Chapter 46: This Time, It’s Serious
After Wyatt left, Matthew turned to Chloe, his excitement unmistakable, a stark contrast to the tension on his face just moments ago.
“Wow, that was Professor Wyatt! I’ve attended his lectures before, and he’s amazing. He explains things so clearly, and I always get it right away. My roommate tried to get into his class, but it was impossible. I heard most of the spots get snatched up by the girls.”
Chloe smiled. It wasn’t surprising–Wyatt was not only brilliant but also handsome, which naturally made his classes quite popular among female students.
As Wyatt rounded the corner, he paused, glancing back at Chloe and Matthew. He thought for a moment, recalling that the boy’s name was Matthew. Were they dating? Wyatt was curious, but ultimately, it wasn’t his business.
After saying goodbye to Matthew and taking out the trash, Chloe was suddenly grabbed by the wrist. Startled, she nearly screamed, but then she heard a familiar voice.
“Well, well, Chloe. I see you’ve been busy. Another man so soon?”
Relieved at recognizing the voice, Chloe relaxed slightly. But before she could respond, Julian’s voice turned angrier.
“I saw you both go upstairs and stay there for quite some time. What were you doing?”
Chloe’s expression hardened, her eyes cold. What did he mean by that?
She didn’t answer, which only made Julian tighten his grip on her wrist, making her wince in pain.
“Let go of me!”
“Why should I? Tell me, what were you two doing up there for so long?” Julian’s voice was on the verge of losing control, frustration and jealousy pouring out.
Chloe furrowed her brow from the pain. “We’re no longer together. Who I’m with and what I do is none of your business.”
“As your ex, I think I have the right to show some concern about how you’re living your life.”
Chloe laughed bitterly, ignoring the pain in her wrist. “Oh, so you remember you’re my ex? If that’s the case, then act like one. Haven’t you heard? A good ex should be like they’re dead.”
Julian’s face darkened with fury. But before he could say more, a loud voice interrupted them from nearby. “Who parks their car here? Do they think no one else needs to use the road? No–manners at all–people like that will never have a happy life!*
The voice came from a passerby complaining about the car parked in the alley. Chloe glanced at the vehicle and recognized it as Julian’s. He must’ve been here for a while, but she didn’t care about that right
now.
She yanked her hand free, rubbing her wrist. “Listen carefully, Julian. We’re done. Whether I’m with one man or ten, it’s none of your business. We’ve broken up Stop interfering in my life.”
She paused, her voice growing firm. “The past happened and can’t be changed. But as for now and the future, we’re nothing. Let’s act like strangers from here on out. Don’t even bother saying hello if we meet. What you’re doing now is only going to make your future girlfriend misunderstand you.”
Chloe took a deep breath, her tone softening just slightly. “I hope you and Layla are happy together. But
stop bothering me.”
With that, Chloe turned and walked away. She had endured enough pain in the past and didn’t want Layla to go through the same. But ultimately, it wasn’t her problem anymore.
JJulian stood frozen, watching as Chloe disappeared from sight. He couldn’t find the words to stop her. His outstretched hand hovered in the air, unable to act. A wave of panic hit him as he realized he had lost. something precious–something he couldn’t get back.
“Are you really serious this time?” Julian muttered to himself, unsure why he was even asking.
Chloe didn’t turn back and only walked faster. “Yes, I’m serious.”
Julian suddenly realized this was different. They’d had fights before, but this time felt final. It wasn’t just a fight. They had truly reached the end, and there was no going back.
He had initiated the breakup, but now, he was the one letting go. Chloe was simply following through on his own decision. What right did he have to stop her?
Chloe returned home and sat on the couch, feeling strangely calm. Running into Julian hadn’t surprised her–there was unfinished business between them, and now it felt like they had truly said goodbye.
Back in the alley, Julian stood for a long time, his mind replaying the image of Chloe walking away. His feet went numb before he finally got back into his car, ignoring the angry mutterings of passersby as he drove off.
When Julian arrived home, Megan was cleaning the house. Hearing the door, she greeted him, but Julian rushed upstairs without a word. His urgency left Megan worried, sensing something bad had happened. Julian headed straight to the closet–Chloe’s old closet. After she had left, no one had touched it. Everything was still there: the expensive gifts, the jewelry he had given her, all neatly arranged.
It created an illusion that Chloe might come back, as if nothing had changed. But then Julian saw a bracelet lying in th
jewelry box, and for some reason, tears welled up in his eyes.
