Chapter 2

“How’s your hand? Does it still hurt?”

I had not expected him to care for me. I was a little touched.

Just when I was about to answer, Julian spotted the bandage on my hand and sagged with apparent relief.

“I almost forgot that you don’t feel pain at all.

“I have a business meeting later. Come with me.”

I was momentarily stunned. I swallowed my words and agreed calmly.

Chloe held Julian’s arm and asked coyly, “What are you hiding from me?”

She peered at me with pure disdain.

“She looks like a prostitute. I bet she’s not a bodyguard. Maybe all she thinks all day is how to get into her boss’ bed!”

I grabbed her hand before she could slap me and said calmly, “Chloe, don’t assume everyone is in the same industry as you.”

Chloe’s face turned red with anger. She had not expected me to talk back.

“Enough, she’s just a employee. A great artist like you should not stoop to her level.”

Julian wrapped his arm around her waist and comforted her with a loving expression.

“It’s just a business negotiation. Wait for me to get home.”

Julian was very busy. He even had midnight emergency meetings.

In the past, I would tug on the corner of his shirt sleepily and ask where he was going.

However, he would push me aside coldly.

“Scarlett, you shouldn’t be asking this.”

My face turned pale. His hostility stung.

It was the first time I realized I would never be good enough for Julian.

On the contrary, he was willing to keep Chloe updated about his schedule.

“You must return soon. Don’t let any cheap women tempt you out there!”

Chloe glared at me to establish her dominance. She then put her silk hair tie over Julian’s wrist.

I had once wanted to give my hair tie to Julian so I could leave something with him, just like any other regular couple.

However, Julian broke my hair tie and threw it into the trash.

Even though Chloe’s black hair tie seemed out of place next to his expensive Rolex, Julian did not seem irritated in the slightest.

Contrary to my understanding, he was never as clueless as I thought. I simply did not matter to him.

After the negotiations, the car stopped next to the East River.

Confused, I alighted from the car and followed Julian. Suddenly, I felt something cold against my neck.

Julian’s hands gently brushed against my neck. I was stunned.

Julian had bid on the ruby necklace at the auction at an astronomically high price. It was extremely expensive.

I used to joke with Julian that I would not even afford it even if I sold a kidney.

“Do you like it?’

I had not expected him to suddenly give me a necklace. My chest tightened.

I sniffed. Just when I was about to ask Julian what I meant to him, I felt someone suddenly pushing me!

Caught off guard, I fell backward.

I choked on the frigid river water. I struggled to stand up, but the sharp rocks cut me and left streaks of red.

The bandage on my left hand was unravelling. My wound was submerged in the water. It started to ooze pus.

In the dark night, Julian stared down at me.

“Scarlett.”

He sounded calm, but I felt extremely cold.

“You’re not the same as Chloe. Know your place.

“This necklace is to compensate you, but it also serves as a warning. When you realize what you did wrong, you’re allowed to leave.”