Chapter 27: Pursuing Chloe
Mia was quite familiar with the nightclub, and she immediately led Chloe to a private room upstairs. Once settled, she ordered several drinks, some with low alcohol content and others with higher.
Chloe wasn’t used to drinking much, and after a couple of sips, her head started to feel light. She decided to go to the restroom to clear her mind.
Meanwhile, Mia was getting increasingly excited, though it was unclear exactly what she was excited
about.
“I’m going to the restroom,” Chloe said.
“Sure, go ahead. Just come back soon!” Mia replied, barely paying atter vibe.
Is she got more into the party
Chloe went to the restroom and, on her way out, unexpectedly ran into Daniel. Among Julian’s circle of friends, Chloe was most familiar with Adam. She didn’t have much interaction with the others, so her relationship with Daniel could only be described as acquaintances at best.
Chloe gave Daniel a polite nod and turned to leave, but Daniel, surprised to see her here, called out.
He had come out with his buddies for drinks and had never expected to run into Chloe. It felt like a coincidence too good to pass up. After looking her over, noticing her flushed cheeks from the alcohol, he couldn’t resist striking up a conversation.
“What a coincidence! Are you here alone, or did you come with friends?”
“Why don’t you join us? I’ll call Julian over as well; he’s probably here with you, right?”
Daniel naturally assumed Chloe was with Julian. His assumption caused Chloe’s polite smile to fade. Why did everyone associate her with Julian the moment they saw her? Couldn’t she exist outside of that relationship?
“I’m with other friends, thanks,” she replied coolly. “Enjoy your night; I’m heading back.”
As she began to walk away, Daniel stopped her again, his tone strange enough that it gave Chloe pause. She didn’t want to engage, but she also didn’t want to cause a scene.
“What is it?”
“Nothing much,” Daniel said, smirking slightly. “I just wanted to know if you really broke up with Julian for good this time. Was it serious, or is there something else going on?”
The way he looked at her felt off, but Chloe didn’t dwell on it. She simply nodded in affirmation. “Yes, it’s for real. There’s no turning back.”
“Alright, good to know,” Daniel responded, flashing a smile that left Chloe slightly puzzled.
Not wanting to stick around, Chloe turned and left. But as she walked away, Daniel quickly snapped a photo of her retreating figure, then sent it to the group chat with Julian’s friends, not entirely sure why he did it but thinking it was amusing.
**[Guess who I just ran into?]**
Adam, always quick to respond, was first to reply: **[Man, you’re fast. How’d you bump into her?]**
**[Which bar? Tell me the place, I’m coming over for some fun.]** William chimed in, eager to join in the
excitement.
**[It’s our usual spot. But hey, Julian, why so quiet?]** Daniel teased.
Chapter 27 Pursuing Chice
2/2
At the time, Julian was sitting in a restaurant with Layla. His mood had been calm, and Layla had been talking non–stop without noticing his indifference. But when he saw the picture in the group chat, his expression changed.
Layla, noticing the sudden shift, cautiously asked, “What’s wrong, darling?”
Julian barely acknowledged her, typing a quick reply into the group chat: **[Why does it matter where I am? And why should I care where she is?]**
Daniel’s next message seemed to prod at Julian’s feelings: **[Looks like this breakup is the real deal, huh? 1**
Julian gritted his teeth, his pride wounded, but he refused to back down. **[Of course, it is.]**
After a pause, Daniel sent another provoking message: **[So, if s one were to pursue Chloe now, you wouldn’t mind, right?]**
William, sensing the drama, jumped in: **[You’re joking, right? Are you really going to go after her?]** Daniel’s eyes darkened, a slight smile tugging at his lips. **[Why not? Is that a problem?]**
**[This is hilarious!]** William responded, thinking Daniel was just messing around. No one took the suggestion seriously–not even Julian.
**[If you can, go ahead and try,]** Julian replied, not realizing the significance of his words.
Daniel didn’t reply further but saved the screenshot of Julian’s message, then quietly put his phone away. He was curious whether Julian would regret this decision later. By then, it wouldn’t matter.
11
After dinner, Julian drove Layla back to her dorm. As they reached her building, she seemed reluctant to
part ways.
“Darling, I had such an amazing birthday thanks to you. I’ll always remember it,” she said, clutching his hand tightly. “I hate that we have to say goodbye. Don’t you wish we could spend more time together?” Layla, though young, had a sweetness and innocence in her voice that tugged at Julian’s heartstrings. She smiled brightly, and for a moment, Julian felt a brief pang of emotion.
He patted her head softly. “It’s late, and we’ve had a long day. Get some rest. You have classes tomorrow.
Pouting slightly, Layla reluctantly agreed. “Alright. Goodnight.”
After seeing Layla safely inside, Julian got back in his car. As he drove, his thoughts drifted to the photo Daniel had sent. Before he knew it, he found himself heading toward the bar where his friends were.
It started raining as he drove, the red and green lights of the traffic signals blending with the mist on his windshield. While waiting at a stoplight, Julian glanced at the back seat and noticed a familiar blanket draped over it.
Chloe had bought that blanket. She used to complain that the air conditioning in his car was too cold, so she’d purchased it herself. Since their breakup, no one had used it–until Layla had found it and started using it recently.
The memory stirred something in Julian, a reminder of how intertwined their lives had once been.
hapter 28 Betraying a Brother
