Chapter 3

By the time I got back to the estate, Julian had already dined with Vivian.

They were curled up together on the couch, watching a trashy reality show, laughing and chatting about the drama.

"If I were the female lead, I'd have dumped him already. Why drag it out?" Julian scoffed.

Vivian giggled, resting her head on his shoulder. She caught sight of me standing at the door out of the corner of her eye.

With a sneer, she said, "Well, some girls are just pathetic like that. They have no dignity and refuse to leave!"

I stared at them, feeling a thick lump rise in my throat.

I remembered watching the same show a few weeks ago. Julian had merely walked past the living room and snapped at me:

"Turn that garbage down, it’s giving me a headache."

"I don't know how you watch this brainless trash. It's utterly pathetic."

Now I realized.

It wasn't the show he hated. It was me.

And because he hated me, he hated everything I did.

Hearing the front door click, Julian only spared me a cold, passing glance before turning back to the TV.

He didn't say a single word.

He was still giving me the silent treatment over the umbrella.

I pretended not to notice.

I walked straight to the dining room to eat alone.

But halfway through my meal, Vivian followed the scent into the kitchen.

"Oh, Chloe, that smells amazing."

"Martha, is there any more of that? Serve me a plate."

Martha, the housekeeper, looked conflicted.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Both your and Ms. Chloe's meals are specially prepared pre-natal menus. I only made one portion for her."

Before Martha could finish, Julian walked in. Without a word, he snatched my plate right out from under me.

He placed it directly in front of Vivian.

"It’s just a meal. Eat up, Vivian. We can't let you or the baby starve."

"Chloe, have Martha whip up something else for you. Vivian rarely has an appetite. She’s technically your elder. The least you can do is show some respect."

My stomach was cramping from hunger.

I gripped my fork so tightly my knuckles turned white.

"Clack!"

I slammed my utensils onto the table, finally snapping.

"Is the Sterling family going bankrupt? Do you seriously have to steal food off my plate?"

"You treat Vivian better than your own fiancé. Anyone walking in would think you're the one marrying her tomorrow!"

As if I had struck a nerve, Julian’s face flushed with rage. He roared:

"What the hell are you talking about, Chloe!"

"The second you step foot in this house, you start picking fights. Who gave you the right to act like a spoiled brat?"

Beside him, Vivian immediately covered her face and sobbed, her shoulders trembling delicately.

But her eyes were gleaming with malice.

"No, Julian, don't yell at her."

"It's my fault. I’m just pregnant and crave everything I see. I don't want the food anymore, Chloe. I'll give it back. You chased Julian for three years before he finally noticed you. Your wedding is tomorrow. Please don't cancel it over a plate of food!"

The more she played the victim, the angrier Julian became.

He wrapped his arms around Vivian, comforting her.

"Stop crying, Vivian."

"Why are you apologizing to her? You did nothing wrong."

He whipped his head toward me, his eyes burning with disgust.

"Chloe, if you hadn't chased me like a desperate dog for three years, do you think I would’ve ever dated you? Do you think I'd actually marry you? If you dare disrespect Vivian again, I swear to God I will call off this wedding right now!"

Vivian, determined to push me over the edge, looked up with tear-filled eyes and clutched Julian’s sleeve.

"Julian, don't say that. Chloe is just terrified of losing you."

"I'll pack my bags and move out tomorrow. I don't want to stand between you two..."

"Move out?" Julian interrupted, his glare cutting through me like a knife. "If anyone is leaving, it’s her!"

"This house belongs to me. The Sterling estate is mine."

"Chloe, if you pull this drama one more time, the wedding is off, and you can pack your bags and get the hell out of my house!"

"Now, apologize to Vivian. Immediately!"