At my best friend's bachelorette party, we played "Never Have I Ever." I raised my only remaining finger and delivered the final blow: "Never have I ever dated a billionaire heir." Someone teased me: "Every rich kid in Manhattan calls themselves a prince. Which one did you date?" "Upper East Side. Last name Sterling." Silence fell over the room instantly. My best friend's fiancé spoke up quietly. "So the girl who dumped Julian Sterling back then... was you?" 1 My vision was already blurring. I struggled to keep my eyelids open and asked Mark, sitting opposite me, "How... do you know his name? Do you... know him?" He snapped out of it, fiddling with his phone as if nothing happened. "Don't know him. But I know there's only one Sterling family on the Upper East Side." "Right, that's the one." My best friend, Chloe, leaned in, eager for gossip. "If he's a billionaire heir, his family must be loaded, right?" "Mhm," I gestured with my hands. "His family's backyard has a whole private garden with a fountain. The kind you can host weddings in." "Woah! A private garden in the Upper East Side? That's not just rich, that's old money! By the way, was he good to you?" "Good. Really good. Thanks to him, I finished college smoothly." "So... was he handsome?" A face as exquisite as a renaissance painting popped into my mind. I nodded. "He could give Hollywood stars a run for their money." That's why they say you shouldn't meet someone too amazing when you're young. It raises the bar for love impossibly high. Everyone else becomes a compromise. Chloe sighed. "Handsome, rich, and good to you. Why on earth did you dump him?" I was silent for a few seconds. "Well... I wouldn't call it dumping him. You know, families like that rarely accept a girl with a background like mine." Mark suddenly got interested. He tossed his phone on the table and jerked his chin at the others in the private room. Everyone present, except for Chloe and me, were Mark's friends from New York. They exchanged glances and instantly understood. One by one, they left the terrace to play poker downstairs. Only Chloe, Mark, and I remained on the terrace. He poured me a glass of wine. "Tell us more. Did his mom force you out?" Not exactly. With her status, she didn't need to use underhanded tactics on me. She just... made me face reality. It was near graduation. Julian was planning a trip for us and asked where I wanted to go. I saw a TikTok about Iceland's volcanoes and glaciers being beautiful. Excitedly, I showed it to him. But I heard him on the phone. His tone suppressed annoyance. "I'm very busy lately, no time to come back." ... "She's busy too, dealing with internships and her thesis." ... "Stop saying these things. Don't call me again if it's just this." He hung up and turned to see me. The hastily lowered eyelids couldn't hide his panic. I was anxious. "Was that your family?" "Yeah." "Should you go back and check?" "No need." He saw the video on my phone and changed the subject. "So, decided where to go yet?" We had just set the date for Iceland. On my way home from work, a car blocked my path. The window rolled down slowly, revealing a glamorous and dignified face. "Hello, Miss Jensen. I'm Julian's mother." I glanced at the license plate. Not something an ordinary family could own. Mrs. Sterling smiled. "Don't be nervous. I just want to invite you for a casual dinner. I mentioned it to Julian, but he said you were busy, so I had to come personally." I stood frozen. I looked down to call Julian. "Julian is at a business dinner right now. It's best not to disturb him with small matters." One look from her, and two bodyguards stepped out. One took my phone; the other "invited" me into the car. I had no choice but to follow. The Sterling mansion was on the Upper East Side. Through the window, I could see the expansive private garden. I realized his family wealth was far beyond my imagination. In the living room sat another woman. Mrs. Sterling introduced us with a smile on her lips. "That is Miss Vance. Julian's fiancée." Looking at the woman who shared a similar aura with Julian. I was stunned, unable to take a step. When did this happen? How did I not notice a thing? Seeing my pale face, Mrs. Sterling's smile deepened. "What? Julian didn't tell you? They've been engaged for a long time." "Well, no need to tell outsiders about family matters." She left me and walked towards Miss Vance. "Is this the one Julian is keeping on the side? She looks decent." Mrs. Sterling nodded, seemingly praising me. "The girl is quite ambitious. Heard she's the valedictorian of her class. Otherwise, she wouldn't have caught Julian's eye." Miss Vance glanced at me indifferently. "Heard she's from a small town in the Midwest? How did they meet? Is her background clean?" "Don't worry about that. Julian doesn't mess around. There's a reason for it, so I didn't interfere too much." "Julian's father fell down a slope while hiking in the mountains years ago. This girl ran down the mountain to get help." "He left her a contact number, saying she could ask for help anytime. She never called. Later, when she turned eighteen, her family tricked her back home, locked her up, and tried to force her to marry for a dowry. Desperate, she called that number. Julian picked up. Lucky girl." "After that, Julian started sponsoring her. Until she came to New York for college and they met. That's how