JULIA"Miss Julia," the voice repeated softly. I blinked away the remnants of the strange dream that lingered in my mind. Then, my eyes snapped toward the person, locking onto her figure. My heart skipped a beat, my eyes widening in surprise. Staring back at me were kind eyes, with streaks of gray in her hair tied neatly in a bun, and that ever-present look of patient understanding. "Miss…Susan?" I rasped, sitting up so quickly the room spun for a moment.I blinked again to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating, but there she was—Susan, Evan’s long-time maid. She had been with his family for as long as I could remember, just like my own parents had served the Astors. I hadn’t seen her in years, and yet it felt like no time had passed. Susan smiled warmly. “Wow, it’s really you. It’s been such a long time.” I smiled back, embarrassed by how disheveled I must’ve looked. I quickly brushed at my hair and sat up straighter on the edge of the bed. I was suddenly very aware of the fact
JULIA I stared at the pile of money on the table, feeling my annoyance return. I didn't even take the one on the bedside table! I merely stayed because Susan had prepared breakfast, and I didn't want to be disrespectful. "Sir Evander," Susan said in a warning tone. Evan pursed his lips and ran his fingers through his hair. "I told you to escort her out when she wakes up. Why is she still here?" Susan sighed. "It's because I prepared enough breakfast. You can't let your guest leave with an empty stomach." "She's not a guest," he deadpanned. "She's merely here because she didn't want to say where she lived." Susan appeared stressed. "Still, you cannot throw money like that to a person." Evan didn't say anything and typed something on his phone. "Fine," he said. "I already called Rui. I'll have him take her home." Susan was about to respond when the door flung open, revealing an unfamiliar person. "Sir," he said, bowing at Evan. "Are you ready to head to work?" Evan nodded and
JULIA I opened the door to our humble apartment and was immediately bombarded with a tearful hug. My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at my little boy, hugging my thigh. "Mommy," he sobbed. I pursed my lips to keep my own tears at bay. I knelt down to his level and pushed his hair away from his face. "Andy," I muttered. "It's okay now. Mommy's here. She's not going anywhere anymore." "Mommy, I was worried," he cried into my neck. "I know. I know," I said, hoping my words would comfort him. However, it seemed to make him cry even harder. "I don't want to lose you, Mommy," he softly said against my neck. My skin was wet from his tears, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "You're the only one I have," he added, making my heart break further. "Of course," I said with a small smile. "I'll always be here, hmm? Mommy won't let you go...ever." I tightened my hold around him, not wanting to let him go. However, the moment was interrupted by Sarah barging in, her phone next to her hear,
EVANDER I skimmed through the second art-related book in my hand. Mr. Miyagi just confirmed that the meeting would be during the party next month, so I needed to familiarize myself with such terms before the time came. My peaceful reading was interrupted when Rui came in, a confused look on his face. I let down my reading glasses and looked at him with one eyebrow raised. “What’s with that look?” I asked. He scratched the back of his neck. “It’s weird,” he said. “I didn’t get any vibes from her.” My frown deepened. “What vibes? And from who?” “From your friend, Julia.” I sighed and shook my head. “She’s not my friend.” “Well, whatever she is. She’s quite…different. You know how I’m afraid of women, right?” I let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah, you’ve mentioned it plenty of times.” “I wasn’t afraid of her—Julia. She just seems really kind,” he said, a small smile appearing on his lips. “So what?” I asked, turning my attention back to the book. “You fell in love with her in first s
JULIA "Woah!" Harper exclaimed as soon as she saw me. "What happened to you?" I pursed my lips. It hadn't been long since I arrived at school, but I already looked like it was the end of day. I clutched the canvas to my side, silently thanking the universe that it dried on my way here. I had so much in my mind that I forgot to start the project for Mr. Matthews' subject. With that said, I started it just yesterday. Was I satisfied with the result? Not necessarily. However, I still needed to pass something somehow. Old me would have scolded my current self. "I didn't sleep," I said, slumping on the chair. It didn't help that Mr. Matthews was our first-morning subject. "I can see that," Harper chuckled. Gianna joined them, nudging Harper's side. "Even if Julia didn't get any sleep, she's still prettier than the majority of people people in this class." "Well, you're right about that," Harper said. "She still looks very beautiful." Just then, the door opened, and it seemed like
JULIA This week was shaping up to be one of the worst weeks of my life. First, I got drugged by a lunatic and was saved by my ex—who made me feel like his help was worth a million dollars. Second, I found out that Heather, my ex's current girlfriend, was born a day before my son. Not only that, but she invited me to the said party, which was going to be held at the Astor's mansion. And third, Mr. Matthews, the professor who used to adore all of my works, called my latest piece 'mediocre,' 'lacking feeling,' and 'should have never been passed.' He didn't even take my artwork and told me to pass him another one by the end of next week! I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. It was the middle of the week already, and I still hadn't made my decision regarding Heather's invitation. I also haven't been able to restart the artwork as Mr. Matthews has instructed. Even Sarah was on edge as she watched me, not knowing what to say. Just then, Andy came out of his room with a wide a
