Chapter 3

"No, you're overcomplicating things."

Even without last night's nonsense, I'd long decided to focus all my energy on studying.

Julian clearly didn't believe me, looking me up and down.

"You should know I don't like messy girls. Trying to get my attention with this trick is just dumb."

I ignored him, walking straight back to my room to change into my comfiest hoodie and jeans, pulling my long hair up in a casual ponytail.

The simple, fresh look made me feel incredibly at ease.

Julian stood on the stairs, giving me a cold, indifferent look, but his hand on the railing was clenched tight.

Veins stood out on his hand.

Just then, Serena wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"Julian, Aubrey's changed so much lately. Is she still upset about us getting engaged?"

Julian looked away.

"Let her throw her little fit."

"Once she realizes this act isn't working, she'll go back to her old self."

I left without looking back and headed to the city library.

To prepare for a crucial academic decathlon, I asked Liam—the top student who always aced everything in our class—for help.

It should've been our first real conversation, but it felt like we were old friends. We talked about everything, and there was an amazing connection between us.

Walking out of the library that evening, I hummed a happy tune, still replaying different ways to solve a problem in my mind.

As I passed through the small garden behind the school gym, I unexpectedly saw Julian sitting alone on a stone bench in the path, hunched over slightly with his hand pressed to his stomach. His face looked pale under the dim streetlights.

Having been married to him for three years in my past life, I knew he had serious stomach issues.

At this hour, he probably didn't want Serena to see him like this, so he was suffering alone.

I originally didn't plan to get involved, already walking past him.

But I was in a good mood today, and I also didn't want anything to happen to him at school—especially after the recent emergency. More drama wouldn't be good for anyone.

After hesitating for a moment, I stopped a few feet away and said in a flat voice, "The nurse's office should still be open now."

Julian looked up sharply, and our eyes met.

He probably expected me to rush over all concerned like I used to—even take him to the nurse's office. A faint sneer appeared on his lips.

"What, Aubrey? Trying to use this to remind me of the 'debt' I owe you again?"

He hadn't even finished speaking before I looked away, turning and walking straight toward the school gate.

I didn't notice the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth or the increasingly intense gaze following me as I walked away.

Things stayed quiet for a few days after that.

Until one day after class, by the lockers, Julian suddenly appeared looking furious. He slapped a folded piece of paper onto my locker door just as I was about to close it.

"Aubrey, how could you be so shameless?"

I was confused. I froze, instinctively unfolding the paper. It was covered in delicate handwriting expressing admiration and longing for Julian, with a big heart drawn at the end…

"Wh-what is this?"

Julian scoffed, lowering his voice in the busy hallway but dripping with sarcasm. "I almost thought you were really over me. Guess you were just playing hard to get this whole time."

"Acting all indifferent, but secretly writing this cringy stuff and shoving it in my locker? Can't let go that badly? What are you trying to prove with these childish games?"

I hurried to explain, "I didn't write this! I never—"

"Save the excuses, Aubrey," he cut me off, his eyes showing obvious disappointment. "You really let me down."

He stopped looking at me, turning to Serena who was waiting nearby. He took her hand and walked off without hesitation.

Only a final, cold warning floated back on the breeze: "Next time, know your place."

Their wedding date was officially announced.

Serena didn't have many friends in town, so my parents asked me to help with the upcoming school anniversary gala.

They came by on gala day, taking my hand and saying earnestly, "It's good you've moved on. Now focus on your college applications."

I touched the encouragement bracelet Liam had given me on my right wrist, my cheeks flushing slightly.

"Yeah… I have a friend I'm working hard with now."

My mom looked surprised. "Where'd that come from? You always said you weren't close with anyone in class."

Me: "Huh?!"

So who exactly have I been doing homework with every day?

Julian, overhearing our conversation, smirked.

He probably didn't take it seriously, thinking I was lying.

But seeing how sure I was, his brow furrowed slightly, and a hint of irritation flashed in his eyes.

When no one was around, he cornered me by the side exit of the auditorium, leaning close to my ear and whispering:

"As long as you're sensible and don't hold onto unrealistic fantasies, I'll still treat you like a little sister and spend some time with you."

I said earnestly, "I have my own goals now. I won't bother you anymore."

Julian scoffed, grabbing my wrist. "Then tell me, why does your bracelet look a lot like mine?"

"Coincidence."

Not far away, Serena watched jealously, her eyes filled with resentment.

Before the gala started, backstage suddenly erupted into chaos.

Serena's performance dress had been slashed, leaving a huge hole.

On the dressing room mirror, "DIE" was scrawled in lipstick.

Serena cried hysterically. When everyone gathered to comfort her, her gaze fixed directly on me. "Aubrey, I know you've liked Julian for almost ten years, but you can't blame me for winning him over."

"You clearly agreed when the engagement was announced that day, so why are you trying to ruin my long-awaited performance now?"

The whole room erupted in murmurs.

Everyone knew about my intense crush on Julian, so I was obviously the prime suspect.

When Julian arrived, Serena buried herself in his arms, sobbing, "Julian, maybe I should just give you back to Aubrey. Otherwise, I can't imagine what other crazy things she might do..."

Slap!

A hard slap hit my face.

Julian had publicly humiliated me before, but this was the first time he'd actually hit me.

I looked at his angry face, my eyes going blank.

"Julian, won't you believe me even once?"

"Do you even deserve to be believed?"

He watched coldly as I fell to the floor, speaking cruelly and without emotion:

"If you're going to be this shameless, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"I'll talk to your parents myself. Someone, do it."

He told his friends to grab my jacket and scrawl "SLUT" across it with a marker.

He said he was going to punish me the same way I "bullied" Serena.

I kept crying and struggling.

Until someone shouted, "Stop!"

A familiar pair of hands helped me up. I buried my face against the person's shoulder.

I faintly heard Julian's voice drop sharply, with a hint of annoyed confusion:

"Who are you? What's your deal with Aubrey?"