it started." Miss Vance smirked. "With such a deep bond, I feel like the intruder." Mrs. Sterling chuckled lightly. "She's from the mountains; she lacks sophistication. For knowing when to advance and retreat, it has to be you. Julian knows this too. Otherwise, he wouldn't be hiding her away, afraid to bring her out to meet people." "I don't care about the past, but since we're discussing marriage, how does Julian plan to handle her?" Mrs. Sterling remained calm. "Julian sponsored her for so many years. If she knows gratitude, she'll know what to do. If not, there's me. I can handle a small matter like this without bothering Julian." Their conversation drifted clearly into my ears. My chest felt heavy. Breathing was difficult. So, Julian's irritability and panic were because of this. He was about to marry someone else and didn't know how to tell me. The row of bodyguards behind me was like a wall. I couldn't even run away. Miss Vance showed a hint of a smile. "With you handling it, Auntie, I'm relieved. By the way, I bought some vintage wine in Spain recently. You should try it." This meant the deal was done. Mrs. Sterling smiled, signaling dinner to be served. "Tonight's main course is fish. It's the season for it..." They chatted away. I held on to my dignity and excused myself. Mrs. Sterling looked over indifferently. "Since Miss Jensen won't do us the honor, I won't force you." This time, the bodyguards didn't block my way. I went home and packed my things. Planning my way out. This apartment was bought by Julian when I started my internship to make my commute easier. After breaking up, I had no reason to stay. Luckily, housing wasn't hard to solve. More than two months until graduation. I could apply for company housing early. Iceland was off the table. I comforted myself. It's so cold there anyway, nothing to see. I kept a ledger of Julian's financial support over the years. I'd organize it later. Pay back what I can now. The rest, I'd save up and pay him back in installments. After all, we had feelings for a few years; he wouldn't be so heartless as to demand immediate repayment upon breakup. What else? I listed the things I needed to separate from Julian one by one. The list got longer and longer. My emotions collapsed when my gaze landed on the ring on my hand. He gave me this ring, promising we'd marry after graduation. I sat on the floor, sobbing until I gasped for air. My fingers shook so bad I couldn't get the ring off. The electronic lock beeped. The door was yanked open. Julian's chest heaved violently, knuckles white. Seeing I was still there, he took a deep breath and silently closed the door. He walked in, took the clothes I packed out of the suitcase, and hung them back in the closet. I took them down. He put them back. After a few times, I exploded. I rudely stuffed the clothes into the suitcase. "Julian, let's break up." He was silent for a long time, then spoke: "I never liked Chloe Vance, and I never got engaged to her." "That was their decision, not mine." I didn't speak, still packing. He came over and pressed my hand. "Sarah, I love you." I froze, meeting his red eyes. Only then did I see. His shirt was stained with wine. His face was flushed, with a faint slap mark. In that moment, the pain for him outweighed my own. I touched his face, forcing a smile. "Julian, I'm fine. Being with you these years, I came out ahead. You... you should listen to your family and marry Miss Vance..." He pulled me into his arms, holding my waist tightly. "I won't. No one can force me." He choked up, throat bobbing several times. "Sarah, we aren't breaking up. I can handle it. Trust me." Hugs give people strength. Holding Julian, I suddenly didn't want to overthink anymore. Things hadn't reached the worst point yet. Mrs. Sterling couldn't convince Julian. So she came for me. I thought for a moment and nodded. "Okay." "We'll stick to the plan. Iceland in a while." "Okay." But what came faster than Iceland was his transfer notice. I received the message and rushed home. Julian had already packed. Behind him stood two familiar bodyguards. My eyes reddened instantly. "Why are you being transferred out of New York all of a sudden? Is it because of me?" He put down his luggage and comforted me. "Don't cry. It's a normal organizational rotation. I'll be back in two years." I sobbed, intermittently: "So... where are you going?" He lowered his head, silent for a while before spitting out a place name. I hadn't heard of it. I searched on my phone. A remote, desolate town, thousands of miles from New York. Surrounded by mountains. I understood instantly. This was his mother's warning. I pushed him away, trembling, tears streaming down my face. "Go back to the Upper East Side right now. Tell her you accept the arrangement. It's just a marriage? You can..." "Sarah!" Julian interrupted me sharply. "I don't care, but you want to give up on me because of this?" We had been together for over two years. He had never been this harsh with me. I knew he was truly angry. When Julian confessed to me, I hesitated too. With our relationship, being friends was hard enough. I owed him more and more; we were never equals. I shouldn't have mixed feelings into it. But he was stubborn. He only asked if I liked him. He was the gentleman who saved me from danger. How could I not like him? He sighed in relief. "I like you, you like me. There's