Chapter 5: Runaways, Regrets, and Coming Home
Mia is a few years younger—you can't control her too tightly. Women don't like men who are too controlling.
After hearing Julian's words, Sam rolled his eyes. "You're really a good guy, letting her go out with five girlfriends!"
He kept going, painting worst-case scenarios.
The more Julian listened, the more uneasy he felt. After hesitating, he got up with a cold face, walked to the corridor, and pulled out his phone to text Mia:
[Will you still love me after you eat?]
The others, seeing Julian's back, all said in unison:
Classic.
When I got the message, I was already in the restaurant's private room. This place was owned by the Grant Group, all glitz and grandeur.
When I walked in, all five of them were waiting for me, dead serious.
Lauren broke the silence. "Let's order first."
……
I checked my phone. Julian had texted.
JG: [Will you still love me after you eat?]
MiaLovesSteak: [What kind of question is that.]
MiaLovesSteak: [Of course I love you, I'll love you forever.]
Julian, waiting by his phone, saw the screen light up, silently turned around, and tapped the notification. He breathed a sigh of relief, then tossed his phone on the coffee table.
The others glanced at him, eyes falling on Julian's classic poker face.
Tsk~
While waiting for food, I spun a dramatic version of yesterday's events for my friends.
Jess: "Divorce."
Lauren: "Divorce."
Emily: "If you're unhappy, just divorce. What are you afraid of?"
Morgan took a sip of iced tea, smacking her lips. "Let it go?"
I nodded, noncommittal. "Mm."
I looked at Tasha. She didn't miss a beat: "Then divorce. We lack neither money nor love."
……
After a round of analysis, I went quiet.
Just like they said, I lack neither money nor love. Why tie myself to Julian?
Besides, what if Julian really does have some old flame? That would be a nightmare.
In our circle, divorce isn't a big deal. Everyone does their own thing, enjoys their freedom—nothing strange about it.
Besides, after so many rejections—don't I have any pride left?
Thinking about how I've liked Julian for so many years, I hesitated for a while, but still pulled out my phone.
MiaLovesSteak: [Are you there?]
MiaLovesSteak: [I've thought about it. I think we're not suitable. Let's get a divorce.]
Julian checked his phone in front of everyone. When he saw those two messages, the room fell silent.
"See? See?" Sam was the first to shout.
Julian shot him a glare, then stood up under everyone's sympathetic gaze.
"It's just a momentary impulse. She loves me too much."
With that, Julian left the private room under everyone's slightly admiring gaze and headed for the bathroom.
As soon as he entered, he slumped against the wall, hands shaking as he dialed my number.
When I answered, I was already downstairs at the bar.
Jess leaned in, curious. "Are you sure you don't like Julian anymore?"
I straightened my back, tried to sound breezy, but my eyes darted away, guilt creeping in.
My phone lit up—Julian.
"Hello?"