mother's treatment was in its final stage. I needed the money, and I needed his support.

I couldn't just walk away.

There was only one Montgomery family in the elite business world, and their sole missing heir was worth billions.

Rumors said he was ruthless and cold-blooded.

A single word from him could erase an entire company overnight.

No. I had to buy time until my mother finished her treatment, then we could leave together.

If the messages were right and the other girl was starting her move today... what if they just didn't meet?

"Julian," I asked, "can you skip work today? I want you to stay home with me."

Julian blinked in surprise, then shook his head.

"I promised my team I would help finish up a big project today. Give me just one day, baby. I'll take tomorrow off for you."

I pulled away instantly, squirming out of his arms.

He had never rejected me before. Never.

Was that girl really that special?

Special enough that he was already falling out of love with me?

I curled into a ball, burying my face in my knees, refusing to talk to him.

Julian couldn't stand the cold shoulder.

He scooped me up and carried me straight to the bedroom.

"I really can't miss today. How about I transfer you some money so you can go out for dessert with your friends?"

The tears fell harder. My heart sank deeper.

He was blowing me off with money.

Of course, he was secretly a billionaire. Money meant nothing to him.

Usually, if I threw a fit, he’d spend all night comforting me.

But today, he just sat beside me, scrolling through his phone and replying to messages.

Worse, the floating text warned me he was texting her.

“The new girl is amazing! It’s only been three meetings and she already got him.”

“He’s not even bother comforting the side characters anymore.”

“So sweet! They’re planning their schedule for today. First official date incoming!”

“Wait, isn't anyone concerned? He hasn't broken up with his current girlfriend yet. Isn't this cheating?”

“To the person above: the current girl cheated on him three times! He’s just getting a little pay-back, so what’s the big deal?”

I pulled the blanket over my head, shutting my eyes tightly to ignore the floating text.

The first time I met Julian was at a tiny clinic in our rural hometown.

Rain was pouring heavily. I had brought my sick mother in for a checkup.

A neighbor carried him in, covered in mud and blood, completely unconscious.

He must have fallen off a hiking trail.

The doctor said he was lucky just to have minor injuries, but he had lost his memory.

I grabbed my mother’s hand, my eyes lighting up the moment I saw his face. He was stunning.

"Mom," I whispered, "forget the blind dates. I want him."

At first, Julian was quiet and distant.

He only remembered his first name. But he was smart, capable, and learned everything fast.

Then my mother’s illness got worse, and we had to move to the city.

The pressure drove me crazy.

I became deeply attached to him, constantly acting out and pushing his limits just to test if he’d stay.

My thoughts drifted until sleep finally took over.

When I woke up, the sun was high in the sky.

The side of the bed was empty. I stared at the ceiling, feeling hollow.

After today, Julian wouldn't be mine anymore.

Six years of breaking up and getting back together was finally coming to an end.

Suddenly, the blanket was pulled back. I sat up, startled.

Julian smiled down at me like he always did. "Morning, princess. Lunch is served."

"You... didn't go to work?"

He pretended to be deep in thought until I threw a pillow at him.

He laughed aloud. "It's rare for you to miss me so much. I decided to work from home today."

I threw my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder. "Why are you so good to me?"

We were about to walk downstairs when the floating text violently flashed again.

“We have to thank the side character for this! The main girl came straight to his house now, double the romance!”

“If things go well, they might end up in bed today and have a house full of kids later!”

“The side character should just pack her bags and leave. It’s going to be embarrassing when he kicks her out.”

I turned toward the living room like a robot.

A polished, gorgeous girl in a delicate white dress was standing there, locking eyes with me.

"Hi there," she said with a sweet smile. "Julian invited me over.”