Chapter 4

For the first time in my life, someone told me to live for myself.

She was right. I was still young—not even thirty yet.

I shouldn't be running myself ragged to please someone else. I needed to live my own life.

Chloe's words gave me clarity, washing away any lingering doubts about leaving Victoria.

I smiled at her. "Chloe, you're going to be an incredible educator. And an amazing teacher."

After the performances wrapped up, I stayed behind to help her clean up the classroom.

By the time we swept up the last bit of confetti, it was already past midnight.

"Time flies. It's almost three in the morning," she remarked.

I laughed softly. Suddenly, she skipped in front of me with a mischievous grin. "Since it's this late, why even go home?"

Chloe was always bursting with spontaneous ideas. I looked at her, bewildered. "What are you planning now?"

"Have you ever seen the sunrise from the ridge? Let me show you. Sunrises out here hit different compared to the city."

Before I could protest, she seized my wrist and dragged me running across the open fields.

"Julian, have you ever sprinted at full speed while screaming at the top of your lungs?"

I shook my head. Back when I was with Victoria, every move I made reflected on the Sterling family name.

Even if Victoria and her snobbish friends never truly accepted me, we still had that lavish wedding.

Our names were tied together in the public eye.

Doing something so wild was completely unthinkable back then.

"Never?! You're seriously missing out. It feels amazing! Just repeat after me!"

I nodded.

Chloe sped up, and I lengthened my stride to match hers.

"I'm Chloe Hayes!"

"I'm Julian Vance!"

"And I am going to be a world-class educator!"

"And starting today, I'm only living for myself!"

Our voices bounced across the quiet, sprawling valley, echoing back to us in waves.

Chloe came to a sudden halt, catching her breath in ragged gasps. She pointed toward the horizon. "Julian, look! The sun!"

She cheered like an excited kid.

I stood beside her, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

Even without a wink of sleep, I had never felt lighter.

Once the golden light completely washed over the hills, we strolled slowly back toward the village.

"Are you always like this?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"Like what?"

"So full of sunshine?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I love my life right now. I've got food, a warm bed, and work that matters.”

“You should've seen this place when I first arrived—that classroom back there had cardboard taped over broken windows in the dead of winter."

"Then this generous philanthropist stepped in, funded renovations, and built a whole community library."

She pulled out her phone to show me an article. "Look at her. Gorgeous and kind-hearted, right?"

Victoria's face flashed across the screen. My smile froze instantly.

Memories rushed back. On his deathbed, Professor Campbell had two wishes: to see Victoria and me together, and to ensure underprivileged kids had access to education.

Over the years, Victoria had poured millions into charity schools, gaining immense public praise.

Looking back, Victoria was kind and gracious to virtually everyone in the world.

Except me. Me, she treated with sheer disgust.

"What's wrong?" Chloe asked.

"Nothing," I murmured, forcing a smile.

Chloe tapped on a video interview attached to the article. "Seriously, whoever got to marry her must be the luckiest man alive."