no better reason to be together." I slowly realized that as long as two people love each other, nothing else matters. Until that day I met Chloe Vance. That relaxation bred by money and superior background. I would never possess it in this lifetime. I cried and apologized, "But I really don't want to drag you down." He took a deep breath, softening his tone. "You aren't dragging me down. I always wanted to escape my mother. This is the best chance. I must go. Will you wait for me?" I didn't speak. "Will you wait for me?" He lifted my chin, looking into my eyes, forcing an answer. "...Mhm." Red-eyed, he pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead. "The infrastructure there isn't great, cell service is spotty. I'll write letters if I miss you." "Mhm." "Stay here and wait for me obediently. Just two years." 2 But actually, that was the last time we saw each other. One month after Julian left. I received his letter. He told me he was doing well. Although remote, the people were simple and honest, and the scenery was nice. He occasionally went to villagers' homes to teach kids how to read. [Sarah, work hard, live well, don't think about anything else. Two years later, I'll come back to marry you.] Mrs. Sterling found me again. Her expression was meaningful. "Don't think you've won." "He thinks he can sacrifice his future for you now, but look again in three or five years." "When those with less background than him climb much higher than him, he will blame you. Blame you for not leaving cleanly back then, for dragging him down." "You think love can overcome all difficulties? Wrong. In the end, you'll only resent each other." I couldn't refute her. It was almost summer. Yet I felt a bone-deep chill rising from my back, spreading through my body. I forced myself to go home. Someone unexpected was waiting at the door. Chloe Vance threw a few photos at me and asked, "Want to see Julian? I'll take you." New York to Cangping was over two thousand miles. Even flying took hours. After landing, Chloe's people drove us into the mountains in an SUV. The car drove for a long time before stopping by the road. Chloe pointed to the crowd by the shallow river at the foot of the mountain. "There, Julian is there." I remembered the first time I saw Julian. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, standing at our university gate in a crisp suit, not a single wrinkle on his pants. Such a beautiful, exquisite man, even in a crowded place, was dazzlingly impossible to ignore. And now, I clung to the car window, squinting to identify him. He was tanned. Helping some villagers catch a pig. Inexperienced, he was knocked over by the pig several times. His pants were muddy, his shirt wrinkled. Just as dusty and dirty as in the photos Chloe showed me. For the first time, I felt he looked pathetic. My nose stung, tears falling patter-patter. How could he be so pathetic? Chloe looked on with a sigh. "Among the wealthy heirs of this generation in New York, Julian is the most capable. My dad says Julian's future achievements might even surpass his mother's." "For Mrs. Sterling to sit in her current position, she is definitely not a soft-hearted woman. She won't compromise just because she sees Julian suffering. I'll be straight with you: if he keeps messing around, Mrs. Sterling will abandon him." She rolled down the window and lit a cigarette. "Honestly, Sarah, I don't want to interfere between you two. But I've enjoyed the benefits my family provided for so many years; I can't flip the table when the family needs me." "Julian doesn't understand this. He flipped it completely, but what's the result?" "He was so glorious in New York, so many people bowing and scraping to please him. Now he's reduced to this, helping people catch pigs today, finding lost dogs for villagers tomorrow. Sarah, are you happy seeing him like this?" "I have no love for him, so I don't understand. Is love really more important than a person's future? If you think so, you can go down and find him. The Song family has no need to marry someone abandoned by Mrs. Sterling." I braced myself against the window, fingertips trembling unconsciously. Not far away, Julian and the others finally caught the pig. The villagers tied the pig up and carried it back. Julian remained, bending over with hands on knees. Like a bamboo bent under pressure. After catching his breath, he followed them. After a few steps, Julian suddenly looked up in this direction. There were many trees on the mountain; he didn't notice the car. He turned his head and continued walking. The sun set in the west. I withdrew my gaze and said calmly, "Miss Vance, let's go back." "Are you sure?" "...Sorry for the trouble." Chloe didn't speak again, signaling the driver. She had gotten the answer she wanted. In the rearview mirror, Julian's figure grew smaller and smaller. Mountain wind poured in, very cold. The car turned a corner. That mountain village disappeared completely. I closed my eyes, coolness seeping into my temples. Back in New York, packing my things took only two days. Before leaving, I cleaned the apartment spotless. As if I had never been there. Sitting on the high-speed train to Shanghai, I thought the breakup letter should be arriving soon. That summer, everything related to Julian Sterling came to an abrupt halt. For the next six years, I saw no news of him, heard not a