Chapter 4

The following evening, Julian showed up with Vivian.

This time, he had brought Diane with him. He had even called one of our neighbors over to “settle the matter.”

The moment Vivian stepped inside, she lowered her head, twisting the hem of her shirt between her fingers.

“Cora, I’m really sorry.

“I really don’t want this house. I know your parents bought it for you.

“I just… I don’t know where else to go.”

Her eyes were red, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

“Julian insisted on bringing me here, but I really don’t want to be the reason you two break up.”

I almost laughed.

If she really didn’t want to come, did Julian force her to come here?

Julian stood beside her, looking at me with nothing but disappointment and resolve.

“Cora, listen to how considerate Vivian is.

“She’d rather be left homeless than pressure you.

“But I can’t live with myself if I fail to repay the people who helped me.

“So I’m going to make this clear.

“If you insist on refusing to transfer the house, then we’re not getting married.

“But I’m giving this house to Vivian no matter what.

“Even if we break up, I’m still transferring it to her.

“This is a debt I owe her father. It has nothing to do with whether we get married.”

Diane wiped her tears and nodded beside him.

“That’s right, Cora. Julian is doing this so he can live with a clear conscience.

“Just let him do it. Don’t force him to become a man who turns his back on those who helped him.”

Our neighbor chimed in as well.

“Sweetheart, it’s just one house. Don’t be so hung up on it.”

“Julian’s a good man. Don’t push him too hard.”

I looked around at everyone in the room and couldn’t help but find it ridiculous.

Apparently, if I refused, I was the one standing in the way of Julian repaying his debt.

I said nothing. I simply stared coldly at him.

“Julian, you disgust me.

“You can’t give away this house, and you’re not setting foot in here again.”

I pointed toward the door, making it clear they needed to leave.

Julian gave me one long look before taking Vivian’s hand and walking out with her.

I thought the whole ridiculous spectacle was finally over.

I was wrong.

Two hours later, Vivian stood outside the building with two large suitcases.

Julian was beside her, making a phone call.

Not long afterward, my doorbell rang.

I didn’t answer.

Then I heard a key turning in the lock.

It was the spare key I’d given Julian so he could come and go during the renovations.

The door opened.

Julian wheeled Vivian’s suitcases inside.

I stood in the bedroom doorway, staring at them.

“You’re trespassing.”

Julian set the suitcases down in the middle of the living room, completely unfazed.

“Cora, don’t make it sound worse than it is.

“Vivian has nowhere to go, and she can’t afford a hotel.

“Let her stay in the guest room tonight.

“As for the house, come find me when you’ve finally changed your mind about the transfer.”

With that, he actually opened the guest-room door.

Vivian stood there, looking at me with an innocent, helpless expression.

“Cora, just for tonight. I’ll find a place tomorrow.

“Just one night.”

Julian looked at me with growing impatience.

“Cora, stop getting in the way.

“Vivian, go put your things in the guest room. That room gets the best light.

“You’re staying here tonight. There’s no need to waste money on a hotel.”

Vivian gave me a timid glance and lowered her head, but the lightness in her step betrayed her.

She had clearly already started treating my home as her own.

I rushed over and grabbed the handle of one of her suitcases.

“Who permitted you to come in here?

“Get out. Right now!”

Julian slapped my hand away, the force making my wrist throb.

“Cora, what the hell is wrong with you?

“This house is supposed to be our home. I’m your fiancée.

“We’re getting married next week. This is my home too.

“So what if I bring a friend here for one night?

“Even after we get married, this house will belong to both of us.

“I have every right to decide who comes through this door.”

As he spoke, he continued pushing Vivian farther inside, completely ignoring my protests.

I stared at the two shameless people who had forced their way into my home, the anger inside me finally boiling over.

I pulled out my phone and, right in front of Julian, dialed 911.

“Hello, I’d like to report a trespasser. Someone has entered my home without my permission.”