Chapter 11
Three years later, the Julian I’d fallen in love with had evolved into someone I barely recognized-and not always in ways I liked.
“Guess who I ran into at the conference last week,” his friend Marcus mentioned casually during a dinner party we were hosting. “Chloe, She looks incredible. Still as stunning as ever.”
I watched Julian’s wine glass freeze halfway to his lips, his knuckles whitening slightly. “How is she?” he
asked, his voice carefully neutral.
“Same as always. Asked about you, actually.” Marcus grinned. “Remember how crazy you two were about
each other back in college? Before she married that businessman and moved away.”
The silence that followed was deafening. I’d known Julian had previous relationships, but he’d never
mentioned anyone named Chloe specifically.
“That was a long time ago,” Julian said finally, setting down his glass. “Ancient history.”
“Still, she seemed… interested in catching up.” Marcus winked. “Said she’s been thinking about old times.”
After our guests left, I brought it up as we cleaned dishes together. “You never mentioned Chloe before.”
Julian’s hands stilled on the plate he was washing. “Because there’s nothing to mention. We dated in college.
She chose security over love. End of story.”
“But you loved her?”
He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “I thought I did. But that was before I knew what real love felt like.” His hands cupped my face. “Before you.”
Later that night, he made love to me with an intensity that bordered on desperate. But something had shifted. Over the following weeks, Julian became more adventurous in bed, suggesting things that surprised
“I read this article about modern relationships,” he said one evening. “Some couples have arrangements… open relationships. They say it prevents boredom, keeps things exciting.”
“You want to see other people?” The question came out sharper than I intended.
“No! Of course not.” But his laugh sounded forced. “I’m just saying there are different ways to love someone. Different approaches to long-term relationships.”
The business trips increased after that. Julian would return from these meetings energized, making love to
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Chapter 11
me with renewed fervor that felt almost performative.
Then came his father’s announcement about marrying Isabella.
“It’ll be a big wedding,” Julian said, showing me the elegant invitation. “Dad wants us there for the whole
celebration.”
T’d love to meet Isabella. She sounds wonderful from what you’ve told me.”
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