Chapter 2

Julian kissed my forehead in satisfaction.

“Such a good girl.”

He leaned against the headboard, his gaze distant.

“If only your sister were as compliant as you.”

A sharp, tearing pain spread through my chest.

I didn't reply, just quietly got up to get dressed.

Julian suddenly grabbed my wrist.

His grip was too strong, making me wince in pain.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“What should I say?”

I whispered.

He scoffed, letting go of my hand and falling back onto the bed.

“Before your sister left the country, she asked me to take good care of you.”

My pupils constricted.

The ache in my heart became sharper, clearer.

The only reason I could stay by his side was because Victoria, my sister, had granted it to me.

Of course. In Julian’s eyes, I was just a replacement for her.

“Your sister is always like this. She’s soft-hearted with everyone else, but always so cruel to me.”

Julian’s voice carried a hint of wistfulness and an undeniable fondness.

I tried to go to the bathroom, but he grabbed my hand again.

“Stay with me a little longer.”

Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating his handsome profile.

I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him.

My sister had accidentally spilled hot coffee on his hand.

His hand was red and scalded, but he just smiled and said,

“It’s okay, as long as you’re not burned.”

“Hmph, I wasn’t going to apologize anyway. You rich people are all so arrogant and self-centered.”

I was startled and wanted to apologize.

But Julian seemed even more interested.

“You hate me?”

“Yes, I hate spoiled rich kids like you who have nothing better to do all day.”

My sister let out a soft huff and stomped her foot.

Julian just laughed.

I shrank behind my sister, watching the amusement and indulgence in his eyes.

Only one thought ran through my mind: he… he’s actually a good person.

Later, I found out he had fallen for my sister at first sight.

And when he spoke of it, he didn’t even remember I was standing right behind her.

My thoughts snapped back to the present.

I saw Julian.

He lit a cigarette and spoke.

“I’ve already arranged for your father’s ongoing treatment.”

“Thank you,” I nodded.

“No need to be so polite.”

He exhaled smoke.

Through the hazy smoke, his gaze fell on my face.

“If you want to thank anyone, thank your sister. I’m only willing to look after your family because of her.”

…

The sound of running water filled the bathroom. I poured cold water over my head, trying to suppress the sobs rising in my throat.

When I came out, he was still there, which surprised me a little.

Julian leaned against the doorframe, fiddling with his phone.

“Tomorrow, I’m picking up your sister. Arrange my schedule for me.”

“Okay.”

He suddenly walked over, picked up a towel, and began to dry my hair.

His movements were clumsy, pulling at my scalp. It stung.

I closed my eyes, not struggling.

Noticing my furrowed brows, he finally softened his touch.

“Sorry, I’ve never done this before… I just wanted to learn, so I can dry your sister’s hair later.”

“It’s fine. Just be a bit gentler, or Victoria will get mad at you.”

I said, forcing a smile.

He hummed softly, and his movements did indeed become much gentler.

The next day at the airport.

I followed Julian early in the morning to pick up my sister.

Victoria emerged in a vibrant red dress, captivating and radiant.

Everyone’s eyes were drawn to her.

Including Julian’s, beside me.

He practically sprinted forward, taking her luggage.

“Are you tired?”

His tone was one I had never heard him use before—so gentle.

My sister gave a casual “Hmm,” her gaze sweeping over the crowd and landing on me, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

“Lily, you came too?”

“Victoria, long time no see.”

I stepped forward to greet her, my smile polite but distant.

On the way back, my sister sat in the passenger seat.

Julian occasionally turned to chat and laugh with her.

He had never been so talkative with me.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly from the weather abroad to mundane daily gossip, trivial yet natural.

I sat in the back seat, like an invisible person who didn’t exist at all.