Chapter 3

Julia’s POV

On that day, the news was plastered with headlines about the scandal. Every channel, every gossip column, every blog—everyone was obsessing over the same topic: the broken marriage. The speculations were as wild as they were entertaining. Some said the reason I had called it off was because I’d discovered my ex-husband was a psychopath. Others claimed he was secretly gay. The most ridiculous one was that he had some kind of… well, “problem” in the bedroom.

I sat cross-legged on my bed, clutching a tub of popcorn in one hand and my glass of cold orange juice in the other. I couldn’t stop laughing as they paraded expert opinions and anonymous “sources” on screen. If they only knew the truth. My ex-husband was no psychopath. The fact that the whole city had turned it into a soap opera was just the cherry on top.

As I was savoring the absurdity of it all, my phone buzzed on the bedside table. It was Isabella, my best friend and the only person who’d been in my corner through the entire ordeal.

“Hey, you watching this circus?” I answered, putting her on speaker while I grabbed another handful of popcorn.

“Of course I am!” Isabella’s voice was brimming with excitement. “You’ve single-handedly turned this city upside down. I’m honestly impressed.”

“Thanks, I aim to entertain.”

She laughed. “Well, the show’s great, but I think you’ve had enough solo time as the star of this scandal. Get dressed—I’m taking you out.”

I frowned, setting my juice down. “Out where?”

“Anywhere that isn’t your room. You’ve been cooped up since you broke it off with that jackass. You deserve a little fun.”

“I don’t know, Isabella…” I trailed off, glancing at the TV where a panel of so-called experts were now debating whether I was “emotionally unstable.” “This is kind of fun.”

“Watching strangers psychoanalyze you on live television? Please. You can’t let them win by hiding away. Show the world you’re thriving.” She added. 

***

In the nightclub, the pulsating rhythm of the loud music filled the room as neon lights cast shifting colors across the crowded dance floor. Isabella stood beside me in our private booth, her gaze locked onto mine with a mix of exasperation.

“I still can’t believe you finally gave up on Alex,” she said, sipping her cocktail. “Do you know how many times I told you he wasn’t worth it? How many times I said you deserved better? And now, suddenly, you’ve let go?”

I rolled my eyes and leaned back against the plush leather seat. “It wasn’t sudden, Bella.  It took years of lies of being treated like I was disposable. I finally woke up.”

She raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Sure, but let me hear you say it again. Convince me.”

I chuckled. “I’m done with him. Completely, utterly done, and I’ve never felt lighter.”

Isabella smirked, clearly still unconvinced. Without a word, she scanned the dance floor below and pointed to a tall, handsome man moving fluidly to the beat. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his sharp jawline accentuated by the club’s dim lighting. “Him,” she said, her grin mischievous. “Let’s see how serious you are about moving on.”

Before I could protest, she waved him over. Moments later, he sauntered into the private room, confidence radiating off him. Up close, he was even more striking—broad shoulders, deep green eyes, and a lazy smile that could melt ice.

“Hey,” he said, his voice smooth. “I’m Lucas.” He held out his hand, his gaze locking with mine.

I hesitated for a split second before placing my hand in his. “Nice to meet you, Lucas. I’m Julia,” I said, biting the corner of my lip seductively as I felt a faint blush creep up my cheeks while he held my waist, we both moving slowly to the beat.

“Well, Julia,” he said, leaning slightly closer, “it’s rare to see someone as stunning as you just sitting in a booth. Glad to do this with you.”

I almost forgot how beautiful I looked. My presence could weaken a man’s leg and pride. In my previous life, I was always mistreated by Alex and ignored that I was still attractive. A queen and more.

Suddenly, Lucas’s hand flew to my face as he gently pushed the strands of hair that covered my face. Our eyes were still locked and just then, I began to blush, touched by this gentleman’s gesture. Alex never treated me this way. 

Suddenly, the ringing sound of my phone shattered the moment. I looked at my phone screen, it was Mr. Sterling calling, Alex’s grandfather. 

