Chapter 3
“God knows what she’s up to this time,” Zayn snapped. “She’s letting you go,” Hans said confidently. Zayn scoffed. “And you believe that? You know how she’s been these past three years. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t shake her off.”
“But she left the group chat,” Hans stated. Zayn froze, grabbed his phone, and opened the group chat. Sure enough, Julie had left. He hadn’t been joking; she really meant to stop bothering him. He leaned back, feeling less relieved than he expected.
One by one, the others arrived. Noticing Julie’s absence, they discussed her departure. “Hey, do you think Julie really intends to give up on Zayn this time? She even left the group chat.” “Maybe. She probably got hurt after seeing Zayn’s messages.” “Wanna bet how long she can hold out before running back?” Some bet a day, others two, some a week.
Zayn, scrolling through his phone, looked up with a smirk. “Toss her a bone, and she’ll come wagging her tail within ten minutes.” Everyone laughed, praising his knack for “training” her. Hans tsked, lit a cigarette, and said nonchalantly, “Just forget about a used toy, man. Honestly, Megan is leagues better than Julie.”
The door burst open. “Something bad is happening!” Everyone looked up. It was Zayn’s cousin, Stewart Peyton, panicked. Zayn frowned. “What now?”
“I-It’s Julie. S-She—” Stewart stammered. Zayn cut him off. “What did she do this time?” Stewart handed Zayn his phone. “I was scrolling through my feed when I saw this.”
Zayn saw a video posted nearby. Julie sat on the Harbor Bay Bridge, staring blankly into the distance. The setting sun cast a golden glow, making her look like a fragile, abandoned doll. Her eyes were dull and empty. A soft breeze played with her hair, but couldn’t hide the sadness and despair. She sat quietly, beautiful but heartbreaking.
Zayn’s brows furrowed, and he cursed. He knew she wouldn’t let him go easily; she was even using suicide to threaten him.
Someone muttered, “She isn’t thinking of killing herself because Zayn doesn’t want her anymore, is she?” “Gosh, that’s terrifying.” “The way she clings to him like gum is disgusting.”
Zayn tossed the phone back to Stewart, running a hand through his hair. Memories of their first meeting, also at the Harbor Bay Bridge, resurfaced. He felt uneasy. Abruptly, he shot up, kicked the coffee table, and strode out.
Hans glared at Stewart. “Are you an idiot? Why’d you show him that?” Stewart was baffled. “What did I do?” Hans ignored him and ran after Zayn.
Julie had already climbed down from the railing. She stood staring blankly into the distance. Zayn walked over, grabbed her arm, and dragged her away silently.
As they passed a grove of trees, Julie shook off his grip. “What are you doing?”
Seething, Zayn snapped, “Julie Somers, are you out of your damn mind?”
Frowning, she retorted, “You’re the crazy one! You and your entire family!” Zayn was shocked. Then, he sneered, “You’re just up to another trick, aren’t you? You pulled this stunt to get my attention.”
Julie paused, confused. “W-What are you talking about?”
Zayn jeered, “Even if you dropped dead in front of me right now, I still wouldn’t care. So, stop trying to threaten me with suicide.”
Julie finally understood. Not bothering to explain, she shook off his grip and turned to leave. Zayn grabbed her wrist. “What the hell do you want, Julie? If you think you can make me do what you want by threatening me with suicide, you–”
“I told you I’m letting you go, and I meant it. And I really do wish you and Megan happiness,” she interrupted.
Zayn’s expression grew icy. “What did you just say?”
She sighed, looking into his face. She thought she was prepared, but couldn’t bring herself to hurt him. “Don’t worry, Zayn. I’m leaving the city by the end of the year. I wish you and Megan…”
He only heard she was leaving. Impossible. For three years, no matter how cruelly he treated her, she never mentioned leaving. Megan must have really upset her, and she was trying to force a breakup.
Zayn’s fury boiled over. Glaring at her, he spat, “Fine, leave. As if I give a damn. You’re just a bitch my mom bought to keep me company.”
Julie’s face remained expressionless. These words no longer hurt. He wasn’t entirely wrong, and she felt some guilt. “Think what you want.”
Julie turned to leave, but Zayn yanked her back, pinning her against a tree. He leaned in, aiming for her lips. She shoved him away and slapped him.
Zayn froze, his hand slowly creeping to his stinging cheek. His jaw tightened. “You’ve got some nerve, Julie Somers.”
She came to her senses, feeling a pang at the sight of his reddened cheek. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” She reached out, but he slapped her hand away.
“You’d better not fucking regret this, Julie. I’d rather die than give a damn about you from now on.” He stormed off.
Julie returned to her dorm; her roommates were out. Sitting at her desk, she opened a drawer and pulled out a photo. The man wore a white T-shirt and black pants, leaning against a tree. She had been trying to take his picture secretly, but he’d caught her. Tears streamed down her face as she traced his face. “Lucian, he’s really nothing like you.” She knew she would never see him again; he had died five years ago.