"A couple of days ago, he took her to the old estate to meet Grandpa Thorne. He even bought several sets of antiques out of his own pocket and told the old man they were from Nina. The old man was thrilled, couldn't stop praising her."

Whenever the Thornes were mentioned, Selina remained silent.

Although a faint ripple would occasionally stir in her heart, the sharp sting of pain was gone.

She blocked out the world, declining every invitation to parties or dinners where she might run into Julian.

There were a few nights when a drunken Julian would send her messages, acting as if nothing had happened and demanding she pick him up. She never went.

Occasionally, friends in their social circle would bring it up after a few drinks, their voices full of curiosity.

"Julian, where’s that little shadow of yours? Why hasn't your childhood friend been following you around lately?"

Julian didn't think much of it, his tone dismissive. "She’s just throwing a sulky fit. Ignore her; she’ll get over it in a while."

But as more time passed, there was still no word from Selina. Eventually, she stopped replying to his messages altogether.

By the day before Julian’s birthday, even he couldn't keep his composure. He sent over an electronic invitation.

This time, Selina finally replied.

Only two words.

"Not going."

Chapter 6

Early the next morning, Selina found Julian waiting for her the moment she stepped downstairs.

He sat on the sofa with a dark face, his voice cold and hard.

"Selina Sterling!"

Selina could tell from his tone that he was in a foul mood.

However, she had no intention of soothing him. Her attitude was far from warm.

"Oh. Good morning."

"I was just about to head out for a date with my boyfriend, so I won't be able to host you. Make yourself at home."

The anger Julian had been suppressing for days instantly ignited.

He lunged to his feet and grabbed her wrist, his eyes clouded with shadows.

"What boyfriend? Since when do you have a boyfriend?"

Selina didn't answer. She met his gaze without a hint of fear.

The fire in Julian’s heart burned hotter, and he unconsciously tightened his grip.

"Are you mute? Speak!"

Selina struggled to wrench her hand—already turning red from his grasp—away from him. Her voice remained icy.

"What does it have to do with you? You’re overstepping, Julian."

Just as the confrontation was about to escalate, Mrs. Sterling came downstairs and quickly pulled them apart.

"Oh dear, she’s just being stubborn," Mrs. Sterling said, trying to smooth things over. "She’s far too busy right now to go out and find a boyfriend. Any dating will have to wait until later. You two grew up together; there's nothing you can't talk through. Stop fighting."

With an elder present, both of them reined in their tempers and sat down.

Once Mrs. Sterling left the house, Julian realized he had crossed a line.

As his logic returned, he frowned, recalling what had just been said.

Mrs. Sterling said she’s 'too busy right now'?

What’s going on? And why does she have to 'wait until later' to date?

He was clueless, so he turned to Selina. "Were you lying to me just now?"

Selina spared him a glance and sat in a far corner. "Do you want something?"

Seeing her change the subject, Julian assumed it was just a provocation to make him jealous. He let out a breath of relief and moved on to the reason for his visit.

"My birthday. Why aren't you coming?"

"I'm busy. I don't have time."

Looking at her cold, detached demeanor, Julian’s frustration spiked again. His voice rose involuntarily.

"Busy with what? What could possibly be more important than my birthday? In the past, weren't you always the one looking forward to it more than anyone?"

Selina took a sip of water, her voice remaining flat and emotionless. "Things are different now. You have a girlfriend. Those are words you should be saying to Nina, not to an outsider like me."

For some reason, the word "outsider" made Julian feel incredibly uncomfortable.

He crossed his legs, interlacing his fingers tightly.

"I don't care. You're coming this year. Do you remember a few years ago when you promised me three wishes? One was to knit me a scarf, and two was to go mountain climbing with me. You've fulfilled those. Now, I’m using my third wish: you must attend my birthday party."

This time, Selina didn't snap back. She simply lowered her head.

Her silence made Julian even more agitated, and his voice grew colder.

"Have you forgotten why you promised me those wishes in the first place?"

Of course Selina remembered.

Three years ago, they were at the beach when the tide suddenly rushed in. Her leg cramped, and she was swept out into the deep sea.

It was Julian who had risked his life, jumping in to drag her back to shore, nearly drowning himself from exhaustion.

She had almost cried herself into a faint by his hospital bed, even contemplating following him if he didn't make it.

When he finally woke up, he had gently wiped away her tears, his voice incredibly tender.

"Crying so hard... people will think I'm actually dead."

"I'm worried sick about you, and you're making jokes like that!"

Selina had hit him in a fit of pique, and he had comforted her while mockingly begging for mercy.

"Fine, fine. If you're really that worried, just grant me three wishes."

Lost in the memory, Selina found herself unable to speak.

The room was quiet for a long time before she finally gave him her answer.

"Fine. Once the third wish is fulfilled..."

The shrill ring of a phone interrupted her.

Julian answered the call and began walking toward the door.

"As long as you've agreed. Tomorrow. You have to be there."

As his back disappeared through the doorway, Selina whispered the second half of her sentence to the empty room.

"...we should stop seeing each other."

Chapter 7

Halfway through the birthday party, Julian and Nina publicly announced their wedding date.

It was only then that Selina realized today wasn't just Julian’s birthday—it was also his and Nina’s engagement party.

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall as everyone offered their congratulations.

She sat alone in a corner, watching them kiss with faces full of happiness, her heart completely still.

When it came time for the toasts, Nina took Julian’s arm and walked over, raising her glass with a beaming smile.

"Selina, since you and Julian are so close, would you be a bridesmaid at our wedding?"

"I'm sorry, I have plans that day. I won't be able to attend the wedding."

Hearing her blunt refusal, Julian’s expression shifted instantly.

He shot her a cold look, his tone exceptionally harsh.

"It doesn't matter if you show up or not. Just make sure the gift is delivered."

Selina gave a slight nod, her voice soft and clear. "Don't worry. Given our history, I'll be sure to send a very generous red envelope."

Her tone was sincere, as if she were truly wishing them well.

Recalling the words he had heard in the boutique a few days ago, a flash of complex emotion crossed Julian’s eyes.

The lively sound of a piano began to play; not knowing what else to say, he led Nina onto the dance floor.

The spotlight followed the two figures as they drifted across the floor as light as butterflies.

Seeing their display of affection, the surrounding guests were filled with envy and praise.

"What a perfect match. But getting engaged after only knowing each other for a month? Isn't that a bit rushed?"

"What do you know? Julian has been in love with Nina for years. Now that he’s finally won her over, of course he wants to make it official as soon as possible."

Selina leaned back on the sofa and watched quietly, her mind a swirl of tangled thoughts.

Her ballroom dancing had been taught to her by Julian.

Back then, they lacked rhythm, and she would frequently step on his feet in her high heels.

He never got angry; he would only lean in and whisper with a wicked smirk.

"Every time you step on me, I get a kiss."

That day, Selina learned to dance.

Julian’s legs were covered in bruises, and her lips were swollen from his kisses.

She thought he loved her too, and that in his world, she held the position of his girlfriend.

But after Nina returned and she witnessed his relentless pursuit of her, Selina finally understood how delusional her thoughts had been.

In the midst of her reflection, someone approached and bowed, inviting Selina to dance.

She didn't want to go, but he was persistent, and seeing everyone else dancing, she didn't want to ruin the mood, so she agreed.

The two strangers were unexpectedly in sync, moving slowly to the soothing, melodic music.