Chapter 2

Julian's family background was even wealthier than Ethan's.

In public, he was always cold, distant, and completely out of reach.

I used to think so, too.

Usually, when we were in private, Julian and I barely spoke a word to each other.

After graduating from college, I got a job.

As fate would have it, the company turned out to be one of the subsidiaries of Julian's family conglomerate.

Julian became my young boss.

That made the distance between us feel even wider.

We only started getting close about a month ago.

When I suddenly got the news of Ethan's disappearance,

I completely broke down for a while.

Julian, acting as the initiator of the trip, felt extremely guilty and offered to take care of me in Ethan's place for a while.

But he was a bit too attentive.

He insisted on cooking all three meals himself and serving them right to me.

It made me feel so embarrassed. I said:

"Julian, you can't blame yourself for this. Ethan always loved extreme outdoor sports. Even without your invitation, he would have explored that island on his own eventually.

"His parents didn't say anything to blame you, so of course I won't either.

"You should go back to your busy life. I really don't need you to... put down that piece of clothing!"

I took a giant step forward.

And snatched my bra right out of his hands.

"I can wash my own underwear!"

Julian looked at me with a deadly serious face. "I wash things cleaner. Are you sure you don't want me to help?"

"Absolutely not!"

I was so embarrassed at the time that I didn't notice.

He hid his hands behind his back.

And rubbed his fingers together in regret.

So how did I discover Julian's other side?

It was probably one night, around midnight, when I got up to use the restroom.

I realized Julian was still staying over at my place, refusing to leave.

I decided to go ask him about it.

But just as I approached the cracked door of the guest room, I saw it.

He was shirtless, showing off his lean, muscular upper body.

In one hand, he was holding my lace camisole.

His other hand was blocked by the wardrobe.

Under the dim, warm light, Julian's back muscles were completely tensed, the veins on his arms bulging.

I was completely shocked by the scene.

I couldn't help but make a sound.

Julian whipped his head around instantly.

The moment he saw me.

He tilted his head back.

A low, trembling groan escaped his throat.

I discovered Julian's secret.

And from then on, I hopped onto his boat.

I knew I should have pushed him away.

I shouldn't have allowed his hugs and kisses.

But I couldn't control myself.

Probably because, when I was crying my eyes out over Ethan,

Only Julian was there, silently keeping me company.

And more importantly—

I had already begun to suspect that Ethan's disappearance was a total scam.

What kind of parents wouldn't report their own son missing, and even stop me from calling the cops?

What kind of friends would throw wild parties and live in luxury right after their best buddy went missing?

All these doubts were finally confirmed today.

All of them had teamed up to put on a show for me.

And Julian was a major actor in this play.

Back to the present.

Julian still refused to let go of me.

Feeling a bit exhausted, I said, "Did you cook? I'm starving."

"Yes, all your favorites."

"Go heat it up."

"Okay."

Julian immediately went to heat up the food.

He didn't think there was anything wrong with me speaking to him in such an commanding tone.

After dinner.

I took off my cardigan and threw it at him.

"Go wash it."

Julian paused. "Am I allowed to?"

"Yeah. I'm tired today, too lazy to do it myself."

Like he had just received an award, he happily carried the clothes into the bathroom.

I knew he wouldn't be out for at least twenty minutes.

After successfully sending Julian away.

I unlocked his phone, which he had left on the table.

Sure enough, Ethan had created a burner Snapchat account and had been keeping in touch with them the whole time.

During the first few days, Ethan actually asked about me.

[Ethan: How is Chloe?]

[Julian: She cried for a long time today.]

[Ethan: It's fine, she's always like that, crying over everything is so annoying. Thanks for keeping an eye on her.]

[Julian: When are you ending this joke?]

[Ethan: ?]

[Julian: If you don't like her, just break up. There's no need to play her like this.]

[Ethan: It's not that I don't like her. I just think she controls me too much. She wouldn't even let me go out drinking at midnight. Sienna is right, she needs to suffer a bit to learn how to behave around me.]

Julian didn't reply after that.

With a ding, a group chat popped up, catching my attention.

The group name was—

Princess Sienna and Her Three Minions.