chapter 4

"Lila!"

Julian’s voice cracked with panic. He dropped me at once and chased after her.

I felt a twinge of worry—afraid Lila might die like she had in my past life. I quickly ordered someone to stop all cars in the estate.

By the time I arrived, Julian had already caught up to Lila.

He held Lila tightly in his arms, as if she were a treasure he’d regained after losing it.

I checked Lila up and down.

Seeing she was unharmed, the weight in my chest lifted.

"Audrey, why’d you follow? To rub it in Lila’s face?" Julian snapped.

"I should’ve known you had bad intentions! If it weren’t for you, I never would’ve said that stuff to provoke Ethan—making Lila misunderstand."

I froze mid-step.

Guess I’d been too kind, worrying for nothing.

I turned to leave.

Lila’s voice called from behind.

"Miss Clarke, please—let Julian go. You have parents who love you, a brother who dotes on you, a fiancé... I have nothing. Only Julian...

"Please don’t pester him anymore."

Then came the sound of heavy, desperate thuds against the floor.

Lila dropped to her knees, bowing her head repeatedly—so forcefully that her forehead grew bruised and swollen, a trickle of blood seeping through the broken skin.

"If you’ll just agree, I’ll be your servant in my next life—I’ll do anything to repay you!"

She sobbed, her tears making her look pitiful.

Julian hauled her to her feet, pulling her into his arms.

"Silly Lila, what are you saying? Don’t beg her. I’ll take care of you forever."

He kissed the tears from her cheeks, voice soft with pity. "Lila, don’t worry. I’ll tell Mom and Dad. I’ll give you a proper place in the family. Don't worry."

Lila rested her head on Julian’s chest, a satisfied smile flickering across her face.

I curled my lips, sneering at Julian. "Heard that? Stop clinging."

Julian’s body tensed.

I walked back the way I’d come.

Ethan was waiting by the flower beds.

He’d looked dejected, but perked up the second he saw me.

"Audrey!"

I couldn’t help smiling.

"Let’s go. Show me the surprise."

Ethan held out his hand, eyes shining with anticipation.

I hesitated, then placed my hand in his.

Ethan practically buzzed with energy.

He led me to the backyard.

The ground was covered with fireworks.

"I had these custom-made. You’ll love them," he said.

Ethan lit them himself.

We sat on the stone steps, leaning against each other.

Looking up at the brilliant fireworks.

Hidden in the colorful bursts was my name.

Beneath the loud cracks of the fireworks, Ethan poured out his love.

My heart raced.

In the dark, my cheeks burned.

So this was what it felt like to be loved?

To calm Lila, Julian announced their relationship to the upper circles.

He even threatened his parents, dead set on marrying her.

Mr. and Mrs. Hart hated the idea of a daughter-in-law with no background or status, and kept going on about me.

Desperate, Julian turned to Noah.

"Audrey, do me a favor? You know I owe Julian a debt."

I couldn’t say no to Noah’s plea.

I had to make a trip to the Hart family.

"After this, we’re even. No more contact," I told Julian before going in.

At the words "no more contact," Julian’s face soured.

He ground out, "Audrey, you’re that eager to cut ties? Have you really given up on..."

I pushed the door open before he could finish.

"Oh, Audrey’s here! It’s been so long—I missed you," Mrs. Hart greeted warmly.

She linked arms with me, like we were the closest mother and daughter.

"Did that brat upset you? I heard he’s got another woman? If he dares hurt you, I’ll break his legs!"

Mr. Hart chimed in too.

"Uncle Hart, Auntie Hart, Julian and I have broken up," I said flatly.

Mrs. Hart’s face fell.

"Audrey, I watched you grow up. Our families are like one. You and Julian were together three years—you were practically engaged. Don’t joke like that."

My expression stayed steady. "I’m not joking. I really don’t like Julian anymore."