Julian’s Stand-In Wife

Sue had always gone out of her way to hug Cecilia. Cecilia used to think that as long as she had her mother’s embrace, she would have boundless strength.

But since she got sick and started losing control of herself- especially when her illness was at its worst-her mother had rarely hugged her.

Now, being embraced by her mother again, that warmth seemed to return.

Perhaps she was overthinking things. Cecilia lowered her gaze. She was just about to apologize to Sue for hiding the fact that she searched for Noel in secret when she heard Sue say, “That’s in the past. Don’t bring it up again. You’re a good and perfect child. How could you have gotten that illness?”

Sue pouted, and continued, “Plus, your engagement with Julian isn’t something just anyone can have.”

The tone and emphasis were familiar, but Cecilia found them strangely foreign. Her mother…wanted to pretend that nothing had happened and erase her illness, rather than fully accepting her.

Cecilia’s throat tightened as if there were something stuck in there. She couldn’t utter a single word.

given Julian plenty of chances. Yet, even until now, he still hadn’t shown any intention of acknowledging that he

he didn’t want to see her or talk to her properly, she had no reason to keep

left the private room, and left the restaurant in a

Julian were far apart, with so

out. The dishes on the table remained untouched,

She had already left.

heart jolted. He immediately stepped out from behind the

“Diana! Diana?!”

asked the waiter if they had seen

“Yes, she left

was enough time for Diana to reach the subway

his phone, about to call her. He needed to explain things to her, and hoped she wouldn’t