pter 26: An Olive Branch
As Chloe was walking toward the exit, something overhead suddenly shifted, and a loud scream pierced the air. Before Chloe could react, someone shoved her hard, pushing her out of harm’s way.
“Are you okay?” a familiar voice asked.
In that split second, Julian had instinctively rushed over to protect Chloe, pulling her into safety just as a large scaffolding crashed to the ground with a deafening sound. The noise startled everyone nearby, but thanks to Julian’s quick response, Chloe was unhurt. It was a close call, and the crowd murmured with relief, realizing how serious the situation could have been.
Julian glanced back at the fallen scaffolding, his heart still racing. But bef
could say anything more, Chloe had already freed herself from his grasp and stepped away, putting distance between them.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice cool and detached.
Julian turned to look at her, but all he saw was a pair of cold, indifferent eyes staring back at him. Their conversations had been reduced to these few words “thank you” and “you’re welcome“-and nothing more. Gone were the days of warmth between them.
“Is that all you have to say to me?” Julian asked, not willing to let it go just yet.
Chloe frowned slightly. What else was there to say? To her, their relationship had dwindled down to these formalities. They had nothing left to talk about.
Taking advantage of the moment, Julian stepped closer, his gaze intense. “Why did you block me?” he demanded.
Chloe looked at him, surprised. She had deleted and blocked him after their breakup. It wasn’t the first time they had fought and blocked each other during arguments. But this time was different–she meant it. She had made up her mind to move on, and cutting off all contact felt like the right decision.
In the past, Chloe had always been the one to make amends, to reach out and smooth things over. But now, she was serious about ending things for good. There was no turning back.
“That’s a strange question,” Chloe said. “We’ve broken up. Isn’t it normal to delete your ex’s number?”
Julian clenched his jaw, clearly frustrated by her answer. But he offered her a way out, trying to salvage the conversation. “When are you going to add me back?” he asked, his tone almost pleading.
“Never,” Chloe replied softly, lowering her eyes to hide the sadness welling up inside her.
Julian felt a sting in his chest. Her rejection hit him hard, especially since he had extended an olive branch, only for her to turn him down. “This is the only time I’m offering you a way out,” he warned, his voice hardening. “If you don’t take it now, don’t blame me for what happens next.”
Chloe couldn’t help but laugh at his words, but it was a bitter, mocking laugh. Before she could respond, the crowd surged forward, separating them. Julian instinctively reached out, trying to grab her hand, but she slipped away into the throng of people, disappearing from his sight.
By then, Layla had caught up to Julian, clutching his hand tightly. She had seen them talking and was seething with jealousy, fearing that Julian might run after Chloe. She held on to him for dear life, refusing to let go.
Let’s get out of here,” Layla said in a shaky voice. “This place is too scary, and I’m really frightened. Please don’t leave me here, okay?”
Her pitiful tone softened Julian’s resolve. Soon, the staff had resolved the technical issues, and the
Chapter 26: An Olive Branch
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visitors were calmly being ushered out of the haunted house. Chloe managed to slip out ahead of them, avoiding Julian’s gaze, while he remained indifferent toward Layla.
Outside, Mia had been waiting anxiously. She had heard about the malfunction and had been worried sick about Chloe. If it weren’t for the staff holding her back, she would have rushed inside to find her friend.
After what felt like an eternity, Chloe finally emerged from the haunted house, much to Mia’s relief. She ran over to Chloe, looking her up and down to make sure she was unharmed.
“Are you okay?” Mia asked, her voice filled with concern. “I nearly lost my mind when I heard there was a problem in there.”
“I’m fine,” Chloe reassured her with a tired smile. “Let’s just get out of here.”
Today had been far from the relaxing day Chloe had hoped for. Instead it had been a series of stressful events, and she was more than ready to head home.
Mia, seeing how exhausted Chloe was, didn’t argue. But just as they were about to leave, Mia spotted Julian and Layla exiting the haunted house together.
“Ugh, look at that. Of all the bad luck, we had to run into them,” Mia muttered, rolling her eyes.
“Just ignore them. Let’s go,” Chloe said calmly.
As they walked away, Mia couldn’t stop grumbling about everything that had happened. But then, something seemed to click in her mind, and she turned to Chloe with a mischievous look in her eyes.
“Wait, I just had an idea,” Mia said, grabbing Chloe’s arm. “You can’t leave yet. I’m not done showing you a good time!”
Before Chloe could protest, Mia dragged her toward a bustling nightclub nearby. Chloe, feeling completely out of place, followed along without resistance, unsure of what was happening.
Inside the club, the air was thick with the smell of alcohol and cigarettes, and the flashing lights made Chloe feel disoriented. The music was loud and pounding, a stark contrast to her usual quiet life. People danced wildly on the floor, their bodies moving to the rhythm of a heavy rock song blaring from the speakers.
Chloe felt uncomfortable in the chaotic atmosphere. She stood out in her casual outfit, surrounded by people dressed in bold, revealing clothing. It was clear this wasn’t her scene.