EVANDER "Rui, grab me a coffee," I said, not looking up from my laptop. It was already the end of the week, and I was tired out of my mind. Tomorrow, I still need to come to work before going to Heather's birthday. "You should place the coffee maker in your office at this point," another voice said, making me frown. I sighed and lifted my head, already dreading the conversation. "What are you doing here, Dad?" I asked, massaging the bridge of my nose. "Why?" he asked, sitting on the large leather couch. "Can't I visit my one and only son?" "Dad, please," I said. "I'm already tired as it is. Cut to the chase." He chuckled, making me shake my head. "You really know me so well. You know that Heather's party is coming up, right?" "Yes," I said. "You arranged it to be in our mansion and invited all of your friends and colleagues." "Well, yes," he said. "Our house is big enough to host the entire city! Your mom wants to make it extravagant, too, since she's turning 25." "Hmm," I hu
JULIA“What?” Sarah exclaimed, chuckling. “I’m just telling the truth!” “Whatever,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m going to get changed.” “Julia,” she said in a scolding tone. “Look at yourself right now.” She directed my body to face the mirror, and there, I saw my entire look. “What am I supposed to look at?” I muttered. “A very beautiful, breeda—” “Don’t even finish that sentence,” I warned, glaring at her. She chuckled and shook her head. “You look perfect!” she said. “I know you don’t want to capture anybody’s attention, but you’re just a natural at that. I can make you wear a rag, and you’d still get their attention.” “Where are you going with this?” I asked. “What I’m saying is,” she smiled, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You’re going to be okay. You’re not overdressed. Silver and gold are the themes, and this fits right in it! Heather would be predictable and go with something red, but hey, what do I know about it?” “Anyway,” she continued. “Don’t feel out of plac
EVANDERI didn’t know what I was doing there. I hadn’t been able to sleep all night. Yesterday, I was supposed to propose to Heather. However, that was all thrown out of the window the moment Julia confessed we had a child together. Heather had been in shambles. My parents still wanted to continue the engagement. Meanwhile, the Maisons were highly disappointed. However, I couldn’t proceed with the engagement when my mind was still torn. At first, I didn’t believe Julia. How was it possible? But then, she looked so sincere that before I knew it, I was here. I had taken a day off from work. I had also turned off my phone since my relatives, especially my dad, had been calling me nonstop since I left yesterday night. I could still hear his shouts from when I entered my car. “Continue on with the engagement with Heather!” “What was that lowlife doing in this party? Did you invite her, huh?” I didn’t respond to him, knowing my words would just aggravate the situation. So, I decid
JULIA The sound of children's laughter filled the air. I glanced around the private resort, taking in the warm sunlight filtering through the trees. It was what my parents paid for. I told them Andy would still appreciate a smaller party, but they insisted they make up for the times they lost with him. Although I was hesitant, I still agreed in the end. The decorations were simple but thoughtful—balloons shaped like race cars, tiny traffic cones scattered on the tables, and a racetrack cake resting on the dessert stand. Since my parents paid for the venue, I prepared the food and decorations with Sarah. It was what I saved up for in the past few months. It might not seem like a lot, but for a struggling college student, I really tried my best to put the party all together. However, I was afraid that all my effort would go to waste if they found out I didn't prepare Andy's grand present. "It looks great, Julia," some of my relatives complimented. "Thank you," I said, giving the
JULIA I blinked, snapping out of whatever daze I’d been in. The man was still staring at me, waiting for an explanation.I shook my head and turned to his car. I didn’t know much about brands and all that stuff, but this seemed like a pretty nice car. I cleared my throat and faced him once more. “I’m wet,” I blurted out.The guy raised an eyebrow, his confusion deepening. “Huh?”I hurriedly gestured to myself, my soaked dress clinging to me uncomfortably. “I mean, I’m wet—like, literally. As you can see.”His confusion changed to mild amusement for a second. “Is that okay?” I added quickly, desperate to fill the silence. Then, his confusion returned just as it left. He tilted his head to the side. “Why would that matter?” he asked. My lips parted in surprise. “Oh, you’re so nice,” I said, rubbing my hands on my arms. Without waiting for another response, I opened the car door and slid into the back seat. The warmth of the vehicle enveloped me, and I couldn’t help but sigh in re
