Chapter 3

I had already heard rumors about Julian’s return.

During the reunion, someone mentioned that his family's business was in deep trouble. His parents were caught up in some major lawsuits, forcing him to drop out of his university abroad and come back.

Hearing this, Marcus had thrown an arm around my shoulder and asked if I was scared Julian would steal Chloe back.

I rolled my eyes at him. "What’s mine stays mine. No one can steal her."

I didn’t believe that in Chloe’s heart, a guy who broke up with her three years ago and vanished without a trace could ever compete with me, the one who had been by her side every single day.

But the moment I saw Julian’s messages pop up on her screen, my confidence shattered.

What if this was all just my wishful thinking?

What if Chloe had never truly belonged to me?

Her heart had belonged to Julian from the very beginning.

Three years ago, when she got drunk and called me crying, she was just desperate for someone to fill the empty space Julian had left behind.

Back then, Julian had just boarded his flight to go abroad. She threw herself into my arms, sobbing hysterically.

She said Julian couldn't handle a long-distance relationship, so he ended things.

And she hated herself for not having the courage to leave everything behind to go with him.

That day, she was so fragile, like a stray kitten begging for warmth.

And I willingly took the bait.