Julie was surprised. “Huh? Are you going to help me carry everything upstairs?”

Julie gave an embarrassed smile and quickly led them toward the elevator. She rented a unit on the 19th floor. Though the building’s exterior and surroundings were less than ideal, her one-bedroom apartment was warm and cozy. It was a snug little nest that perfectly held her dreams and hopes. But for women over six feet tall, the space felt cramped. Just standing in the living room made the room seem smaller and almost suffocating.

“This place is way too small, Juju,” Blaine remarked.

“It’s not for me living alone.”

“But it’ll be inconvenient when I come to visit.”

Julie sighed helplessly. No one had ever said anything about visiting. With that thought in mind, she turned toward Lucian. He’d said nothing from the moment he’d stepped into the apartment. Instead, he wandered around and inspected the place.

When Julie saw him head toward the bathroom, she leaned closer to Blaine and whispered, “Do you know why Lucian gave Megan a beating at school? Did he tell you?” Blaine looked surprised. “Did he not tell you?”

“He did, but he just said Megan was trying to seduce him.” Julie’s face was full of skepticism, and it was clear she didn’t buy the explanation.

Blaine chuckled teasingly. “What’s this? Are you saying you don’t trust Luce’s words?”

Julie rolled her eyes. “Would I be asking you if I trusted him? What really happened!”

Blaine glanced at Lucian, who was now inspecting the water heater. He leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, “I don’t know exactly what she said to him. As for why she got a beating, that was probably a reflex.”

Julie’s lips twitched. It sounded so absurd that she almost laughed. “A reflex?”

Blaine nodded earnestly. “Yeah.”

“What was he reacting to?”

“If you’re that curious, ask him yourself. I’m not saying a word. He’d kill me.”

Julie muttered under her breath, in a voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, “If you don’t even dare, how would I?”

“Ask me what?” Lucian sauntered out of the bathroom.

Julie forced a guilty smile and replied, “N-Nothing at all. Thank you for helping today. I’ll treat you guys to a meal some other day.” The implication in her words was clear. It was time to leave.

Lucian smirked and asked, “When would some other day be?”

Julie hadn’t expected such a question, and she froze in awkwardness. Then, she stammered, “Well, when are you guys free?”

Lucian’s tone was calm as he replied, “I’ll let you know.” With that, he shot Blaine a glance. “Why aren’t you leaving yet?”

Blaine immediately nodded in obedience. “I’m leaving right away!” As he walked out, he turned to Julie and winked. “We’re leaving now, Juju. You can tidy up on your own.”

Julie nodded slightly and watched them leave before getting to work unpacking her stuff. By the time she’d finished most of the cleaning, it was evening. She was about to head downstairs and grab a meal when the doorbell rang.

She frowned. Who could it be at this hour? Did someone knock on the wrong door? While she hesitated whether or not to make a sound, she heard the delivery guy’s voice, “Delivery!”

She sneaked up to the door and saw that it was indeed the delivery guy through the peephole. Then, she called out, “I didn’t order anything.”

“Are you Julie Somers?”

Julie nodded.

“Then it’s for you,” the delivery guy confirmed.

Still wary, Julie had him leave the bag by the door. After seeing him leave, she opened the door and brought the bag inside. She examined the bag closely and saw that the address and name were indeed hers.