Chapter 7

Julian pulled a cigarette from his pocket.

In my astonished gaze, he smirked.

"What? Going to tell on me?"

He blew a smoke ring directly towards my face, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"Go ahead."

"Go tell them I secretly smoke, tell them I'm not the right guy to spend your life with, and then, set me free..."

I stared at Julian.

He was a complete stranger to me now.

After a long silence, I spoke softly.

"I'll talk to Mom and Dad."

I kept my head down, fighting back tears.

My voice choked.

"You don't have to do this."