Chapter 4

I pursed my lips, forcing out a smile.

"If there's nothing else, I'm heading back."

I thought to myself, Julian, there's no 'us' anymore.

Serena's voice came from behind me. "Are you coming to Julian's birthday party with us later? You're like his sister, it wouldn't be right if you didn't go."

In the end, I went.

At the party, Julian was chatting with other people, and Serena sat in the seat next to me.

She was overly friendly towards me.

"Aurora, I heard you and Julian grew up together. Why didn't you two ever consider being a couple?"

I managed a strained smile.

"Julian always just saw me as his sister."

But Serena wouldn't let up, asking provocatively, "So, you mean you're hopelessly in love with my boyfriend?"

"Oh, no..."

I opened my mouth, unsure how to retort.

Then Serena pointed at the necklace around my neck her eyes sharp.

"That's quite nice. It looks like it could be a matching set with Julian's."

As if on cue, Julian stepped to my side. "Aurora, give me your necklace."

He didn't wait for a reply. His fingers went for the clasp.

"Since Serena likes this necklace, just let her have it. You pick it, she'll probably like your taste."

The demand was so outrageous that I instinctively stumbled back.

He froze for a moment, his eyes darkening with anger. "Since when do you say no to me? Remember your place. That belongs to the family, and I have every right to take it back."

"Julian, you gave this to me when I was sick,"my voice choked.

Julian seemed to snap back to reality, instinctively pulling his hand back.

"Forget it... if you like it, keep it."

"No."I ripped the necklace from my neck. "Take it. Now, I owe you nothing."

He stood frozen, staring at the necklace lying in his hand.