Chapter 3

**Chloe's POV**

The next day, I went to work at the dance studio as usual.

During the lunch break, Julian appeared at the classroom door, his face dark, holding a warm caramel macchiato—my old favorite.

"You hung up on me last night and ignored me all night. Are you done throwing your tantrum now?" He handed the drink over, his brows furrowed as if he were the one who had suffered a great injustice.

I didn't even look up as I continued sorting through the kids' registration forms. "I'm working. Solicitations aren't allowed in the studio. Please leave."

Julian’s hand froze mid-air, his expression instantly turning ugly. "Chloe! I came all the way here to find you. What more do you want? Hudson just has a big mouth, and I actually did twist my ankle a little. Do you have to be this petty?"

"Don't look at the floor when you're lying, Julian. It makes you look pathetic."

I finally looked up, my eyes as cold as ice.

Busted, Julian’s eyes flickered with panic. He reached out to grab my arm, but a sweet, high-pitched voice called out from the end of the hallway:

"Julian!"

Melanie, holding two Broadway tickets, fluttered over like a butterfly.

She gasped as if she had just noticed me, covering her mouth in mock surprise. "Oh! Chloe, you're here too? Julian, didn't you promise to go to the theater with me tonight? Why are you still here?"

Today was my three-year anniversary with Julian.

We had originally agreed to have dinner tonight at the cozy little diner where we had our very first date.

But Julian had clearly forgotten.

Seeing Julian's face stiffen for a fraction of a second, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Melanie, your acting is so bad. How did you even get into the dance academy in the first place?"

Melanie’s tears came on cue. She grabbed Julian’s sleeve, looking incredibly hurt. "Chloe, please don't misunderstand. If it bothers you, I'll just rip these tickets up. You guys should go celebrate your anniversary..."

I had been disgusted by this manipulative, victim-playing act a thousand times before.

But now, I just found it hilarious.

"Please, don't rip them. A toxic jerk and a fake snake. Honestly, you two are a match made in heaven. Have a great movie night."

With that, I slammed the classroom door right in their faces!

I shut out Julian's thunderous face and Melanie's fake sobbing.

Getting rid of toxic trash felt absolutely amazing.

After class, it was already dark.

The moment I stepped out of the dance studio building, Julian blocked my path in the freezing wind.

"Chloe, come with me," he commanded.

"Get lost," I replied, not even sparing him a glance.

Julian finally lost his temper. "Have you had enough?! Melanie cried all afternoon because of your sarcastic remarks! Just how long are you going to keep making a scene over nothing?!"

Melanie stepped out from behind Julian at the perfect moment, her eyes red. "Chloe, I know you’ve always felt guilty about taking my solo spot back then, but I forgave you a long time ago. Don't take your anger out on Julian..."

*Slap!*