JULIA “Get back here! Face me so I can show you where you should be!” Cindy Astor continued to scream at my back. “Mom, that’s enough,” Evan finally said, but it was over. I tuned them all out. I walked out of the estate, shivering as my clothes clung to me like a second skin. Wet. Humiliated. The whispers followed me like ghosts, echoing in my mind long after I left the garden. They didn't even bother to be subtle. I didn’t look back as I walked out of the estate, not at Gianna, not at Harper, not at the wide-eyed onlookers who had made no attempt to hide their stares.And definitely not at Heather or Evan. I didn’t need to see their faces to know what they thought. I sighed in relief when I saw the gate ahead. It sucked that I had to fall in the swimming pool, but it sucked more because the pathway to their gate was too freaking long! The guard gave me a pitiful stare as he opened the gate, making me feel even worse than before. It seemed like he wanted to offer me his ja
JULIA Silence. The party was just at its peak a few seconds ago, but now, silence reigned in the large garden. It didn’t help that the DJ stopped playing the music, too. Even the crickets had gone quiet. Come to think of it, I should have noticed how strange everything was. The curtains on the stage. The microphone in Evan’s hand. The set-up itself. It seemed like they were gearing up for a surprise. And then, I noticed it. His other hand was occupied. In his palm was a small velvet box. My breath got caught in the back of my throat. It didn’t take a genius to know it was a ring. It must have been the reason why Heather invited me, too. Well, she really had no reason in the first place. But, she must have wanted me to see this—his proposal—knowing it would tear me to pieces. Evan must have noticed my gaze, so he placed it inside his pocket. However, it was too late. I heard something drop from behind me. I abruptly turned around and saw Heather. She was now dressed in a shorte
JULIAThe party was in full swing, but my thoughts were a million miles away.Evan looked like he really meant it when he told me to leave. However, how could I when he didn’t even give me a chance to say what was on my mind? Still, I had a bad feeling about it. I had a hunch; it was about what his father had told him, but I had no clue what that was.I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on the present. Just then, the lights became brighter, focusing on the door of the house. The music changed into an RnB song that I heard endlessly on the radio. Gianna and Harper scrambled to film the entire thing, amazed at the scale of her entrance. Then, the door opened, revealing Heather. Gasps rippled through the crowd as she stepped forward, sweeping into the garden in a gown of deep, fiery red, just as Sarah had predicted. The color suited her—bold, attention-grabbing, and a little dangerous. I stifled a laugh, remembering how Sarah had teased me earlier.“She’ll show up in red,” Sarah
JULIA Evan’s eyes widened, and before I could even react, his hand clamped around my wrist.“What are you—”He didn’t answer. He pulled me quickly to the side, his movements prompt but not rough, and before I knew it, I was standing behind a heavy curtain. The fabric scratched against my arm as Evan stepped in front of me, shielding me from view.“Stay quiet,” he whispered, his voice barely audible from how thick their curtain was. His body was close—really close. I could feel his warmth from the thick cloth. I was sure he could feel my chest, too, the way it rose and fell, along with the tension on my shoulders. My heart thudded in my chest, not just from the sudden movement but from the way his hand lingered against mine. His touch wasn’t harsh. It was almost...protective. Well, he had always been protective of me when it came to his parents. Despite their blatant rejection of my presence in their family, I never felt its heaviness because of Evan. I tilted my head up to look
JULIA Heather really must have invited the entire city.I tightened my grip on the clutch in my hand, glancing over the group of people spilling across the mansion’s sprawling garden. It was amazing that someone knew so many people. I didn’t even have these many friends on my social media! However, what was more amazing was the space. The place should have been cramped, but the Astor’s estate was designed to fit crowds that could fill a stadium. Instead of chaos, the scene looked like a magazine spread. Fairy lights were strung between towering oaks, champagne flutes glinting in the golden light, and impeccably dressed guests mingling like they owned the world.Their laughter was also a familiar tune. It was the sound of rich people laughing—the borderline fake one that you hear in casinos, golf courses, or yachts. “Woah, is this Heather’s house?” Gianna whispered beside me, her jaw practically on the floor.I shook my head, still amazed at the scene before me. “No, it’s the Asto
JULIA“What?” Sarah exclaimed, chuckling. “I’m just telling the truth!” “Whatever,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m going to get changed.” “Julia,” she said in a scolding tone. “Look at yourself right now.” She directed my body to face the mirror, and there, I saw my entire look. “What am I supposed to look at?” I muttered. “A very beautiful, breeda—” “Don’t even finish that sentence,” I warned, glaring at her. She chuckled and shook her head. “You look perfect!” she said. “I know you don’t want to capture anybody’s attention, but you’re just a natural at that. I can make you wear a rag, and you’d still get their attention.” “Where are you going with this?” I asked. “What I’m saying is,” she smiled, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You’re going to be okay. You’re not overdressed. Silver and gold are the themes, and this fits right in it! Heather would be predictable and go with something red, but hey, what do I know about it?” “Anyway,” she continued. “Don’t feel out of plac