Chapter 20

"Should we forget about eleven?" Julian's gaze softened as he looked at Elena with a tenderness I hadn't seen before. "If she had simply misspoken, maybe she could be... the one?" That's unacceptable.

The 150 quid had really done the job. I took a deep breath and asked, "Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps her behavior changed after you arrived? Maybe her attitude only shifted after your appearance?"

"Elena wouldn't do that," Julian replied confidently.

From the moment Elena stepped through the door, everything had been falling perfectly into place.

A flash of helplessness flickered in my eyes as I gazed at Julian with a mix of affectionate pity. "Why don't we check the surveillance footage?" I suggested, spreading my hands. "It so happens there are cameras in this area, and they even record audio."

"You believe Elena, and you still have the nerve to suggest checking the footage?"

"There's no need for that," Elena said softly, slipping her arm through Julian's. "Let's just go home. Besides, this is the coffee shop where Serena works. It wouldn't be right to..."

Julian's expression softened with concern as he looked at her. "Elena, you're so kind. Even after everything, you're still protecting her." Sensing the tension, I quickly intervened, putting some space between them. "Stop!"

"Serena, what's your problem now?"

Meeting his gaze firmly, I said, "I just want to check the surveillance footage. And for the record, I'm not one to hold grudges." I added, "And I won't let anyone slander me. I'm not some pawn in your little love drama, and I refuse to be part of your games."

I went to the counter and pulled up the earlier surveillance footage.

"Let's go," Elena said, panic creeping into her voice. "I don't feel well."

I stared at the cold, empty chair. Julian seemed to catch on. His eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to Elena.

Warning tears began to spill down Elena's cheeks. She looked at Julian with a pitiful expression. "Julian..."

Desperation laced her voice. It was as if he were seeing a whole new side of Elena, noticing the crack in her perfect facade for the first time. She stepped forward nervously tugging at Julian's sleeve. "I'm just so scared of losing you..."

I couldn't help but scoff at how effortlessly Elena played the victim. Glancing at Julian, I wondered how he would respond.

Unexpectedly, with just a few words, Julian forgave her.

I closed my eyes and watched them walk away.

Back at the dorm, Lila noticed my annoyed expression and couldn't help but laugh. "What's wrong? Who pissed you off?"

"That jerk and that pretentious bitch really do belong together!" I muttered before recounting the day's events to Lila.

Lila laughed so hard she was rolling around on the bed. "You gotta be kidding, Serena! Julian is such a moron!"

"At least I put my 150 quid back," I said, glancing at my phone screen. The long string of numbers lifted my spirits. For once, I didn't mind not being able to bully Elena. Smart enough to lure Elena to a spot with surveillance, Serena. Otherwise, you'd be the one at a loss today.