Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 2

Clara felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Whatever they said next, she couldn't hear. Her mind was entirely consumed by Sera's words, echoing over and over, stabbing at her. So, Julian was only with her to shield his foster sister, Seraphina, from public scrutiny, to cover up their illicit affair! And to think, she gave up her beloved design career to help him run the company. For him, she learned French. For him... Her vision gradually blurred. Clara couldn't stop trembling, overwhelmed by humiliation and disgrace. She bit her inner lip hard to hold back her tears. "Sorry, Clara. Sera is just like that, don't mind her." After placating Sera, Julian hung up and spoke to her apologetically. "What were you going to tell me? Let me see that document." Clara looked at him, gripped the certificate tightly, and suddenly smiled. "It's nothing, just something about a business deal I didn't quite understand. I wanted to ask you. But while you were on the phone, I figured it out. No need to ask anymore. You're busy, I'll get going." Julian was noncommittal. "Alright, if you still have questions later, just ask me." As if feeling he was being a bit dismissive, or perhaps feeling a twinge of guilt, he added, "Wait for me at home tonight." Clara thought for a second. "Sure." Tonight would be the perfect time to discuss the division of assets after their breakup! "I'm leaving." She gave a faint smile, said no more, and turned away. Julian watched her back, slowly swallowing the rest of his words. His thin lips pressed into a straight line, and his dark brows furrowed slightly. Was it his imagination? Clara seemed much colder to him. She used to love clinging to him, always having endless things to say. Julian spun his expensive fountain pen with his long fingers, then chuckled, assuming the young woman was just throwing a little tantrum. He figured he would help her look at that document tonight... and then went back to work. Leaving the CEO's office, Clara finally couldn't hold it in and burst into tears. Three years of a relationship, her heart wasn't made of stone. Standing in the elevator, she watched the red numbers counting down, while her memories with Julian played in reverse like rewinding time. She had no parents and few friends; she was a girl who severely lacked a sense of security. When she first entered society, being penniless, she worked as an assistant and encountered harassment, scandals, and many terrible things. The worst was during a business dinner when someone slipped a drug into her drink. Fortunately, Julian saw her and helped her, otherwise, that night would have left a lifelong shadow on her. Afterwards, Julian told her she could work at Lowell Industries if she wanted. She went, not because she dreamed of a meteoric rise, but because she desperately needed money and a stable job. But she never expected Julian to be so wonderful. He was gentle, refined, like a perfect gentleman. He would order food for her when she was broke at the end of the month. When she made a mistake organizing files for the first time, he didn't throw a tantrum and tell her to get lost like other bosses; instead, he offered constructive advice. He was like a sun, warming and saving her. She was destined to fall in love with such a person. But looking at it now, in this romance, she was the only one who ever truly gave her heart. Julian was just acting. Snapping back to reality, Clara's face was covered in tears. Just then, the elevator arrived, casting a shadow. Not wanting anyone to see her in such a miserable state, she lowered her head and rushed out in a panic. Unexpectedly, she bumped into a firm arm. "I'm sorry," she apologized and hurriedly fled. "What is that girl in such a rush for," complained someone flattering the man beside him. "Mr. Jarrett, are you alright?"