Chapter 4

I hung up. The Sterling family group chat was blowing up with new notifications.

Julian’s mother had posted nine photos with the caption: [Finally met the lovely Melody whom Julian always talks about. So elegant and polite. No wonder everyone adores her.]

The photos were from an exclusive Sterling family brunch. Melody sat right next to Victoria Sterling, and Julian was leaning in to serve her food.

Victoria Sterling messaged me privately soon after: [Stella, Melody has traveled a long way back. We are just hosting her. Don't overthink this. A Sterling bride needs to show some class.]

I replied: [Mrs. Sterling, Julian and I are over. The wedding is canceled.]

She called me immediately, her voice sharp and demanding. "What is wrong with you? Julian is willing to settle down and marry you, which is already giving your family plenty of face."

I put the phone on speaker on the table and continued taping my boxes.

She tried to suppress her rage. "Melody is Julian’s first love. It’s normal for a man to have a past. If you hold on too tight, you’ll only push him away."

I said, "Then let him go."

The line went quiet for a moment before Victoria sneered. "Don't you dare regret this. The Vance family has accepted so many of our favors. If we make this public, your family will be the one begging for mercy."

I hung up, throwing every plush toy, couple’s mug, and photo album Julian had ever given me into a heavy-duty trash bag.

At the bottom of the closet sat a half-knitted grey sweater.

I had been knitting it for Julian. His hands always got freezing cold in the winter.

I grabbed the end of the yarn and pulled. The wool unraveled around my feet, looking exactly like the boundaries I had repeatedly compromised over the last three years.

The donation truck arrived quickly. The driver lifted the heavy bags and asked, "Are you sure you don't want any of this, miss?"

I nodded. "None of it. Throw it away or recycle it."

The apartment slowly emptied out until only the spare key was left hanging by the door.

Suddenly, the lock clicked.

The door swung open, and Julian walked in, pushing two large pink suitcases.

Julian scanned the empty living room, his brow furrowing. "Why is this place so empty?"

Melody peeked out from behind him, still holding the cat, her voice timid. "Stella, am I intruding?"

Julian pushed the suitcases inside, his tone completely matter-of-fact. "The pipes burst in her apartment. It's not safe for a single girl to stay in a hotel. She's going to stay here with us for a few days."

I asked, "In which room?"

Julian pushed the bags toward the master bedroom. "Melody has trouble sleeping in unfamiliar places. She'll take the master bedroom. Go clean up the guest room."

Melody quickly grabbed his sleeve. "Julian, don't. Stella will be upset. I can just sleep on the couch."

Julian patted her hand to comfort her. "Your health is delicate. Don't make yourself suffer."

He looked at me, his eyes cold. "You're going to be the mistress of this house anyway. Can’t you be a little generous?"

"This isn't my house."

Julian’s face relaxed slightly. "At least you know that. I paid for this penthouse. Just because you picked out some furniture doesn't mean you get to make the rules."

I reached out and took the keys off the hook. The metal felt ice-cold against my palm.

Melody said softly, "Stella, don't misunderstand. Julian is just worried about me. You're still the most important person to him."

I looked at her. "Was the movie you guys saw last night good?"

Melody’s eyes flickered with guilt. Julian immediately stepped in front of her. "Are you ever going to drop this? What does Melody owe you?"

I said, "She doesn't owe me anything. You do."

Julian stared at me, a sarcastic smirk playing on his lips. "Here we go again. Stella, every time you’re unhappy, you threaten to break up. Isn't this getting old?"

I grabbed my packed suitcase. The wheels rolled across the hardwood floor, making a sharp, distinct sound.

The smirk faded from Julian’s face. "Where do you think you’re going?"