Chapter 7

Just then, the Peyton family's butler approached Julie. "Ms. Somers, Mrs. Peyton has requested your presence." Without sparing Lucian another glance, Julie followed the butler into the house. As soon as she stepped in, a bright red mark appeared on her cheek. Martha Peyton was a woman of class. She remained poised even when slapping someone she disliked. "You've really disappointed me, Julie. I thought you were different from the others. At the very least, I believed you could keep my son in check," Martha spat. "Look at what he did today! He brought that woman home and even spouted nonsense about wanting to marry her. Our family will never accept such a lowly woman." Julie wasn't surprised. For families like the Peytons, lineage and reputation were everything. Julie replied calmly, "Martha, it's over between me and Zayn." Martha's expression darkened instantly, and she snorted. "Over? In that case, I'll stop funding you. From now on, don't expect another penny from us. You'd better think it through carefully." Julie looked down. Even from the moment she agreed to Martha's proposition, she knew this day would come. The Peyton family was known for their academic achievement and social standing, but Martha had ambitions for Zayn to be involved in politics. However, this path was much more difficult than inheriting the family business and required a clean background of at least three generations in the family. Zayn, however, had been rebellious since he was a boy, especially when it came to his sexual life. After he turned 18, numerous women had shown up claiming to be pregnant and demanding for him to be held accountable. Martha, being the dignified woman she was, refused to dirty her hands. So, she had people dig into Julie's background when she first became infatuated with Zayn. For some reason, despite how unruly he was, Zayn seemed to listen to Julie. That was the only reason Martha allowed her to stay by his side. She had also made her intentions clear from the beginning—Julie was not worthy of becoming part of the family. Still, Martha allowed Julie to remain by Zayn's side on one condition—to keep him in check and prevent any incidents that could jeopardize his future. In return, she would help stabilize the Somer family's struggling business. So, Julie agreed. She was aware Zayn had no feelings for her, so this arrangement was a win-win for her. What she hadn't expected was for Martha to go behind her back and tell Zayn she was only with him for his family's wealth. Julie knew Martha had done it to prevent Zayn from actually falling in love with her. However, it felt unnecessary since she knew nothing would come out of their relationship. So, even when Zayn's attitude toward her grew cruel, Julie said nothing. Fortunately, although Zayn lacked discipline, he never broke the law. So, Martha never held her accountable either. This time, however, Zayn had not only brought Megan home but also declared his intention to marry her. It was no wonder Martha was furious. She might not be able to control her son, but she could definitely reprimand Julie. "Martha, he genuinely cares for that woman. It's different this time. Besides, you know he has never had feelings for me." Martha sneered, "At least you're aware of that." Julie stayed silent. Martha continued, "I've looked into that Megan. She's not worthy to be his partner." "I can't–" Before Julie could turn her down, Martha added, "I know a famous neurosurgeon from another country." Julie averted her gaze. Martha knew exactly what to say to keep her in the palm of her hand. Julie felt torn. Part of her wanted to sever ties with Zayn without a care, but the reminder that she had responsibilities as a daughter held her back. … Outside Peyton Residence, Blaine followed Lucian out. By now, night had fallen, and a cold wind swept through the streets. Shivering, Blaine muttered under his breath, "Damn, it's freezing. I think it might snow." However, he didn't receive a response from Lucian. He turned around and asked, "What's on your mind?" Lucian didn't reply. His gaze was fixed on the woman sitting alone at the bus stop bench not far away. He ordered, "Strip." Blaine blinked, thinking he had misheard. "What?" Lucian finally looked at him. His tone was firm. "Your clothes. Take them off." Blaine instinctively clutched his jacket, eyeing Lucian warily. "Listen, man, I'm straight. You'd better not have any weird thoughts about me. You might have a great face and body, but I'm into women–" Ignoring Blaine's rambles, Lucian began shrugging off his own coat. Blaine panicked and backed away. "Hey, I'm serious. Don't try anything. I'm really not into–" Lucian nonchalantly began yanking at Blaine's clothes. Blaine resisted but eventually gave in. "Can you let go first?" Lucian finally registered what Blaine had been saying earlier and kicked him lightly, his face full of disgust. "What's wrong with you? I'm telling you to give this to her." He tossed his own coat at Blaine, who cringed in embarrassment. Lucian frowned. "Hurry up and bring it over to her." Following his gaze, Blaine finally noticed the lonely woman sitting at the bus stop. Without another word, Blaine took the coat and walked toward her. Seeing him approach, Julie instinctively stood up to leave. "Wait." Julie stopped and turned to him. He held out the coat. "It's going to snow soon. Here, take this so you don't catch a cold." Julie stared at the coat for a moment before asking, "Will I be infected too?" Blaine blinked, puzzled. "Huh?" "Will I be infected too if I wear your clothes?" Blaine silently cursed. "Damn it, Luce has really ruined my reputation." He couldn't believe he had been scorned. He protested, "He made up that nonsense! I'm a good man, alright? I'm still a virgin." Julie stared at him, her shocked expression making it clear she didn't believe him. Blaine threw the coat at her. "Just take it, okay? I'm leaving. You're welcome." Without waiting for a response, he turned around and strode off. Julie wanted to decline, but the bus arrived just then. With no other choice, she clutched the coat and boarded the bus. Blaine watched her leave before returning to Lucian's car. He knocked on the window. The window rolled down, and Lucian handed him back his jacket. Blaine took it and got into the passenger seat, grumbling, "If you care about her so much, why not just take her home? What's the point of making things so complicated?" He shot Lucian a disdainful look. "The way you court someone is pathetic, man." "She's mad at me," Lucian replied. He started the engine and began trailing the bus Julie was on.