Chapter 5

Zara left my apartment the next day, and Julian didn't come back for several days either.

He said he was out of town, running around to different sites because several direct-to-consumer stores were opening at once.

A few times when we video chatted, I saw Zara behind him. He quickly explained,

"Zara called to check on progress, and when she heard I was in a neighboring city, she came to check things out. This whole thing is thanks to her help; it saved so much trouble. Even my dad praised me."

A rich kid's life is often spent yearning to outdo their father. Julian was no exception.

His father and grandfather were both incredibly successful entrepreneurs. He wasn't bad himself, but always overshadowed by his elders' accomplishments, he really wanted to prove himself.

This time, the direct-to-consumer stores were opening in several cities at once, quickly and in prime locations. Even his father and grandfather praised his excellent work at the dinner table.

Julian transferred twenty thousand dollars to me, saying it was for me to buy Zara a bag on his behalf.

"I know she's helping me because of you. It's better if you give it to her. I still have that much sense."

After that, he added, "Pick something Zara likes. If it's not enough, I'll send you more."

I pulled out my phone and called Zara. As soon as she picked up, I said,

"Thanks for helping my boyfriend. He wants to get you a bag, around twenty thousand dollars. Do you have one in mind? Or should I just transfer the money to you?"

There was a pause on the other end, then a slightly deep male voice.

"Cassie? Why is your boyfriend sending Zara gifts?"

Oh my God, Zara and her ex-husband's names in my phone were just one letter apart. I accidentally called Ryan, my ex-brother-in-law.

Ryan, Zara, and I were all alumni. Ryan was a year older than us, and we'd run into each other at club activities.

I'd only mentioned once that I thought Ryan was charming and attentive, and the next day, Zara started going all out to chase him.

For a woman pursuing a man, it's usually easy.

Two weeks later, they were together. After breaking up and getting back together several times, they got married right after graduation.

Three years later, they divorced.