For the past two days, Serena had been waiting for Julian Thorne.
But Julian hadn’t called or even sent her a ssage.
This left Serena feeling increasingly uneasy, panicked, and afraid.
As a result, her temper soured.
It got to the point where even Ethan Yardley didn’t dare show his face, for fear of upsetting her further.
He could only have Mrs. Miller give him regular updates on Serena’s condition.
On Friday, Julian Thorne finally returned to pick Serena up.
The car stopped at the villa’s entrance. He glanced at Ethan Yardley beside him. "I’ll go in and get her."
"Mm."
Ethan Yardley replied flatly, his gaze drifting toward the villa, in the direction of Serena’s room.
Julian Thorne got out of the car and went into the villa.
When he reached Serena’s room, he knocked.
Serena’s head was throbbing. She had been lying in bed all day, not wanting to go anywhere or talk to anyone.
She didn’t answer when she heard the knock.
But the door was unlocked, so Julian pushed it open and ca inside.
When Serena saw it was him, she said resentfully,
"What are you even doing back here? You might as well just stay with your film crew."
Julian Thorne knew he had been giving her the cold shoulder for the past two days.
’But I had to.’
’I’m already starting to lose control of my feelings.’
’Besides, I’m planning to leave her and let Ethan Yardley take my place.’
’So, after two more days with her, I’ll just disappear.’
"I’m sorry. I was filming in the mountains, and the reception was terrible."
Julian smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking Serena’s hand. He coaxed her gently, "Don’t be mad, Serena, okay?"
"Hmph! I am angry. Not coming back is one thing, but you hung up on and didn’t even text."
’Does he have any idea that I’ve been having nightmares in the middle of the night?’
’I wake up startled every ti with tears streaming down my face, and my heart just aches.’
’But I can never rember what I was dreaming about that made wake up crying.’
"Then what can I do to make my Serena forgive ?"
Julian gently stroked her hair, watching her pout. ’She’s actually kind of cute when she’s sulking,’ he thought.
"Are you back to take on that trip?"
’Since we’re married,’ Serena thought, ’there’s no need to fight with him over every little thing.’
’Marriage is all about mutual understanding and compromise, after all.’
’How else could it last?’
"Of course. I promised I’d take you on a trip. But now you’re mad at , so I guess you don’t want to go anymore?"
Julian feigned a look of disappointnt.
Serena imdiately sat up. "Who says I don’t? I’m going."
Getting out of bed, she reached for his hand. "Let’s go."
Julian was speechless.
As he watched Serena take his hand of her own accord, his heart suddenly fluttered.
He even flushed, his heart starting to beat erratically.
He did his best to suppress it, letting her lead him out the door.
When Ethan Yardley saw Serena erge holding Julian Thorne’s hand, a sharp pang of jealousy, as bitter as aged vinegar, shot through his heart.
His chiseled, handso face darkened, becoming as cold as ancient ice. A murderous aura emanated from him, making his expression utterly terrifying.
Julian knew Ethan would be affected.
He deliberately avoided looking at him, let go of Serena’s hand, and got into the back seat.
Noticing Ethan Yardley was also there, Serena leaned toward Julian and whispered,
"What’s going on? Why did you invite him along again?"
Julian explained in a low voice, "He just went through a breakup and is in a bad mood, so I thought I’d bring him along to help him clear his head."
"But this is so awkward. What about Nina and her husband?"
"They left earlier. The three of us will follow after them."
"Alright, then."
Serena didn’t feel she could say anything more, so she just scooted as close to Julian as possible, trying to avoid any contact with the other man.
Ethan sat on Serena’s other side, bolt upright and expressionless.
Just as the car was about to pull away, Julian suddenly got a phone call.
The next mont, he was out of the car again, putting his phone away as he spoke to Serena.
"Serena, you go on ahead with Ethan. I have sothing urgent to take care of. I’ll catch up with you guys as soon as I’m done."
With that, Julian quickly told the driver to go.
Serena leaned out the car window, yelling angrily, "Why? You promised you’d go with ! How can you back out again?"
As the car drove off, Julian stood in place, waving to those inside.
"I’ll drive over in a little while! You guys go on ahead! I just need to take care of this first!"
"Then I’ll go with you! What’s the big idea, leaving with soone else?"
Serena was furious now. As Julian grew more distant, she angrily tried to push the car door open to get out.
Ethan quickly grabbed her hand. "It’s dangerous," he said in a low voice.
Serena shoved at the door, but it wouldn’t budge.
She poked her head out the window again, but Julian was gone. Her eyes reddened with anger.
’I’ve had a bad feeling for the past two days.’
’I feel like Julian has been deliberately avoiding .’
’And now this. He promised to take on a trip, but he won’t even ride with . He’s definitely hiding sothing.’
As a thought struck her, Serena suddenly turned to Ethan beside her and asked,
"Are you and my Julian close?"
Ethan fought to suppress the ache in his chest and nodded. "Yes, we’re quite close."
"Then do you know why he’s been away so much lately? Why does it feel like he doesn’t care about anymore?"
Ethan looked at her and explained, "He’s probably just busy with work."
"No, I think he’s having an affair."
Serena suddenly grabbed Ethan’s arm, her voice tight with anxiety.
"He’s an actor, he must et tons of beautiful won every day. And he’s so handso... He’s definitely seeing soone else."
"Uncle, tell , what do I do? What am I supposed to do if he’s really fallen for soone else?"
’My gut is telling Julian is definitely up to sothing.’
The more Serena thought about it, the more agitated she beca.
Ethan patted her hand, comforting her in a low voice. "He wouldn’t. Don’t overthink it. And if he really is seeing soone else... then you should just let him go."
"What are you talking about?"
Serena suddenly recoiled from Ethan and yelled,
"Julian is so good to ! He saved , paid for my education, and even married !
I love him. I’m not giving up on him."
Seeing Serena getting agitated, Ethan worried she was becoming distressed again.
Ethan quickly tried to placate her. "Okay, don’t get upset. I’ll have soone look into it for you."
"Really?"
Serena cald down and stared at Ethan, pressing him. "You’ll really help , Uncle?"
Ethan t her gaze, not looking away for a second. He nodded. "I will."
"Thank you."
Ethan replied, his heart aching, "You’re welco."
’You silly girl. I’m the one who paid for your education.’
’I’m the one you love.’
’Have you really erased from your mory completely?’
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