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.

thought she had given Julian plenty of chances. Yet, even until now, he

to see her or talk to her properly, she had

and left the restaurant in a hurry. Her steps were light and

were far apart, with so much between

pushed aside the curtain and looked out. The dishes on the table remained untouched, and there was no

She had already left.

heart jolted. He immediately stepped out from behind

“Diana! Diana?!”

several times, but there was no response. He asked the waiter if they had seen anyone

left about five or six minutes

minutes was enough time for Diana to

phone, about to call her. He needed to explain things to her, and hoped she