Chapter 6
Julia unconsciously shook her head, her eyes stung with disbelief, and she instinctively clenched her hand, leaving nail marks on her palm. She composed herself, took a deep breath, and suppressed the sour feeling in her heart. After a while, she murmured, “Something’s wrong…”
Joseph, who was about to leave with Amelie, stopped and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Julia straightened her back, no longer showing the vulnerability she had moments ago. She believed that vulnerability and softness would only invite contempt and that strength and rationality could overcome any obstacle. She descended the stairs slowly, her expression turning cold. “The way you fell from this angle and direction must have been quite painful for you,” she remarked as she casually pointed to the stairs.
Julia gestured and smirked. “And as a doctor, I must commend your ability to protect yourself. Falling like that without any broken bones, it’s quite impressive…” She then gave a thumbs–up to Amelie.
Joseph furrowed his brow, and Julia shot him a cold glance. She had realized that she didn’t need his trust. ‘What is his trust worth anyway?‘ she thought. She wanted it, but seeking it would only compromise her dignity.
“However, luck wasn’t on your side. I bet you didn’t expect to be injured like this from the fall,” Julia said as she removed her gaze from the stairs and looked at Amelie’s bleeding arm. “Poor thing.”
Amelie felt Joseph’s grip tighten around her, her face turning pale as she huffed in a quivering voice, “What are you talking about?”
“Nothing,” Julia said nonchalantly as she walked past them, leaving with a parting shot. “I was just thinking you should be awarded the Best Actress at the next Oscars.”
*****
Since the events at the Mullins family’s residence, Julia’s life seemed to have returned to or Joseph at the hospital.
No me hadn’t
The Hispana–leven seen Amelie
One evening, Julia had just finished work. She felt weary as she stepped out of the office, rubbing her forehead. Upon returning to her office, she checked her phone and noticed a missed call. It was from Rylie Mullins. Julia answered, “Hello, Rylie.”
T
“Julia, why don’t you come over to the old mansion after work today,” Rylie said in her usual elegant and gentle tone. Rylie had always been good to Julia, and Julia would often visit her. As such, Julia agreed.
However, upon entering the Mullins family’s mansion, Julia saw Joseph sitting on the couch next to Rylie. His lips were tightly pressed together, and while his face wasn’t gloomy, it was far from pleasant. There was a meaningful look in his eyes. Even Rylie seemed tense and far from her usual amiable self.
Julia thought that Joseph had done something to upset Rylie. She diverted her gaze, changed into slippers, and went straight to Rylie. She linked arms with her and affectionately said, “Rylie, what’s wrong? Don’t be angry. Getting angry causes wrinkles, and wrinkles are not pretty.”
Rylie couldn’t hold it in and scolded her. “You little troublemaker, why are you hiding your divorce from me?”
Julia paused for a moment. She hadn’t expected Rylie to know about it already. She glanced at the expressionless Joseph and struggled to find words to say. After a moment, she softly said, “Rylie, don’t blame Joseph. It was my decision.”
Rylie raised her hand to silence her and turned to Joseph. “You speak.”
Suddenly put on the spot, Joseph was unprepared to speak. Seeing the faint anger in Rylie’s eyes, he said in a low and steady voice, “Mom, you’re not well. Don’t get upset.”
“Upset?” Rylie laughed in frustration. “Do you even know who I’m upset with?”
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Chapter 6
Joseph didn’t respond, ready to endure Rylie’s anger silently once again. Seeing that Rylie was about to scold him, Julia hurried over to placate her.
“You….” Rylie couldn’t bring herself to scold Julia. She narrowed her eyes, sighed, and said, “You two are just not meant to be together…
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