Chapter 27
Vincent was drawn to her talent and charm from the start, and it didn’t take long before he started pursuing her. Their relationship just clicked–everything fell into place so easily.
That’s why, this time, Julia decided to bring him home to meet her parents and throw an engagement party.
She’d always been upfront about her feelings–marriage wasn’t on her radar. All she wanted was to keep enjoying the rush of being in love. Marriage, to her, meant too much stress and sacrifice, and she’d promised herself not to go down that road again. So from the beginning, she laid it all out for Vincent: they’d get engaged, not married. If they were lucky, they’d just keep dating, happily, forever.}] And if the day ever came when things didn’t work out? They’d split up peacefully, no drama, no interference in each other’s lives. Vincent agreed without a second thought. He didn’t care about labels or formalities–he just wanted to be with Julia, to have something official tying them together.
After a while, Julia loosened her grip on his hand and spoke softly, “I’ve already paid my respects to my parents. Once the engagement is over, let’s go back to France, okay?”
Vincent smiled. “Absolutely.” He could barely wait to take Julia home.§
The whole reason for the engagement party here was to show Julia’s parents he’d take care of their daughter.
The engagement was set for just three days later.
Three days flew by.
On the day of the party, you’d never guess it was just an engagement–the whole thing was more extravagant than most weddings. Vincent had invited every powerful family in the city, and even a few prominent officials. With his status, nobody could really turn him down.
The venue was straight out of a dream: rose petals floated through the air, mingling with the subtle scent of expensive perfume. A massive, glittering chandelier threw rainbows across the room, and priceless oil paintings hung on the walls–though here, they looked almost understated. The tableware was solid gold. It was pure luxury.
Guests whispered among themselves, half in awe, half jealous.
The emcee announced the couple’s entrance with grand ceremony.
ا اله الا الله الله الله الله الله الله الان
Julia stepped out in an off–the–shoulder gown, embroidered and layered, the skirt glimmering with tiny diamonds that made her shine like a star. Vincent looked just as striking, his hair swept back to show off his strong features and his commanding presence.
But the moment he saw Julia, his whole face softened into a warm, gentle smile.
Hand in hand, they walked onto the stage. Under the gaze of everyone, they exchanged rings.
Even though it was just an engagement, it felt every bit as meaningful as a wedding. The applause was thunderous.
And then–just as everyone was celebrating–the doors burst open. Nathan strode in, pale but dressed to perfection in a tailored suit. His eyes locked onto Julia, unwavering and intense.
“Julia, marry me again. I love you!” Nathan called out, voice ringing through the hall.
He dropped to one knee in front of everyone, holding out a bouquet and a ring.
The room exploded with whispers.
“What is going on? Is he seriously crashing the engagement?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Ms. Hughes is still as stunning as ever. Nathan was crazy about her–if Sarah hadn’t meddled, those two would have been the perfect couple.”
“They were so in love back then, but Julia and Vincent look pretty happy, too. Who’s she going to pick–the new guy or the old flame?”
“My money’s on the new guy! If she still cared about her ex, this engagement wouldn’t even be happening.“@
“Or maybe she’ll go back to her old love. You know what they say, when the ex cries, the current boyfriend loses.”@
Julia listened to the chatter around her, her mind clear and steady.
Without a hint of hesitation, she squeezed Vincent’s hand, stepped back, and said coldly,
“Nathan, I stopped loving you a long time ago. There’s nothing left between us.”}
