Chapter 2

Twenty minutes later, Julian burst through the door, out of breath.

He knelt at my feet, wrapping me in his arms, his eyes brimming with guilt and agony.

"Serena, I'm so sorry. I'm late..."

I shoved him away with all my might.

"Don't touch me!"

Julian froze.

I buried my head in my arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Don't hit me... please. I'll behave, I'll be good..."

Pain flickered in his eyes.

He carefully took my hand and pulled me back into his chest.

"Serena, that was just a drunk neighbor from upstairs. I already warned him."

"The monsters who hurt you are all behind bars now."

"Don't be afraid. I'll stay by your side. We'll start over together."

Under his soothing whispers, I slowly calmed down.

"Julian, can our wedding start over too?"

He stiffened for a second, then smoothed my hair.

"Of course. Tomorrow, I'll take you to try on wedding dresses again."

The next morning, Julian pulled his car up outside the building.

As I approached, Luna poked her head out from the passenger seat.

"Serena, I get carsick easily, so I'm used to the front. You don't mind, right?"

My fingers paused on the door handle. I shook my head and climbed into the back.

Once inside, Julian immediately dialed the AC down to sixty-five degrees.

Not seventy degrees, which I preferred.

During those three years, I had to wash clothes in freezing water, leaving me with severe cold sensitivity.

The icy air blasted directly onto me, and I couldn't stop shivering.

Luna turned around from the front and handed me a plush Disney blanket.

"Cold, Serena? Here, use this."

"I always like the AC blasting, so Julian called me dramatic and bought this blanket for me."

I raised my hand to take it.

Suddenly, Julian grabbed Luna's wrist.

"You're on your period and feeling awful. If you get cold and throw another tantrum, I'm not dealing with it."

My hand hung midair. I pulled it back, fingernails digging into my palms.

In the past, my cycle was irregular.

Julian tracked every date in an app on his phone, knowing my schedule better than I did.

Yet now, he had completely forgotten that today was also the start of my period.

I pulled my hands into my sleeves, riding in silence all the way to the bridal boutique.

The sales associate greeted us warmly.

"Miss Luna, you look so young and stunning—you and Mr. Vance make such a gorgeous couple! What kind of dress are you looking for?"

Julian paused, finally noticing me trailing behind them. He quickly pulled me forward.

"We're here for her dress."

The associate gave an awkward laugh and ushered us inside.

Before I could say a word, Luna pointed to a backless gown.

"Serena, you used to have such a beautiful back. This will look amazing on you."

I used to have a smooth back. Now, it was covered in jagged whip scars.

I was about to refuse when Julian stepped in.

"Luna is the orchestra's lead pianist and a public figure now. Don't embarrass her in front of everyone."

Swallowing my pride, I changed into the backless gown and stepped out.

The moment Luna saw me, she covered her mouth in exaggerated shock.

"Oh my god, Serena... those marks on your back... did that creep do all that to you?"

Her voice echoed across the showroom. Every employee and customer turned to stare, whispering among themselves.

I felt stripped bare, a target for humiliation. I turned to flee back into the fitting room.

Luna grabbed my wrist, tears welling in her eyes.

"Serena, don't you like the dress I picked for you?"

I tried to shake off her grip, but she theatrically fell to the floor, bursting into tears.

"I was just trying to help! Why did you push me?!"

Seeing this, Julian shoved me aside and rushed to help Luna up.

"Serena! You've crossed the line today. Apologize to Luna right now!"

I looked up, meeting Luna's triumphant smirk.

"Julian, did you not hear what she just said?"

Julian frowned.

"She spoke without thinking, but that doesn't give you the right to get physical."

A bitter chill settled over my heart.

"And what if I say I didn't push her?"

Julian's face darkened with disappointment.

"Then stay here and reflect on what you've done."

With that, he walked out with Luna, leaving me behind.

I limped out of the bridal shop just as torrential rain poured from the sky.

Soaked to the bone, I made my way home. My phone sat completely silent—no calls, no texts, no concern.

I took the framed photo of Julian and me by the entryway and dropped it into the trash can.

Then, I dialed an international number.

"Professor Hayes, is the principal pianist position at the Vienna Black Swan Orchestra still open?"