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.

of chances. Yet, even until now, he still hadn’t shown any

want to see her or talk to

the private room, and left the restaurant in a hurry. Her steps

apart,

and looked out. The dishes on the table remained untouched, and there was no trace of

She had already left.

heart jolted. He immediately stepped out

“Diana! Diana?!”

asked the waiter if they had seen anyone

she left about five or six minutes

enough time for Diana to reach the subway

about to call her. He needed to explain things to her, and