Chapter 5: I’ve Already Decided to Marry Someone Else
Sonya pulled her suitcase out of the mansion, momentarily disoriented by the bustling street. This was where she’d lived for eight years, the place she thought of as home. She’d decided to break up with Julian and move out, but hadn’t had time to find a new place. Where could she go now?
Just then, her phone buzzed twice..
She checked it. It was a voice message from Henry.
“I’m in Beijing. Nice weather today, but tons of work. Had a piece of toast for breakfast, hard to swallow. Guess I miss Chicago. I was too busy for lunch and dinner is a business meeting. I’ll probably get drunk. I hate business dinners…
It was long, detailed, like a work report.
Sonya was confused, but his last sentence was pleasing.
“Oh, right. My house is in Cloud Haven Villas, building eight. You can move in anytime. This will be our home. Of course, if you don’t like it, we can find another place.” Cloud Haven Villas. He lived in the same community! It was so close..
Sonya arrived at building eight, using the code Henry had texted her to unlock the door. A cool, austere air greeted her.
The layout was identical to her old place, but the decor was completely different.
Hers had been warm, with wall hangings and plenty of furniture.
Henry’s was stark black and white, empty and minimalist. There was even no sofa in the living
room.
Was this really livable?
Doubtful, Sonya went upstairs. The second floor was equally barren.
Three bedrooms, only the master had a bed–a single bed, no dresser.
She guessed Henry didn’t live here often, or perhaps he just hadn’t finished decorating. Nothing was furnished.
After unpacking, Sonya headed to work on an empty stomach.
Ashley shared her a bun and half a cup of soy milk before showing off her own love life.“My husband made the dough last night and steamed these buns this morning. They are my favorite.” Sonya looked envious. “You better hold onto him tight. I might steal him.”
Ashley smirked. “He’s mine. And only mine.”
That day, Sonya felt lighter.
For eight years, she’d given unilaterally, carrying the weight of her love for Julian, until she was exhausted.
Letting go made her feel free again.
In the afternoon, Julian texted her.
“Do you want your books back? If not, I’m throwing them out.”
01305
Without replying, she deleted his message and blocked his number.
She’d left a lot behind; eight years of memories couldn’t be erased overnight. The books were the
least of her worries.
After work, Henry replied to her message.
She’d texted to him earlier, telling him that she had moved in.
He replied: Welcome.
Only one word, but it warmed Sonya’s heart.
She texted him again: Can I sleep in your bed?
Knowing he wouldn’t reply immediately, Sonya rushed On the subway, she realized her message sounded weird.
catch the subway.
She tried to explain that she’d buy another bed soon, but he’d already replied: Okay. Sonya’s face flushed. Because of the time difference, it must be 3 AM there. He wasn’t sleeping? Exiting the subway, Sonya headed to the supermarket. Henry needed a lot of household items.
As she reached the entrance, Leo called.
“Sonya, help!”
Sonya froze.“What happened?”
“I
got stabbed.”
“What?!”
Sonya rushed to Jake’s bar; it was already cleared out.
She saw a mess in the courtyard, and the staff were cleaning up.
They pointed to a private room.
Inside, everything was smashed. The table was broken, chairs overturned, shattered glass everywhere.
Julian slumped on the sofa,
the sofa, his face grim, blood trickling from
his head.
Sonya glanced at him and turned to leave.
“Sonya, you finally came! Help!*
Leo ran out, grabbing her.“I really got stabbed!”
He pointed to his arm.
He was bleeding.
Jake arrived, pushing Leo away, handing Sonya a first–aid kit.
“That guy refuses to go to the hospital, and he won’t let anyone touch him. He only wants you.”
“We broke up. Even if he dies, it’s none of my business, Sonya said wearily.
“I know, but exes can still be friends, right?”
“We can’t be friends.”
“Sonya, just do me a favor, okay?*
der 5 Ive Abendy Decided to
Sonya paused, then took the kit.
Jake pulled her aside.
“Seraphina’s pregnant with Liam’s baby, and Liam wants her to have an abortion. Julian brought Liam here to settle the score, and they fought. Liam lost, but Seraphina came to protect Liam.
Liam grabbed a Julian stopped, then
bottle and hit
hit Julian
the Julian in
Sonya raised an eyebrow.“Where’s Seraphina?”
head.”
“She ran off with Liam.”
“Interesting.”
Jake sighed.“Don’t mention
Liam
or Seraphina. It might enrage.
him further.”
Sonya didn’t promise anything. She walked to Julian with the kit.
Julian was breathing heavily, clearly furious. Seeing her, his anger
his anger intensified.
“So, you came here to laugh at me?”
Sonya ignored him, taking
cotton swabs and antiseptic to clean
I’d rather bleed out than let you touch me!” Julian yelled.
Sonya knew his temper–reckless, stubborn, unreasonable.
She calmly cleaned and bandaged his wound.
his wound.
“It’s deep. You need to take him to the hospital
to the hospital for stitches,” Sonya told Jake.
As she turned to leave, Julian grabbed her arm.
“You blocked my number?”
Sonya pulled her arm away.“Since we’ve broken up, let’s cut ties. I’m doing this for your own good.”
“I order you to unblock me!”
“You must have really hurt your head. Go to the hospital.”
She turned to leave.
*Seraphina changed her mind. She doesn’t want to marry me anymore. So, I’ll marry you.”
Sonya stopped, turning
back. Julian
had
charitable look
his on
face.
“Save it. I’ve already decided to marry someone else.”
