Chapter m
Julia’s POV
I resisted with al my strength and continued to threaten him with those words.
Let go of me, Alex My voice was sharp, echoing in the can I thrushed against his grip, twisting my wrists, nails digging into his skinasl tried to pry myself free. My bean pounded furiously but his grip remained firm, his fingers tightening like shackles around my wrists.
“Stop fighting me,” he murmured, his voice low, almost amused
Tjerked my knes up, aiming for his back, but he anticipated in, he pinned my legs back down with his legs. His strength overpowered mine early as I claved at his arm, my breath coming in ragged gesps as I tried to push him away.
“Get off me, Alt I spe
Instead of Istening, he caught my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze before crashing his lips against mine forcefully. I turned my head, but he beld me in place, his kisses were rough and passionate. I writhed in protest, but his body crowded mine, pressing me into the seat. One of his hands shd down fingers shipping beneath my dress as it made its way to my undies.
I backed against him, my hands shoving at his shoulders with all the strength I had left. “No, stop it!”
Just then, a boud knack on the car window interrupted us. Both of us tumed. My younger brother, Jake, stood outside the other side of the car door near me, his brows frowed with concem. I could see the worry in his eyes even through the tinted glass.
“Joba?” His voice was muffled but urgent
Alex’s grip loosened for a second, and I immediately pulled my hands away, yanking the car door handle. He didn’t stop me. Instead, he pushed the door open with a calm smile, as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn’t just been forcefully holding me against my will
“Jake,” I exhaled, stepping out, feeling relieved by his presence.
“Why didn’t you answer my calls?” Jake asked, “you got me scared. You’ve never stayed out this late before. I got worried when you didn’t
me home.”
I glanced at Alex, who stood casually beside the car, his arms crossed, watching us.
“Work,” I said softly, plastering on a small smile to reassure my brother. “I got caught up with a project. I didn’t realize the time.”
Jake frowned, not entirely convinced, but before he could press further, Alex broke the silence.
“I don’t agree to calling off the wedding, Julia,” he said smoothly. “You should come back home.”
I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up again, but before I could retort, Alex had already stepped into his car. With a low hum of the engine, he drove off, disappearing into the night. Jake turned to me, his eyes sharp. “Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?”
I shook my head, inhaling deeply. “I’m fine. Let’s go home.”
The moment we walked through the front doors, Scarlett, my stepmother, rushed toward me, her face practically glowing with excitement. “Julia!” she called out sweetly, an eager smile on her face. She reached out and clasped my hands, her eyes scanning my face as if searching for something. “How was your meeting with Lucas? You heard you were with him. Oh my God, Julia” She exclaimed excitedly.
I narrowed my eyes slightly in disgust. Scarlett had always cared about one thing, money. The last time we had spoken, she was forcing me to apologize to Alex, berating me for breaking off the engagement because it would harm our family’s reputation in terms of finance. Yet now, after seeing that Lucas was wealthier and more powerful than Alex, her attitude had changed completely.
I didn’t give her a reply as I approached further.
Scarlett’s smile widened as she took a step closer, her excitement barely contained. “Oh, come now, Julia. I heard from some people that you’ve been getting close to him! A man like Lucas could do wonders for our family. If you build a good relationship with him, it will yield profa!”
I stared at her, feeling ble rise in my throat. Her attitude was disgusting. At some point, I wondered how my father had considered marrying someone like her.
Her shift in attitude was so quick, so shameless. She had no care for my happiness, no concern for my well–being. It was all about connections, power, and wealth. Now that Lucas seemed like a better prospect than Alex, she was ready to throw her previous stance aside as if it had never existed.
I let out a humorless laugh. “Stay away from my personal life.”
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Scarlett blinked, caught off guard by my reaction. “What do you mean?”
“You were forcing me to marry Alex not too long ago,” I said, my voice sharp. “And now, because Lucas is more powerful, you’re suddenly pushing me toward him?”
Scarlett pursed her lips, looking momentarily flustered, but before she could respond, Jake stepped between us.
“That’s enough, Mom,” he said firmly. His voice carried a note of finality, a rare moment of authority from my younger brother. “Julia just got home, She’s tired. Let her rest.”
Scarlett hesitated, her eyes shifting between us. I could see the reluctance on her face, the greed still simmering beneath her thinly veiled concern. But Jake’s presence left her with no room to push further.
“Fine,” she sighed, stepping back with an exaggerated expression. “We’ll talk later, Julia. Just think about it. Don’t say no to him.‘
I didn’t respond. I turned away, walking, straight to my room without another word.
The following morning, I sat on the couch, a cup of coffee in my hands, staring at the television screen. Today’s news headline had caught my attention.
In breaking news this morning, “Carter withdrew the investment from the Julison company,”
This sudden divestment has sent shockwaves through the market, as Julison Technology was one of the Carter Corporation’s most significant investors. Experts speculate that this move will cause a sharp decline in the company’s stock value and financial stability.”
I wasn’t surprised, but I felt a cold numbness settle over me. I knew he wouldn’t take the breakup lightly, but to go this far, to attack my family’s business showed just how much he wanted to make me come crawling to him.
Scarlett rushed into the room, her eyes wide with panic as she saw the news. “Julia!” she nearly shrieked, “Look at what you’ve done!”
I took a slow sip of my coffee, my expression neutral.
Scarlett continued frantically, “Carter was one of our biggest financial backers! If they’re gone, our company…!” She clutched her head, her mind clearly spiraling through all the consequences.
I simply turned my attention back to the television, my lips curling into a small, knowing smile.
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