Chapter 9
But the voicemail sobered him. Julie had blocked his number. How could she? What now? Then, a knock. Doris Bivins’ voice: “Mr. Peyton, Mrs. Peyton had me bring the hangover tea.” Zayn shouted, “Leave!” Doris looked helplessly at Martha. Martha said, “Leave it to me. It’s late. Rest.” She entered, hangover tea in hand. Seeing Zayn in his old clothes, she reprimanded, “Get up. Shower. Look at you.” He retorted, “Yeah, yeah. You want a puppet son, soft-spoken and subservient. That’s not me.” Martha sighed, softening. “Drink the tea. You’ll feel worse.” Zayn reluctantly took the mug. As it reached his lips, Martha began, “Zayn, why are arranged marriages common among affluent families? They prioritize legacy. I don’t want to see you marry someone who won’t benefit you, and regret it later.” Zayn paused. Martha continued, “Anna’s perfect for our family. I see no reason not to date her. And if you marry her, I won’t stop you from having Megan or Lily as mistresses. It’s common. As long as the main marriage holds, affairs are overlooked.” Zayn sneered, “Just like my father, huh?” Martha’s face froze. He continued, “Don’t worry. I’ll go on the date. It’s late. Go to bed.”
Julie returned to the dorm. Amaya was packing. Julie glanced at her luggage. “Moving out?” Amaya nodded. “Yes. Work’s easier. And fewer assignments in my fourth year.” Her gaze fell on Julie’s coat. She rolled her eyes. “I knew it.” “You and Zayn are back together?” Julie replied calmly, “Nope.” Amaya pointed at the coat. “Then what’s this?” Julie was stunned, thinking of Lucian and his marriage. Her heart skipped a beat. “Jules? Did you hear me?” Amaya nudged her. Julie snapped out of it. “It’s from a guy I knew.” Amaya perked up. “What guy? I bet he’s important.” Julie was surprised. “What?” Amaya pointed. “That’s a million-dollar tailor-made coat.” Julie was surprised. “Really?” She’d planned to keep it, thinking Blaine could spare one. But not this expensive. Amaya caught her expression. “You didn’t know?” Julie nodded awkwardly. Amaya smirked. “Get to know him.” Julie said, “Huh?” “A million-dollar coat, given like nothing? He must like you.”
Julie was conflicted. She’d heard of Blaine’s affairs. She was worried he had feelings for her. She had to return the coat and make it clear. As she considered contacting Blaine, her phone rang. An unknown number. She hesitated, then answered. “Hello?” “Hey, Jules, it’s Blainey.” Blaine’s voice boomed. Julie’s eyebrows rose slightly. She answered quietly. Blaine asked, “Reached the university?” Amaya’s words crossed her mind. She skipped the question about his number. “Thank you for the coat, Mr. Chandler. Do you have time tomorrow? I’d like to return it.” Blaine heard the distance in her voice. He glanced at the man beside him. The man nodded. Blaine said, “Alright. Fragrance House tomorrow at noon.” Julie nodded. “Okay. I’ll be there.”
After hanging up, Amaya asked, “The coat’s owner?” Julie nodded. Amaya laughed. “I’m rooting for you. Go get him.” “Stop it. He’s not my type.” Amaya side-eyed her. “What’s your type? Zayn? Give it up. Three years wasted. Why bother?” “Don’t mention him. We broke up.” “I don’t believe you. Remember when you claimed to have broken up, but sprinted to him when he was injured?” Julie choked. She couldn’t refute it. Amaya saw her hurt expression. She put an arm around Julie. “Zachary’s back in town. He asked about you.” Julie muttered, “I see.” Amaya nudged her. “He’s a great guy. You weren’t interested before.” Julie lowered her eyes. Amaya continued, “Jules, it’s an ocean. You’re a fisherman; if this one’s no good, get another.” Julie looked at Amaya. “Did you get another man?” Amaya giggled. “I did.” Julie was speechless. Amaya had started dating her boyfriend a month ago—seven or eight years older. She’d said older men offered security. “Where’s your old man? Don’t want him anymore?” Amaya winked. “Older men aren’t as sweet as younger men.” This caught Julie’s attention. “How old is this young man?” Amaya giggled. “As long as I look good, they can be as young as they like. I’m going to find my boyfriend.” She dragged her suitcase out. The room felt eerily empty. Julie, too, needed a new place.
The next day, Julie arrived at the restaurant. Pushing open the VIP room door, she stopped. Lucian sat inside. She hadn’t expected to see him. For years, she’d pined after him. But she couldn’t stand the sight of him anymore. The knowledge of his marriage constricted her chest. Julie stood at the door, exhaled softly, then walked toward the two men.