Chapter 4

I didn't stay until the end of the interview. After Victoria clarified that my marriage to her had been effectively over for a year, I left. Overnight, I became Victoria's discarded project, a broken thing. Tristan, however, emerged as the sole innocent victim of the public scrutiny.

That interview remained pinned on social media for days, the topic's heat never fading. Especially Victoria's statement: "Julian and I had been planning to divorce for over a year, but the timing wasn't right. We intended to handle it discreetly, but now that it's affecting an innocent person, we have no choice but to clarify publicly. Tristan is not the third party in our broken relationship. He is the only remaining connection my mentor has in this world. My care for him is understandable; I hope everyone can view this rationally."

Some fans were swayed, claiming our relationship fell apart because I was overly suspicious and jealous, viewing pure friendship and gratitude as something dirty. They also said I wasn't broad-minded enough, learning nothing of Victoria's loyalty and sincerity in five years of marriage. The topic festered for days. I became the public's punching bag.

As I walked out of the city hall with the divorce papers, Victoria called out to me. "Don't take what's on the internet to heart, Julian. New hot topics will quickly overshadow it."

I stopped, unable to resist a light laugh. How could the distinction be so vast when both of us were being attacked on social media?

"Julian, Christmas is only two months away."

"In spring, we can start over, okay?"

She looked at me, and as she began to approach, I took a step back, turning my gaze to the paparazzi being held back by security nearby. Victoria also realized the impropriety and stopped.

"Victoria," I said, "I'm going back to Vancouver."

She nodded. "You haven't been back in a long time. It's good to stay there for a while. I'll pick you up for Christmas—"

"I'm not coming back," I calmly interrupted her.

The smile on her face froze, confusion in her eyes. "The condition you promised me when I agreed to sign the papers," I continued, "it's time to fulfill it."

Victoria stared at me blankly.

When I first reborn, it only took me a few seconds to process my love and hatred for her. Seeing the divorce papers, I had thought about tearing them up and making a huge scene again, but ultimately, rationality prevailed. After a long moment, I curved my lips into a smile.

"Victoria, I want you to disappear from my life forever."