Chapter 3

When Julia discovered that Lawrence had turned off his phone, she was so furious that she nearly smashed it.

He had spent the entire afternoon at a café. For the first time, he felt like time truly belonged to him.

It wasn't until dark that he turned his phone back on. Dozens of missed calls and countless messages flooded in.

"Where are you?

"I'm waiting for you at your place. Come back now.

"Lawrence, I'm giving you half an hour. Come back now."

The last message was sent at 3:00 pm, and now it was 6:00 pm.

Looking at her messages, Lawrence sneered. Just by reading these, he could imagine how angry Julia must be at that moment.

He wandered around, ate some of his favorite foods, and then returned home leisurely.

The apartment was pitch dark when he walked in. He bent down to change his shoes. As he flicked on the lights, he saw Julia sitting on the couch.

Seeing him come back so late, Julia was seething. "Where have you been? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you?"

Lawrence ignored her. He walked over to the kitchen island and poured himself a glass of water.

In the past, he would have been the one waiting there.

Whenever Julia said she would visit him, he'd sit on the couch waiting, no matter how late it was.

If she said she would arrive at 10:00 pm, he would be anticipating it from 6:00 pm.

If she said she would come the next day, he would prepare everything perfectly.

Since Julia mentioned liking the smell of sun, Lawrence would change the bed sheets. The duvet would be aired out before he put a fresh cover on it and made the bed.

But now, he was tired. He wouldn't wait for her anymore.

"I'm talking to you, Lawrence. Can't you hear me?" She grabbed his hand. Her dark eyes were filled with fury.

Lawrence remained calm. "I had things to do. If you didn't want to wait, you could have left."

"What's going on with you? You've been acting strange all day."

"I'm fine."

Lawrence moved around her and started heading upstairs.

At this moment, Julia's suppressed anger finally boiled over. "Lawrence Hale, remember your place. No one has ever made me wait this long. Don't forget. You're just my—"

"Your what?" he interrupted her. "Fling?"

Julia froze. "You heard what I said that night?" She finally realized why he had changed. "I was just saying it for fun. I didn't mean it."

"Then tell me. What am I to you?" Lawrence looked up at her. His sharp gaze locked with hers.

Julia fell silent, not knowing what to say.

"I'm tired. You should go now."

For the first time, he dismissed her. He went to his room, took a warm shower, changed, and prepared to sleep.

Downstairs, Julia leaned against her car and stared up at the apartment for a long time.

Lawrence ignored her. He pulled the curtains shut, turned off the lights, and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, before he was even fully awake, his phone started ringing.

"Lawrence, turn on the news! Julia just publicly broke off her engagement! Is it because of you?"

Lawrence jumped out of bed and turned on the TV.

Sure enough, he saw Julia telling reporters that she was canceling her engagement because there was someone more important to her now.

His heart skipped a beat. Seeing the determined look in Julia's eyes, Lawrence felt a rush of excitement.

"Congratulations, Lawrence! Looks like you finally won Julia's heart."

After hanging up, Lawrence was still filled with emotions.

He wanted to call Julia and ask what she really meant by those words. Was she truly canceling her engagement for him?

But before he could dial her number, he received a message from Julia. "Come to Moore Hotel at 8:00 pm. There's a party. Dress well."

After reading her message, Lawrence finally smiled.

She rarely invited him to parties. In the past, she almost never took him anywhere. But now, she was inviting him to a party.

He quickly texted his friend, David Gardner, who responded excitedly, "Is Julia ready to go public with you? It looks like you've finally got your chance."

Lawrence bit his lip. A sense of anticipation crept into his chest.

In his mind, he quietly repeated that this would be the last time—the final chance he would give to both Julia and himself.

He went to a mall, bought an expensive suit, and then went to a stylist and makeup artist to get himself ready.

At precisely 8:00 pm, he arrived at Moore Hotel.

He had heard a little about the event. It was an auction for the high society, full of influential people.

Standing outside the entrance, Lawrence took a deep breath. He subconsciously reached into his suit pants pocket to feel the small box before stepping inside the ballroom.

The grand hall was filled with people, everyone dressed to impress.

Amidst the sea of beauty and glamour, Lawrence immediately spotted the woman he had been thinking about.

He began walking toward her but overheard someone say, "I didn't expect Ms. Ware to bring a partner tonight."

"I heard it's her beloved man who finally came back from being abroad."

"No wonder she held a press conference this morning to break off her engagement to Mr. Horne. Turns out, her first love has returned."

Lawrence's smile froze. First love? What were they talking about?