Grandfather chose me to be Alex’s wife because he liked me—because he thought I would be good for Alex. I owe him an explanation, at least. He saw something in me, in us, that I can’t seem to find anymore. But how do I tell him that love isn’t enough? That I tried, and it still wasn’t right? 

I excused myself to pick the call. 

On the other end of the call…

He exhaled. “I was afraid this would happen,” he murmured and for the first time, I felt something I hadn’t expected—pleading.

“I know you’ve made your decision my child,” he continued. “I know you probably feel trapped, like this was never really a good idea. But I need you to understand… I didn’t do this to control you. I didn’t do this to force something that was never meant to be.” He paused.

“I did this because I believe in you. In you both, In what you could be together.” His voice wavered then, just slightly. “I’ve seen what happens when love is left to chance. It slips away. Alex needs time. Give him time to learn to love you, my child.”

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.

“Alex is on his way to apologise to you, please give him a listening ear.” 

Before I could respond, the door to the private room was kicked open with a loud bang. My head snapped toward the entrance, and my heart sank as Alex stormed in, his face a mask of fury. 

“Already with another man? You cheap whore!” Seeing Lucas sitting beside me, he accused me but I ignored.

“Cheater!” He pressed again and this time, I couldn’t take it anymore. I took a step towards him and just then, Celeste entered. Obviously he would always take her everywhere he goes, which I’m not even bothered about anymore. 

“And how about you sleeping with that woman!”  I pointed towards Celeste. “while I was your fiancée?” I added.

I was still holding the phone to my ear, listening to what the old man had to say.

“You’re evil,” Alex spat, his voice sharp. “A manipulative, heartless liar. Everyone sees it.”

I stiffened, gripping the phone tighter as he continued, hurling insults with growing fury. My face burned with anger and humiliation.

Keeping my voice steady, I asked, “Did you hear that, Mr. Sterling?”

Silence. Then a hesitant cough.

“I… well… I—” his grandfather stuttered. “I’m sorry that he said those things.” He added.

“Your grandson doesn’t love me. He never has. “I will not marry him.” I said to Mr. Sterling over the phone before ending the call.

“Stop this nonsense, Julia,” Alex barked, his voice sharp and commanding. “You’re causing a scene. Do you have any idea how serious the public opinion issue is right now? The media is eating this up, and it’s ruining both our reputations.”

I stepped towards him and crossed my arms with a smirk. “And how, exactly, am I causing a scene, Alex? You’re the one barging into a private room like an uninvited lunatic.”

He ignored my jab and stepped closer, towering over me. “Enough of this. You’re resuming the marriage tomorrow. We’ll issue a statement, and everything will go back to normal.”

I laughed, the sound sharp and cutting. “If you’re going to propose, Alex, don’t you think it’s a bit inappropriate to bring another woman with you?” I gestured toward his lover, who shifted uncomfortably under my pointed glare.

Alex’s jaw tightened. “Celeste has nothing to do with this. You and I need to focus on fixing this mess. Stop acting like a child, Julia. You don’t have a choice.”

My smile widened, though my patience thinned. “Oh, but I do have a choice, Alex. And I’ve made it very clear: I’m done with you. I don’t care about your public image, your pathetic attempts to control me.”

Grabbing my purse and turning to leave, Alex moved to block my path. His eyes darkened, his tone dropping to something more dangerous. “You’re not walking away from this, Julia. Stop being so stubborn and think about what’s best for both of us.”

I arched an eyebrow, my lips curling into a cold smile. “If you don’t get out of my way, Alex, I don’t mind making you become exactly what the rumors say.”

He frowned, clearly not understanding. “What the hell does that mean—”

Before he could finish, I kneed him hard in the crotch. He doubled over instantly, a strangled groan escaping his lips as he staggered backward.

Celeste gasped, but I didn’t spare her a glance. I turned to Isabella, who was trying and failing to suppress her laughter. “Let’s go,” I said, adjusting my purse strap and stepping over Alex’s writhing form.

“One more thing.” I brought out my card from my purse and handed it to Lucas right in front of Alex. The audacity. Yes! I have so much audacity now. “You can contact me any time.” I added and began walking out.