Chapter 6

But Julian would always just look at me with a serious gaze and say, "Shopping costs money. Let's skip it today. We should save up. I want to buy a new pair of shoes soon." A wave of bitterness and irony washed over me. It seemed like Julian had noticed me. After a brief pause, he walked over. Annoyed by his presence, I ignored him and headed straight to a nearby watch repair shop. I handed my watch to the shopkeeper and said, "Hello, could you repair this for me?" The shopkeeper's eyes widened with respect as he examined the watch. "This model is quite old. We'll need to order some special parts. Please wait here for a moment." I hadn't expected the repair to be so complicated. I sat down on the nearby couch, and soon, the shopkeeper returned while carrying a plate of assorted snacks and fruits. "Please enjoy, Ms. Ashford," he said. Just as I was about to thank him, Julian stormed in, shouting, "Serena!" I turned to him, a mix of confusion and annoyance on my face. I glanced at him briefly before looking away. Clearly taken aback by my indifference, Julian stormed over and grabbed my wrist. "This is a high-end shop. What are you doing here?" "Why should I explain myself to you?" I shot back coldly. The shopkeeper gave Julian an odd look, which clearly made him uncomfortable. He lowered his voice and asked, "You're here because of the owner of this watch, aren't you?" I raised an eyebrow. Julian was surprisingly perceptive. Seeing that I wasn't going to respond, he pressed on, "Who is that man? Serena, don't think you can fool the rich and powerful so easily. You need to face reality." I had no interest in arguing with Julian. There was no point in explaining myself to someone like him. Sensing my irritation, the shopkeeper stepped in. "Ms. Ashford, is this gentleman a friend of yours?" I shook my head. "No, I don't know him." Julian stared at me in disbelief. "What did you say?" Before I could respond, the shopkeeper politely signaled for him to leave. Just then, Elena, who had been trying on clothes, emerged and looked around for Julian. With a reluctant glance, Julian left. Through the window, I saw Julian step outside with a displeased expression. Still, he spoke to Elena in a gentle tone, leaning down to say something to her. The shopkeeper returned with a receipt. "Here's your receipt, Ms. Ashford. You can pick up the watch in three days." I glanced at the receipt and pulled out my phone to pay. "How much is it?" The shopkeeper looked surprised. "The repair fee is due when the watch is ready. You don't need to pay now." I frowned, thinking it was different from what I had expected, but seeing the shopkeeper's confident expression, I decided not to argue. After thanking him and taking the receipt, I left the shop. Julian and Elena were nowhere in sight. I let out a sigh. Running into Julian today had been an unpleasant experience. Grandview was a city known for its glitz and glamour. As I walked through the shopping mall, surrounded by designer bags and clothes with price tags in the tens of thousands, I couldn't shake the sense of melancholy that crept over me. Over the years, I had dedicated myself entirely to making money, only to find myself in this situation. "Serena," a voice called from behind. I turned to see Julian rushing toward me. Before I could say a word, he grabbed me and yanked me into a nearby room. It took me a second to realize it was the men's restroom. I struggled, but he was too strong and dragged me into a stall. "What are you doing?" I demanded, my voice trembling with anger. "Did you betray me?" Julian's eyes were red, a mix of sadness and pity clouding his gaze. I scoffed. "Betrayed you? While you were flirting with Elena, I was working my ass off to support you." "I-I..." Julian stammered, his voice faltering. "I just sent her away. It's just us now. Let's talk." "Talk? In the men's restroom?" I replied coldly, my anger still unrelenting. "Did you cheat on me?" Julian ignored my question and grew aggressive. "Did you seduce some rich guy? Is that why you're leaving me?" "Julian!" I shouted. "You're the one who's guilty, so don't assume everyone is like you. I left you because you disgusted me." "I don't believe you," Julian insisted, and before I could react, he started tearing at my clothes. "Let me see if he's touched you." A shiver ran down my spine as my shoulder was exposed. My fear and anger surged within me. I struggled against him but couldn't break free. In my panic, I grabbed a nearby object. Without thinking, I swung it at Julian's head. Even though he was holding me, the impact was enough to snap him out of it. He stared at the ashtray in my hand, his expression shifting in realization. "I'm sorry," Julian said, his eyes filled with a pitiful look that made me want to turn away. "Serena... I was just acting on impulse." I struck him across the face. He flinched before clutching his cheek. I took a deep breath, straightened my clothes, and left. Julian was the man I had once loved deeply, but now, he filled me with nothing but disgust. As I left the mall, I took a deep breath and made a decision. From now on, I would focus on myself. I went back to the hotel to collect my things and moved back into the dorm. Like Julian, I was a student at Grandview University, but I spent most of my time working to support him. Thankfully, I hadn't neglected my studies. I quietly opened the door to my dorm room. Grandview University's dorms were doubles, so I assumed my roommate, Lila Westbrook, would be asleep. But as I crept toward my bed, I caught sight of her sitting up and glaring at me with a resentful expression. "Well, well, look who's back. What brings you here, Serena?" Lila asked. She pulled open the bed curtain completely, sat up, and crossed her arms. I froze with my luggage in hand as I recalled the time I decided to move out of the dorm for Julian. Back then, Lila had strongly advised against it and even scolded me angrily.