Chapter 4

Except for my fake amnesia, my physical injuries weren't severe.

At my request, my mom handled the discharge papers and took me home.

Up until the day I left the hospital, I never saw Julian again.

It was an unspoken agreement. No one mentioned him in front of me.

My forgetting him was a blessing the entire Sterling family was incredibly grateful for.

After all, the elite Sterling family couldn't afford a scandal about a twisted girl who fell in love with her own brother.

On the day I got home, my mom and the chef prepared a massive feast. Julian showed up too.

At the dinner table, Julian was a carbon copy of our stern, silent father.

He kept his head down, acting mature and composed, not saying a single unnecessary word.

Only my mom kept talking, trying to make me feel comfortable.

But every time my eyes accidentally drifted toward Julian, she would tense up.

I suppose the trauma of her adopted daughter falling in love with her biological son had left a deep scar.

I felt a pang of guilt, which only solidified my decision.

"Mom, Dad, I want to go to grad school in London."

The moment those words left my mouth, all clinking of silverware stopped.

In my peripheral vision, I felt Julian's pitch-black eyes locking onto me.

My body stiffened, but I didn't look at him.

My mom put down her fork, looking puzzled. "Why the sudden decision to study abroad?"

"I just want to further my education."

Honestly, when I graduated high school, my parents wanted to send me abroad. But back then, I only wanted to stay by Julian's side.

"Well, if that's what you want, I..."

Before my mom could finish, a deep voice cut her off.

"No."

Everyone looked at Julian. His face was expressionless, but his throat bobbed with difficulty.

"Mom, Haley just got out of the hospital. She hasn't fully recovered, and her memory is still hazy. Are you really comfortable sending her across the world right now?"

My mom nodded, turning to persuade me.

I offered a reassuring smile. "I'm not leaving tomorrow. It's only July. I wouldn't leave until September at the earliest. Mom, please let me go."

My mom had always spoiled me. But that affection was never pure.

Every time she looked at me, I felt like she was looking at someone else through me.

Probably her poor, deceased child.

She hesitated, glancing at Julian, but eventually, she sighed. "Alright, sweetheart."

She told me to pick a university soon so she could make the arrangements.

"Are you really that desperate to leave?"

Julian spoke, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Julian, you wanted to get rid of me so badly. Now that I'm leaving, shouldn't you be thrilled?

I smiled. "Don't worry, Julian. I'll make sure to fly back for your wedding."

He froze. His grip on his fork tightened until his knuckles turned white. A flash of pure fury crossed his eyes before vanishing.

"Do whatever you want."