hapter 77
Once again, Sydney’s most humiliating secrets lay bare Before Julian. No matter how she heard it, she caught the mocking edge in his tone.
Without thinking, she snapped back sharply, “Who said Caleb and I are living separately? Mr. Sterling, you’re single. You wouldn’t understand. Sometimes sleeping in different places helps couples keep things fresh.”
Julian raised a brow, clearly amused by her prickly stance. “Is that so?”
He tilted his head slightly, his tone cold and detached. “Since when do couples ‘strengthen their bond‘ by bringing a best friend along?”
The alcohol still clouded her mind. Sydney blinked, confused. “What?”
“Tiffany called earlier,” Julian said smoothly, savoring her reaction. “She asked why you weren’t home yet.”
Sydney clenched her palm, realizing there was no point pretending anymore.
‘Fine. Let it all fall apart,‘ she thought.
“Yes, we are living apart,” she said bluntly. “My marriage is exactly what the rumors say. It’s a complete
mess.”
She stared at him. Her eyes rimmed red from the alcohol “This is what I got for marrying him despite your warnings. Happy now?”
Then she grabbed her bag and practically fled.
Three years ago, she had decided to marry Caleb. A man who hadn’t spoken a word to her in nearly four years suddenly reappeared, dragged her into a car, and coldly declared, “I don’t approve of this marriage.”
In the past, Sydney was even angrier than she was now. Even a stray dog would have earned some affection after nine years—but not her.
Sydney remembered that scorching summer day clearly!
Back then…
The pavement radiated heat well over 104°F. She knelt on the ground, nearly fainting from pain. The man who now controlled the mighty Sterling Corp. walked past her without a glance.
He only turned to a maid and said, “She upset Grandma again? Keep an eye on her. Don’t let her die.”
Then he walked away without looking back.
The next time he showed up, it was to dictate her marriage.
She didn’t take it well and ignored everything he said. The argument spiraled until she jumped out of the car.
Whatever bond they’d had shattered completely.
People who heard the story said Sydney didn’t know what was good for her.
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Chapter 77
She didn’t care. She refused to be someone others could throw away like a stray.
+15 BONUS
Only after Sydney disappeared around the corner did Julian finally look away. He could still feel the softness of her skin on his fingertips.
The air in the car grew heavy as Elliot sighed. “Mr. Sterling, Ms. Wilson has always responded to kindness, not force. If you’d spoken gently, she probably would’ve forgiven you by now.”
“Oh? Do I owe her something?” Julian slowly removed his silver band. His icy dark eyes reflected in the rearview mirror. “Must I grovel for her forgiveness? I don’t owe her anything.”
‘I do,‘ Elliot thought silently. ‘I shouldn’t have brought it up.‘
He wanted to smack his own mouth. It wasn’t like he didn’t know Julian. He could be exhumed 500 years
from now and still have a stiff jaw. Literally.
‘Oh, wait, by then it wouldn’t just be his jaw. His bones would be clanking with stubbornness.
Sydney had barely unlocked the door when Tiffany burst from behind the desk and skidded to her knees in a
dramatic bow.
Tiffany hadn’t expected that. If she had known Julian answered Sydney’s phone earlier, she would have kept her lips sealed.
Chapter 78
+15 BONUS
hapter 78
