Chapter 1

Julian and I had been tearing each other apart for six years, a constant war fought both in the open and in the shadows.

His cruelty had driven my mother to fall, leaving her paralyzed. In return, I leaked confidential information that led to his bankruptcy.

Everyone expected us to be locked in this cycle of torment forever.

When we met again, he had already made a spectacular comeback, effortlessly fielding reporters' questions.

"Back in college, we all joked about finding love at 18, getting married by 25, and having a kid before 28. Julian, how far along are you?"

"Almost engaged."

"Wow, you're definitely ahead of the game!"

I twirled the ring on my left hand. Funny, I'd already hit all three milestones myself.

The girl who walked in was Julian’s fiancée.

She was young, beautiful, and polite.

She gave a polite nod to everyone, including me, before settling beside Julian.

He didn’t look at her, though. His gaze was fixed solely on me.

I could feel the probing glances from everyone around us, sharp and curious.

In the past, Julian and I had created enough public drama to make our story a household name.

I picked up my bag and started to leave.

The two people next to me, however, clearly thought I was about to storm the stage and claw that girl's face off.

They instinctively held me back.

I raised an eyebrow at them.

"Ah, haha, Ava, where are you going?"

"Restroom."

"Oh, haha, alright."

They chuckled nervously, settling back into their seats.

Before I left, I overheard their whispered comments.

"Two years, and Ava's definitely reined in her temper."

"Seriously, I almost died of fright. Given her old personality, she'd have been up there clawing Chloe's face to ribbons, wouldn't she?"

"Still can't let him go after two years. She sees Chloe and immediately has to escape, can't stand to be in the same room."

"Since nothing's happening, tell them to pull back security."

Only when I stepped outside did I see the two rows of bodyguards standing by the door.

They looked a little tense when they saw me.

The one in charge tapped his earpiece, then motioned his team to stand down.

I sat on the outdoor lawn, calling my daughter.

She was telling me a new story she'd learned today.

Julian’s interview also moved outside.

We always found each other in a crowd.

"Mr. Julian, regarding your previous bankruptcy, do you have anything to say to the person responsible?"

He chuckled softly, looking at the camera.

"I saw her today. Her eyes are still as beautiful as ever. If I get the chance, I’ll personally gouge them out and make them into a necklace for my fiancée."

Everyone present was stunned by his words.

It was just a cruel threat, nothing out of the ordinary after six years of us hating each other's guts.

"So, did you take any revenge back then?"

"Does crippling her mother count?"

I casually swirled my drink, watching a children's story on my phone, gently coaxing my daughter to sleep.

My utterly nonchalant attitude clearly infuriated Julian.

Or perhaps, between the two of us, no reason was needed to wish for the other's agonizing demise.

Julian sat down beside me, one finger pressing against my phone.

He glanced at it, then let out a snicker.

"Still pushing that 'zen' act, huh? Maybe a mindfulness podcast would be more your speed."

Julian gestured to the person behind him. "Chloe, this is Ava, our former class president from college."

Chloe smiled sweetly, extending her hand towards me.

"Ava, it's so lovely to meet you! I'm Chloe, Julian's fiancée."

While they were all anticipating me to completely lose my mind,

I simply offered a casual, "Hi there."