Chapter 5

Five years ago, when Julian loved me most,

I betrayed him.

I still remember, during that month when I suddenly disappeared,

Julian searched for me like a madman, turning the world upside down.

Until he saw a video shared in the university group chat.

In the video, I was in bed with a man.

I was actively hugging the man’s neck, my face relaxed, my eyes filled only with him.

The man’s face was blurry, just a vague profile.

But my face in the video was crystal clear.

The video only appeared in the chat for less than ten seconds before an admin deleted it.

But many had saved it, and everyone who needed to know, knew.

Rumors spread through the university that I was involved in illegal activities.

Julian didn’t believe it, until a month later, I appeared before him.

Liam was with me.

That day, I stood before Julian, in a long silence.

Julian’s eyes were red, his face trembling.

“Chloe, explain this to me.”

He pressed me, then watched me pull out a marriage certificate.

“I’m sorry, Liam and I have been together for years.

“I used you. Besides ‘I’m sorry,’ I should also say ‘thank you.’”

Julian looked as if he’d been struck by lightning.

He stood frozen, staring at me intently.

I thanked him for helping me get into my dream university.

I thanked him for giving up his overseas study spot for Liam, whom I loved most.

I don’t remember what else I said.

I only remember that until the very end, he never opened that marriage certificate to look at it.

He raised a hand at me, his eyes filled with an anger I’d never seen before.

That gesture lasted a long time.

But finally, his palm slowly fell on top of my head.

His voice was filled with the deepest hatred, yet tears streamed down his face in front of me.

“Chloe, you’re cruel.”

“Don’t ever let me see you again in this lifetime.”