Chapter 2

Julian started the engine. "Since you're fine, take an Uber home. Zoe and I have plans."

Zoe waved at me with a sweet, condescending grin. "We're leaving now, Vivian! Take care of your health~"

The window rolled up, and the car sped off into traffic.

I stood there in the breeze. "My health... right."

Chloe invited me out for dinner downtown later that evening. As luck would have it, she picked that exact new French restaurant.

It was packed and lively.

Midway through dinner, I stepped out to use the restroom. Just outside the corridor, I ran right into Zoe.

She blocked my path, glaring at me like a defensive little animal.

"Why are you following us? Are you deliberately trying to ruin my date with Julian?"

I gave her a flat look. "Unmarried couples go on dates. What you and Julian are doing is called an affair."

Zoe blew up instantly, shouting, "You're just jealous! Jealous that I'm younger, prettier, and actually have Julian's heart!"

"Have you looked in the mirror lately? Your lips are purple, your eyes look dead! Julian told me you don't even have a real heart. What makes you think you deserve him?"

I was surprised Julian had told her about my mechanical heart. He really opened up to her, didn't he?

Too bad the heart he was giving away belonged to me.

Zoe stomped her foot in frustration, acting like she wanted to crush me under her heel.

Her slick leather boots slipped on the polished marble floor. She lost her footing and tumbled hard onto the ground.

"Ouch!" she wailed.

Across the hall, Julian rushed over in an instant.

Seeing him, my heart rate surged dangerously, throbbing hard against my ribs.

I pressed a hand against my chest, struggling to steady my breathing.

Two women in front of him—his wife and his new mistress.

Julian hesitated for barely a second before stooping down to lift Zoe into his arms.

His brow was furrowed with pure concern. "How could you be so clumsy?"

Zoe pretended she couldn't stand, falling into his chest and sobbing softly. "It wasn't my fault... It was... it was Vivian..."

Julian finally bothered to look at me.

Zoe sniffled. "I caught her following us, and when I asked her about it, she... she called me a pathetic home-wrecker! Julian, I love you, and you love me. I'm not a home-wrecker!"

She buried her face in his shirt, weeping dramatically.

I leaned heavily against the wall, trying to catch my breath.

Julian glared at me, his tone accusing. "Did you really say that to her?"

I couldn't speak, nor did I want to look at him. I simply turned my eyes away.

"Julian, look at her! She won't even deny it!" Zoe cried out. "She's so cruel! Look at my hand, it's scraped raw! She did this!"

She had tripped on her own, yet somehow it became my crime.

Julian ordered coldly, "Vivian, speak."

He seemed to be waiting for an explanation, but I had nothing to say. I couldn't even force the words out.

His expression darkened. "I didn't realize you could be this petty. Bullying a younger girl? If you have an issue, take it out on me."

The floor manager noticed the scene and walked over to see what was happening.

Julian flashed an exclusive VIP card. "I'm a black-card member here. I suspect this woman followed us inside. Is this how your restaurant protects its guests' privacy?"