Chapter 5
Julie stood frozen, her mind blank from shock. The murmuring crowd faded as she stared at the man approaching. He wore a black shirt, his suit jacket draped over one arm. His slightly tousled hair was no longer the boyish cut she remembered from five years ago; he looked much more mature. The overhead light stretched his shadow across the floor until he stopped before her. Their eyes met, Julie’s chest tightened, and her eyes instantly misted. Megan’s taunts and Zayn’s distrust hadn't bothered her; these past five years, she’d lived like an emotionless robot. But seeing this man, tears welled up. She bit her lip, determined to hold them back, yet her body trembled uncontrollably as her gaze traced his familiar features, from his brows to the mole at the corner of his eye. Lucian. Lucian Fuller! The face that haunted her dreams was alive. Her prayers were answered. A tear escaped, sliding down her cheek.
Behind her, Zayn, who had been holding Megan, stood. His arrogance vanished. Softly, he muttered, “Luce.” Lucian lazily replied, “I don’t think we’re close enough for you to call me that.” Zayn froze. Before he could respond, Lucian continued, “Oh, so this wasn’t a meeting. Just some people trying to gang up on a woman? Very impressive.” Zayn waved his hands in denial. “No, no one is bullying her.” Lucian hummed. “If that’s the case, what are you guys doing?” Zayn stammered, “Y-You don’t need to trouble yourself with this mess, Luce.” Lucian smirked. “You’re right. I might not be the nicest person, but even I draw the line at picking on defenseless women.” Glancing at Megan, still clinging to Zayn, his lips curled. “If I remember correctly, my airhead sister doesn’t look like that. When did she get her face done?” Zayn froze. Others might not understand, but he did. Lucian referred to his youngest sister, Anna Fuller. Their families hoped for a marriage of alliance.
Without waiting for Zayn’s reply, Lucian continued, “Wait, that can’t be right. I just saw her this morning. So…” He paused dramatically. “Not only are you ugly, but you’re also an unfaithful jerk? You pick on women and cheat?” Silence fell. Guests exchanged shocked glances, knowing Lucian’s reputation. As the youngest son of the city’s richest family, he was merciless, taking down anyone who crossed him. No one expected him to help a random woman upon returning from abroad. Compared to Lucian’s past mischief, Zayn’s antics were child’s play. If Zayn cheated on Anna, the Peyton family would face hell.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Zayn frantically explained, “No, I haven’t met Anna yet.” He subconsciously glanced at Julie. Lucian followed his gaze to Julie, whose eyes were still red. Looking away, he drawled, “Got it. Well, at least one thing’s clear—your taste in women sucks, Mr. Peyton.” Everyone’s attention shifted to Megan. Frightened, she looked to Zayn for reassurance, tears filling her eyes. “Zay—” Zayn impatiently pushed her aside. “Were you trying to frame Julie?” Megan paled. “I-I didn’t mean to. I just… I just love you so much.” She came from an ordinary family. Having snagged Zayn, she wouldn't let go. Zayn turned to Julie. “This was a misunderstanding, Julie. Meg is just insecure.”
Before Julie could respond, Lucian said lazily, “Aren’t you being unreasonable? I’m sure you would’ve forced her to take the blame if I hadn’t shown up. And now, you’re conveniently brushing it off as a misunderstanding?” Zayn was irritated but didn’t dare lash out. “Alright, what do you want me to do?” Lucian purred, “Weren’t you going to make this lady apologize? How could you forget that so quickly now that it’s your girlfriend’s turn?” Zayn understood and turned to Megan. Tears welled up in Megan’s eyes. She’d started this to show Julie who was boss, but the tables had turned. Resentfully, she sobbed, “I’m sorry, Julie.”
Julie, who had been staring blankly at Lucian, snapped back to reality. Lucian looked at her, a ghost of a smile on his face. “What are you spacing out for? She just apologized to you.” Julie stared at Megan and replied firmly, “I don’t want to be part of your love drama. Keep me out of it.” Zayn shot her an annoyed glare and left with Megan. The crowd dispersed, leaving Lucian. Julie’s voice trembled as she softly called out, “L-Lucian.” She kept her voice low, fearing he’d disappear. Lucian’s gaze softened, and he smiled faintly. “It’s been a while.” Julie stared dazedly, her chest tight with questions. How was he alive? Why hadn’t he found her? Those words were lost, replaced by silent tears.
Behind Lucian, a man watching the scene piped up, trying to lighten the mood. “What’s going on, Luce? Don’t bully the young lady.” He walked to Julie with a playful grin. “Miss, Lucian here is a heartless man. If you’re thinking of repaying him with your body for what happened earlier, why don’t you consider me instead? I’m not half-bad, you know.” Julie glanced at him, her reply curt. “No.” Blaine Chandler blinked, surprised by her fixation on Lucian. He raised an eyebrow and nudged Lucian. “Spill, Luce. When did you get involved with this poor lady?”