Chapter 2

"Don't worry, sweetie, I totally get it. It’s part of our job.

If I don't understand you, who will?

Besides, Miss Hayes actually looks a bit like me! If the paparazzi ever snap a photo of her, we can just say it was me. You really thought of everything, babe."

Anna’s tone was playful and teasing.

Julian chuckled fondly. "You little troublemaker."

"By the way, my place is getting remodeled. Since we’re officially public now, can I move in with you for a while?"

Anna asked, her voice tinged with nervous anticipation.

Julian didn't hesitate. "We’re together now. My home is your home. You can move in anytime."

"Then why don't you have your assistant come pick me up? She can help me carry my bags. You wouldn't mind, right?"

Anna’s spoiled whining echoed through the quiet room. I stayed rooted to the spot, waiting to see what Julian would say.

He glanced at me nervously, quickly averting his eyes.

"You have too much luggage. I'll send my manager. He’s a guy, he can handle the heavy lifting."

Anna whined a bit more before Julian coaxed her into hanging up.

He put down his phone and turned to face me.

"You know how the industry works. It’s just PR. We’re building an on-screen couple brand to gain more fans. It’s purely professional."

A chill ran through my bones, but then a wave of pure absurdity washed over me.

I burst into laughter.

Seeing my smile, he visibly relaxed.

"I'm glad you understand, babe. I knew you’d always be sensible."

I nodded calmly.

Without another word, I turned and walked straight into the guest bedroom, closing the door behind me.

The moment the latch clicked, my phone buzzed with a friend request on SnapChat.

The profile picture was a matching couple's photo with Julian’s.

Julian had used that same avatar for nine years without ever changing it.

Which meant they had been using matching avatars this entire time.

Whenever I had asked him to use matching photos, he’d always refused, claiming he was terrified the media would dig it up.

He wasn't afraid of the press. He was afraid Anna would find out he had replaced her picture with mine.

I tapped 'Accept.'

I knew she had nothing good to say, but I didn't care anymore.

I was leaving to get married anyway. Whatever they did was none of my business.

"Miss Hayes, I know you're Julian’s assistant, but I'm moving in tomorrow. We need our privacy as a couple.

You know what you need to do, right?"

She phrased it politely, but the underlying threat was crystal clear.

She was marking her territory and forcing me out.

I typed a single word: "Okay."

Then, I turned off the screen and pulled the duvet over my head.

I was exhausted—mentally and physically.

After a restless night, the movers arrived early the next morning. Julian froze when he saw them carrying boxes down the hallway.

"You packed all of this in one night? Were you really that desperate to leave me?"

He stormed over, his face twisted with anger, and grabbed my wrist tightly.

Anyone watching would have thought I was the one who cheated on him.

I twisted my wrist, trying to pull away, but his grip was ironclad, leaving angry red marks on my pale skin.

"Miss Vance is moving in. If I stay, I’ll be intruding on your private life."

I stared right into his eyes.

My words seemed to burn him. He let go instantly and took two steps back, his face darkening.

"Even so, you didn't have to rush out like this..."