The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 57

Nora stared at those two words, stunned.

At a gala that had left her utterly defeated and subjected to endless cold shoulders today, Julian was the only person willing to walk up to her, treat her as an equal, discuss work, and validate her designs.

It was also at this gala that Gideon had suddenly appeared, exposing all her embarrassment in front of Julian before violently dragging her away.

She hadn't even had the chance to say she was sorry to Julian.

And now, this man had taken the initiative to send a friend request.

Nora sat in the dark living room. Surrounded by suffocating silence and the harsh accusations of her family, she didn't know why Julian was adding her. Perhaps it was just for future work communications, or maybe he was doing it out of respect for Arthur.

But right now, faced with a screen full of pressure and blame from her relatives, this friend request—devoid of any hidden agenda or judgment—became the only text she received tonight that didn't feel like a stab in the chest.

Nora took a deep breath and hit accept.

Less than half a minute later, a short message came through.

"Nora, did you get home safely?"

This simple, ordinary greeting made Nora's grip on the phone tighten slightly.

In her three long years of marriage, Gideon had never once sent a message like this on any of the late nights she returned home alone. All that nominal husband had ever given her was a cold back and an empty villa while he stayed out all night.

Nora swallowed the sourness welling up in her heart and carefully typed her reply.

"I'm home. Thank you for stepping in to help me at the gala tonight, Julian."

The top of the chat box showed he was typing. Soon, Julian's message came through again.

The screen went dark. Nora set the phone on the coffee table and curled up exhaustedly on the sofa.

The apartment was terrifyingly quiet. She hugged her knees, burying her face in her arms.

The casual kindness of a stranger acted like a clear mirror, reflecting the humility and misery she had endured over the past ten years perfectly.

Early the next morning, blinding sunlight pierced through the gap in the curtains and lit up the living room.

Nora woke up on the sofa, her whole body aching. She walked into the bathroom and stared at her pale, haggard face in the mirror, dark circles prominent under her eyes. She splashed cold water on her face and changed into a simple, light-colored business suit.

Stepping into the office area of Arthur's studio, she felt a strange vibe in the air.

Nora walked over to her desk and set down her bag. A few young designers were gathered by the breakroom door, holding coffee cups and whispering.