Chapter 2
That night, Phoenix dreamed of the first time she met Julian.
She was eighteen, accompanying her father to a Blackwood family gala.
Julian stood by the piano in a crisp black suit, long fingers holding a champagne glass, his features striking.
She fell for him instantly.
Later, she boldly stole a kiss. He paused, then chuckled: “Little girl, that’s not how you kiss.”
Then he cupped the back of her head and taught her what a real kiss was.
That kiss was endless, leaving her breathless. Even now, remembering it felt like an unreal dream.
When she woke, her pillow was soaked. As daylight filtered in, she steadied herself before calling her father.
“Dad, I’ve gotten divorced. After receiving the certificate, I’ll come abroad to be with you.”
“Did Julian hurt you?” Her father’s voice immediately rose.
“No,” Phoenix gazed at the brightening sky. “I just don’t love him anymore.”
The truth was, Julian didn’t love her. And she wouldn’t love him anymore either.
She couldn’t say those words aloud, like swallowing a shard of glass, letting it tear her heart to shreds.
After hanging up, a friend request appeared on her social media. Inexplicably, she accepted.
The stranger immediately sent a video clip–Julian slept lightly on a couch, brow furrowed, mumbling a name: “Elise…”
Following the video came a message:
“I’m Elise, Julian’s first love. I never imagined after all these years, even after marriage, he hasn’t forgotten me. Returning today, I discovered he still has my name tattooed on his wrist, keeps all our photos and his journals about me. See how he calls my name in his sleep? He must be dreaming of our past–his unforgettable first love.”
Phoenix read this, her heart numbed with pain.
She replied only: “What do you want?”
After a long pause came the response:
“Nothing much. Just reclaiming what’s mine. He’s about to wake up, but want to bet that if I say I had a nightmare, he’ll stay with me for the next five days without contacting you once?”
Phoenix didn’t reply.
Ten minutes later, Julian texted:
Chapter 2
“Baby, I need to travel for an urgent project. My assistant is available if you need anything. Take care of yourself and our little
one.”
Phoenix stared at the screen, suddenly laughing through her tears.
For the next five days, Julian remained completely silent.
Elise, however, sent constant updates–Julian accompanying her on beach walks, taking her to mountain sunsets, driving her through countryside roads….
Elise messaged: “These were our go–to spots back when we were dating.”
Phoenix read every message, recalling how Julian had taken her to these same places.
She’d thought him romantic, now realizing he was merely revisiting old memories, seeing Elise’s shadow in her.
On the fifth evening, Phoenix began packing.
Julian’s gifts–jewelry, handbags, clothes–everything associated with him went into boxes, relegated to the storage room.
When Julian hurriedly returned home, he found their closet half–empty.
“Baby, what are you doing?” he asked, confused.
Phoenix continued working, not looking up. “Nothing much. Just throwing out useless things.”
Julian didn’t think further, simply smiled and handed her a gift–a limited–edition book collection.
She’d mentioned wanting it last month, and he’d remembered.
“Baby,” he naturally pulled her into his arms, his hand caressing her belly, “has the morning sickness improved? Tomorrow’s your prenatal check–up. I’ll go with you.”
“Don’t bother.” Phoenix pulled away from his embrace. “Don’t bother ever again.”
Julian finally sensed something wrong. “What do you mean? Are you feeling unwell?”
A servant interjected: “Madam hasn’t been eating much these past few days.”
Julian immediately loosened his tie. “I’ll make your favorite dishes. Please eat something, even a little bit.”
As he turned to leave, he instructed the staff: “Take good care of her. Don’t let her bump into anything.”
The servants whispered admiringly: “The sir is so good to madam…”
“Find a husband who’s mature and caring…”
Phoenix listened silently, her eyes reflecting self–mockery.
Once, she too believed she’d found the world’s greatest love.
But now she understood it uma te
Chapter 3
