Chapter 24

What gave Julian the right? We were all free to love and date whomever we wanted. Why did he get to act so high and mighty? Why did he get to judge and test others at will?

In the other shop, Kevin frowned, glanced at the situation outside, and typed on his phone: "The prey has taken the bait."

"I've figured out that you're not the kind of woman who chases after riches," he later said.

Julian seemed genuinely surprised when he heard my question. Overjoyed, he declared, "Serena, as long as you agree, I promise I'll marry you right after graduation." He slowly opened a ring box, revealing a perfectly cut diamond ring.

I contemplated my next move, my eyes darting toward Kevin, who was inside the coffee shop.

"Serena, marry me!" Julian suddenly raised his voice. Simultaneously, I saw Kevin put down his phone and hurry toward us. It was as if he'd finally received confirmation.

"Marry you? What about Elena?" I asked, raising my voice slightly.

Julian froze, then replied seriously, "I'll make sure you live a carefree life."

I almost laughed. "So, you're saying we should get married, but you and Elena will continue dating?"

Julian faltered under the curious stares of the crowd, nearly losing his composure.

I scoffed. "Julian, are you really dreaming of multiple wives in this day and age? What kind of backward thinking is that?"

I expected anger, but he merely raised his voice, calling my name. I looked at him with unrestrained disdain.

He seemed to make a difficult decision, softening his tone. "I'll reduce my interactions with Elena."

"Serena can't be with you," Kevin announced, pushing through the crowd to stand before us. He glanced at me, then back at Julian, repeating, "Serena can't be with you."

"Why?" Julian stood, frowning at Kevin. "Who are you?"

"I'm Serena's boyfriend," Kevin stated confidently. I frowned as he moved closer, attempting to put his hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off, but he didn't seem fazed.

"That's impossible," Julian insisted. "I've never heard of Serena having a boyfriend."

"You don't believe me?" Kevin pulled out his phone, showing Julian a photograph. "Here's your proof."

Julian looked, then stared at me with a complicated expression. I grabbed the phone. The photo showed me scantily clad and close to Kevin.

I stated, "Kevin, you do realize this is illegal, right?"

Panic flickered across Kevin's face, but he quickly recovered. "Come on, Serena, if you don't like it, I'll make sure no one else sees it. I was just using it to prove our relationship."

"What relationship?" I said coldly.

"Julian, why are you here?" A voice from the crowd cut through the growing chaos.