Chapter 20
Julian stepped out from behind a nearby column.
He hadn’t left, after all.
Together, we watched Ethan’s car disappear into the distance,
both of us exhaling in unison.
“You seem pretty happy,” I teased.
Julian’s hand slid around my waist, pulling me close.
1/6
“Of course I’m happy. There’s finally room for me in your life. Can I propose to you right now?”
I blinked in shock, my mouth opening slightly. “What?”
Julian’s grip on my waist suddenly tightened, the tension in his
jaw making him appear even more unyielding.
But I knew he was just nervous.
“Lara, will you marry me?”
From his pocket, he produced a diamond ring, his intense gaze softened by a hint of vulnerability.
“I’m not great with jewelry, so if you don’t like this one, we’ll pick
Qui another together”
Chapter 20
Warmth spread through me as I recognized the design–it was
from one of the magazines Julian had casually shown me days
ago, asking for my opinion.
I had thought nothing of it at the time, but now it was clear he’d
been planning this moment all along.
2/6
“Lara?” Julian’s brows knitted with worry. “Was this too rushed? I
should’ve thought it through more-”
“Jules,” I interrupted, taking his hand in mine. “Let’s go register
our marriage.”
The city hall clerk looked at us with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
She had probably never seen someone transition from divorce to
marriage this seamlessly.
Several times, she seemed on the verge of asking something but
thought better of it.
When we received our marriage certificate, Julian pulled out small
gifts and handed them to every staff member present.
Their initial confusion turned into warm congratulations.
“You two make such a stunning couple. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!”
“Yes, definitely! You’re clearly meant to be together.”
Chapter 20
3/6
Julian’s stern features softened under the stream of well–wishes.
He glanced at me repeatedly, his eyes brimming with love.
On the drive back to the villa, I found myself staring at the
marriage certificate, unable to believe it was real.
Julian rested his chin on my shoulder. “They’re right, you know. We’re perfect for each other.”
My gaze dropped to his thick lashes, the sharp bridge of his nose,
and those thin lips.
Cold in their natural curve, but impossibly warm and sensual in a
kiss.
My cheeks heated at the thought.
To hide my embarrassment, I pulled out my phone and scrolled
through Space X.
The top trending topic was still the Choreographer’s Canvas.
The director and judges had issued three apology statements in
response to the backlash, but hashtags like #AmberPlagiarist and #MistressOffStage had mysteriously disappeared.
It didn’t take a genius to guess how much Ethan had spent to protect Amber.
The irony wasn’t lost on me, and I let out a dry chuckle.
Chapter 20
A message notification broke the silence.
Another unknown number.
4/6
Unknown Number: [Amber is pregnant, and I don’t trust anyone else to take care of her. Move back into your old room.]
I stared at the screen, nausea roiling in my stomach.
Gripping Julian’s hand tightly, I asked, “Jules, would you mind if I posted our marriage certificate online?”
Julian straightened immediately. “I’ll have my assistant set up a verified Space X account right now.”
Confused, I asked, “Why?”
He smirked, hooking my finger with his. “To make sure everyone knows I’ve got my wife’s back.”
Warmth blossomed in my chest, filling the world with light.
Five minutes later, I posted two photos.
The first was my signed divorce papers. The second was a
censored version of our marriage certificate.
Clara: [Hello, new beginnings.]
The comment section erupted.
Chapter 20
5/6
There were shocked reactions, doubts, congratulations, and even
some dramatic wails.
[Why? Why would you jump into another marriage so quickly?]
It seemed yesterday’s dance had earned me a flood of new fans.
Julian read the comments over my shoulder and immediately
called his assistant.
“Why is this taking so long? Get that account verified now!”
The urgency in his voice made it seem like he was ready to start a fight with the internet itself.
I couldn’t help but laugh, my joy bubbling up like a steady stream.
Then my phone vibrated again–a call from the same unknown
number.
I hesitated before answering.
“The marriage certificate is fake, isn’t it?”
Ethan’s voice was heavy, his breathing labored.
“You’re doing this just to spite me. I know it. You have to be.”
“You know it’s not fake,” I replied calmly.
A loud crash sounded on his end, like someone flipping a table.
Chapter 20
6/6
“I’m giving you one last chance,” Ethan snarled. “Divorce him. If
you don’t, I’ll make you regret it. Bennett.”
The line went dead, and I gripped my phone tightly, my face pale.
He called me Bennett.
He was going to use the past of my family to threaten me.
“Don’t be afraid,” Julian said, pulling me into his arms. “I’m here.”
“But-“I started.
“Lara, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Julian’s voice grew serious.
“It’s about your parents‘ case. I found something… unusual.”
B
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