The Spare Bride Chapter 2

Julian stood up and left, leaving only a gust of wind.

I didn't beg him to stay like before. Instead, I picked up my teacup and blew on the tea leaves gently, like a true lady.

After doing all this, I couldn't help but laugh.

Who would have thought that ten years ago, in this very estate...

Fourteen-year-old Julian found me fleeing for my life and swore to protect me.

I was born into a poor, broken family.

My biological father was a loser. He got bullied outside during the day and came home to vent his anger on his wife.

Mom was a traditional woman.

Even beaten black and blue, she would wipe her tears and cook.

She always thought her husband would change.

But when she had a difficult birth, he stole her only life-saving money.

He said he could win it back, he could get rich.

Then, ignoring his wife fainting from pain, he went to the gambling table without hesitation.

I was twelve then. Mom was lying on a hospital bed in the hallway, blood pooling on the floor.

I searched all my pockets and found only six dollars and ten cents.

Doctors and nurses looked sympathetic but helpless.

Julian broke into my world at my most helpless moment.

He had just finished drag racing with his friends.

A huge bruise on his eye corner, grinning in pain, yet comforting me: "Don't cry, little sister. I'm here."

He used money to pave a way for Mom and my sister to survive.

He gave Mom a job, saving us from suffering.

When he learned I couldn't afford tuition, he arranged for me to be in his class.

Sometimes love comes that simply.

Julian was handsome and had excellent grades.

Many girls liked him, but he ignored them all, only letting me bring him water and lunch.

I was embarrassed, but secretly delighted.

I thought I was different.

But against Serena, I always lost.

In senior year, my recommendation spot for an Ivy League school was given to Serena by Julian.

I was sad, but living under someone else's roof, I couldn't say anything.

Serena wasn't satisfied. She kicked over my desk: "Stop acting like a victim! A lowlife whose tuition is paid by Julian... I'm doing you a favor by taking your spot!"

Even a worm will turn.

I gave up the spot, and it went to the next student in line.

Serena got nothing. She cried and refused to go to school.

Julian didn't say anything. He just used his connections to get another spot.

And told me not to bully Serena anymore.

I tried to explain to Julian that Serena started it, I just fought back a little.

He looked at me deeply, thinking he saw through my petty thoughts.

"She's just straightforward. She didn't say anything wrong."

"Did you have to be so harsh?"

I froze.

The fact I deliberately ignored was finally torn open nakedly.

When others mocked my poverty, Julian's silence wasn't denial.

He just disdained to speak.

Not because he thought they were wrong.