Chapter 3

Noah was my childhood best friend.

The very day Julian and I announced we were together, Noah left the country.

Yet here he was, standing in front of me, looking down at me with a soft gaze.

"What's wrong? Did Julian dump you?"

I weakly punched his chest, my eyes welling up with tears as I nodded.

After reading the whole story I typed on my phone, Noah clenched his fists and swore he was going to go inside and beat Julian to a pulp. I had to hold him back.

But the next second, this proud man suddenly got down on one knee in front of me.

"Chloe... do you want to give us a try?"

The exact same words. Julian’s face flashed in my mind, and my nose stung as tears streamed down my face.

Panicking, Noah quickly stood up, pulled me into his arms, and gently patted my back to soothe me.

"Okay, okay, don't cry. I was just joking."

"Actually, my mom has been nagging me like crazy to get married. I just wanted to find someone to get her off my back."

I gently pushed him away and typed a single word on my phone: [Okay.]

With Noah's help, I moved all my things out of Julian’s villa.

During those days, probably because he was too busy catering to Elena, Julian didn't even bother to contact me.

After all, he was supposed to have "amnesia." He couldn't risk breaking his cover too easily.

Noah's parents rushed back from abroad.

On the day of our engagement, I arrived at the hotel in my gorgeous evening gown, only to run straight into Julian at the entrance.

He looked at me with sheer surprise, which quickly turned into annoyance.

"Chloe, you know today is Elena’s birthday party. Why are you dressed like this?"

The guys standing next to him immediately started snickering.

"Chloe disappeared for so long, but look at her now. She came prepared. She's definitely here to propose to Julian!"

A slight blush crept up Julian’s neck.

But I simply pulled an envelope out of my bag and handed it to him.

"Julian, this is my resignation letter. Thank you for mentoring me all these years."

The crowd fell dead silent.

Julian took the letter, his face filled with utter disbelief.

Then, it turned into pure rage.

"Chloe, are you seriously using your resignation to force me to marry you?"

He threw the letter right back at me.

"Before I get my memory back, you better stop throwing these ugly tantrums."

Before he could finish, a pair of hands wrapped around his arm.

"Julian, let's go inside. So many of our friends are waiting for us."

Elena looked at me with a smug, triumphant smirk.

"Chloe, why don't you join us? Even though I didn't invite you, you are Julian’s secretary, so I’d be happy to have you."

She dragged out the word "secretary" with heavy sarcasm.

I didn't bother to reply and turned to walk toward the other hall, but Julian grabbed my arm.

"Chloe, what are you trying to pull? Today is Elena’s birthday. We can talk about whatever you want later."

"If you dare ruin her special day, I will never forgive you."

Feeling the pitying looks from the people around us, my cheeks burned.

Maybe realizing he had been too harsh, Julian loosened his grip on my arm.

"I know it's unfair to you that I've forgotten so many things right now..."

I let out a cold laugh and violently shook off his hand.

"Julian, my resignation is a notification, not a request for your approval."

"As for our breakup, it was already finalized at the hospital."

"Today, I’m here for my own wedding. I’m not here to watch your little show."

Julian’s face turned incredibly dark, his voice dropping low.

"Chloe, if you still want to marry me, stop making a scene."

He turned to exchange a reassuring look with Elena.

"After Elena’s birthday is over, I’ll give you an answer."

Today, Elena was dressed in a lavish, white gown. Anyone who didn't know better would think this was their engagement party.

I chuckled softly, reached into my purse, and pulled out a red folder.

I opened it and held it up so everyone in the lobby could see it crystal clear.

"Julian, look closely. I’m already married."