“Giving them to me is dirty, but it’s fine to give them to others? Don’t tell me you still can’t let go of me. Even the condoms you bought are my favorite–strawberry flavor!”
“You think acting tough and playing hard to get will make me soften? Let me tell you–I only have Vanessa in my heart now. I’m not looking back.“}
I was speechless.
Everything at home had been chosen by someone else. He never let anyone else handle it.
How was I supposed to know I’d accidentally match Julian’s taste?
“Mr. Cross, you’re overthinking. This is purely a coincidence. I’ve long forgotten your preferences. Please don’t flatter yourself.”
If the Jealous King heard this, he’d absolutely throw a tantrum.
He might even launch a crusade against all strawberry–flavored products.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Julian’s eyes.§
I ignored him and lowered my head, intending to pick up the scattered items.
But he suddenly lost it–he kicked the packaging box away and seized me with his shoulders.”
“Arielle, why are you pretending to be strong? Back then, you scoffed at the things I gave you. Now you’re delivering condoms to make ends meet?“}
“Is it because 10,000 dollars wasn’t enough? Fine. If you kneel down and beg now, even if I won’t remarry you, I might allow you to be my canary.“>
I blinked, ears twitching in disbelief.
“What did you just say?“}
I thought time would’ve matured him.
Turns out, he only became more arrogant and repulsive.
Julian straightened, pride lighting his expression.
“No need to look so shocked. I don’t have any lingering feelings for you.”
“But we were husband and wife once. I don’t want you living miserably without my protection–it reflects poorly on me. I have more money than I know what to do with. Supporting one more woman is nothing.”
At that, Vanessa’s face twisted in jealousy. She quickly cut in:}
“Aze, don’t be fooled. She’s baiting you into saying that.“}
“Arielle knows we already have a marriage certificate, but she can’t bear to give up the Cross family fortune. That’s why she’s clinging to you again–just like before–trying to suck you dry. After all, no one’s buying her paintings…”
I turned to her coldly.
“Ms. Sinclair, watch your mouth. I’ve never taken a single penny from Julian–past, present, or future.”
“And before our divorce, you’d already spent plenty of his money. I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you.“§
That million–dollar birthday bash she threw back then caused quite a stir in the city
People gossiped, after all, because it was funded with shared marital assets.
Vanessa looked aggrieved and turned to Julian for support.
But to her surprise, he didn’t even glance her way. Instead, he looked at me, his voice heavy with unwillingness.
“Arielle, think carefully. Without me, you’re nothing. Be my canary, and I’ll give you the life of luxury you want. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?“>
At that moment, I found everything utterly absurd.
So he’d never really understood me at all.
We met back in college–completely by chance.
I admired his talent in architecture, and he praised my distinctive painting style. We grew close without even noticing.
When I accepted Julian’s confession, I had no idea he was wealthy.
He hid his background, saying he just wanted to stay low–profile.
I knew he was close to Vanessa. I asked about it, and he told me they were like siblings–that I was the only one he loved.
But after the wedding, everything changed. Julian was constantly out–rarely coming home.
Then one night, he sent me a hotel address.}
I thought he was drunk and needed me to pick him up.
But when I got there, I found him and Vanessa–disheveled and tangled together.
And I heard words that shattered everything.
