Chapter 4

"Psycho!" I cursed inwardly.

Back home, I checked my phone and saw dozens of missed calls from Chloe. I dialed back, and her anxious voice blared through the speaker.

"Georgia! You finally picked up! Julian didn't hit you, did he? You have no idea how terrifying he looked the second he threw that door open last night."

He did more than hit me.

"I can't believe you betrayed me and handed me right over to him," I grumbled. "I am never trusting you again, you traitor. I'm so mad."

"Oh, come on, my beautiful princess, forgive me just this once! I promise I'll fight to the bitter end next time. But seriously... Two single people, an empty room, pure sparks... Did anything happen?"

"Forgive me this once, please. I promise I'll fight harder next time. By the way, you two were alone all night. Did anything happen?"

"Say one more word and see what happens."

"Alright, alright! I'll drop it."

"You're accompanying me to London tomorrow to clear my head."

"Anything for you, sweetheart."

...

The moment we got off the plane, I received a call from my mom.

"Honey, where are you off to now?"

"Chloe and I just landed in London. Don't worry, Mom. I'll take care of myself. Love you."

"Wait. Julian's grandfather wants to set the two of you up. If you don't object, I'll go ahead and say yes for you."

"What? How am I just hearing about something this massive? And Mom, I don't even like him anymore. I'm not marrying him. Didn't you guys always tell me he's a senior? We're practically different generations."

"Why not? You were obsessed with him when you were a kid. I know you better than you know yourself. We disagreed back then, so you wouldn't get distracted from your studies. You're all grown up now, and he isn't much older. Anyway, don't worry about it. Just enjoy your trip. Bye!"

"Wait! Mom? Mom!"

The line went dead.

"What's wrong?" Chloe asked, shifting her luggage beside me. "Who don't you like?"

I sighed. "Nothing. Let's go."

"Oh, right, I have something to report. My dad has a banquet tonight, but he's tied up with work. Since we're already in London, he wants me to fill in for him. Come with me, please."

"Can't exactly say no to family obligations. Alright, let's go together."

"You're the best."

...

That night, accompanied by elegant classical music, a glamorous crowd mingled and clinked glasses in the grand ballroom. The atmosphere was perfectly harmonious.

Glancing around casually, my eyes suddenly snagged on a man holding court in the center of a small crowd. I couldn't see his face clearly, but my gut immediately screamed that it was Julian.

"Chloe, look over there. That guy looks like Julian."

"Where? I didn't see him. Relax, what are the odds he'd randomly be in London at the same time?"

"I know, but I just have this inescapable feeling..."

"Come on, what did he do to give you this much trauma?"

"Nothing. Maybe I'm just seeing things."

Right then, a smooth voice sounded behind me. "Georgia."

Chloe and I exchanged horrified glances. Yes, pure horror.

"W-What a small world!" I said with an overly flattering smile.

Julian looked down at me, his gaze unreadable. "Actually, I made this special trip to take you back for our wedding."