whisper. I worked, started a business, busy surviving. Rarely had free time. I occasionally dreamt of him. Waking up, I would zone out. Longing is a long rainy season. In the humid haze, I could never wipe dry the part about Julian. So much so that for many years after, I lived in regret. If only I could have said goodbye properly. The atmosphere sank into silence. I wiped my tears, apologizing repeatedly. "Sorry, on such a happy day, I brought everyone down." Mark stared at me for a while. Picked up the wine bottle and poured for me again. "Tonight is a truth session. Sarah, drink up! I have plenty." Chloe glared at him. "The wedding is tomorrow. If she gets drunk, where am I going to find another bridesmaid? Too late to call someone." "Relax wifey, hubby has it handled, OK? Sarah, back to the point, do you... still like him? Still want to be together?" I tilted my head and thought seriously, nodding. "Like." Then shook my head. "But, can't be together." He's probably married with kids by now. Besides, even if not, the problems from back then still exist today. I haven't lost touch with reality after six years. Night wind squeezed through the terrace door crack. Moist, warm, carrying the specific tenderness of New York spring, like a lover's caress. Warm wind plus alcohol went straight to my head. I soon felt dizzy. In my daze, I heard someone on the phone. Voice fading in and out, with inexplicable excitement. "Giving you a chance, get your ass back from Lanshi!" "I swear it's her!" "If I'm lying, I'll call you daddy!" 3 When the alarm rang. My head still hurt. Struggled to get up, shower, and change. Chloe called. "Honey, come down when you're ready. Mark called his friend to pick you up. Makeup at the studio first, then back to the hotel together." "No need, send me the location, I'll take a cab." "You came all the way from Shanghai to be my bridesmaid, how can I let you take a cab!" I had to hurry, changing shoes and taking the elevator. "Is it too much trouble for them..." "It's fine, Mark says they're tight. Rarely back in New York, gotta make use of him—" Elevator descended to B2, opened with a ding. Chloe's voice echoed in the quiet parking garage. "—Mark sent the info, his friend is waiting in Zone C. License plate Lanshi BM0628, grey Touareg." I paused. 0628, my birthday. "His friend... is he from New York?" "Yeah, but works in Lanshi. Said he couldn't make it, but suddenly changed his mind last night..." While talking, I saw the person leaning against the car door. Head down, checking messages. I couldn't see his face clearly. But my heart raced inexplicably, mouth dry. I hung up quickly. Turned to leave immediately. The person heard the noise. Put away his phone, took a long step. "Sarah Jensen, where are you going this time?" My back stiffened, turning like a puppet with rusted joints. The man in front of me had lost the sharpness of his youth. Even in casual clothes, he looked more composed and introverted. I quietly took off the ring on my right hand. Forcing a dignified smile, I extended my hand. "Hello Julian, long time no see." He looked down at it, suddenly chuckled. "We know each other well enough, no need to be so polite. Let's go, you're the bridesmaid, don't be late." He acted naturally, but didn't shake my hand. My heart felt empty for a second. Unsure if it was relief or disappointment. Taking a deep breath, I got into his car. Door closed, world silenced. Julian didn't start the car immediately. I pretended to be calm, texting Chloe. [Did I embarrass myself last night?] She replied fast: [Nope. You just told the story about you and the prince of New York. Quite moving.] I closed my eyes. Might as well have embarrassed myself. "Have you been well these years?" The person beside me spoke suddenly. Startled, I almost dropped my phone. Steadying myself, I exchanged pleasantries, pretending to be carefree. "Pretty good, you?" Julian gripped the steering wheel, silent for a long time. Long enough to make me panic. He finally started the car. "Not too good." 4 The whole wedding, I was out of it. When the bride and groom exchanged rings, someone nudged my arm before I snapped out of it. Hurriedly took the rings out of my bag to bring on stage. Accidentally stepped on my dress. Thought I was going to make a fool of myself. An arm extended from behind to steady me. I turned, thanking him with a blushing face. "No problem." Julian politely withdrew his hand and retreated into the crowd. Mark on stage smiled mischievously. "Bro, you're here too?" Julian glanced at him coolly. Full of warning. Mark shrank back, daring not provoke him further. I stood on stage, feeling that gaze bypass Mark and land on me. Focused, certain, calm as the deep sea. Guilty, I didn't dare lift my head. After the wedding, I was just saying goodbye to Chloe and Mark, saying I had things to do. But Mark's mom pulled me over to introduce me to Julian. "This is Sarah Jensen. She started a company with our Chloe. You know 'Glimmer'? The hottest female community platform right now, Sarah built it from scratch." Then turned to me. "Sarah, this is my godson Julian Sterling..." "Ahhhhhhh!" Chloe suddenly lifted her dress and screamed, jumping. "Ju-Ju-Ju-Ju... Julian Sterling? THE Julian Sterling from the Upper East Side?!" Mark's mom was confused. "What's wrong? Hearing his name like a cat stepping on hot bricks." Julian's lips curved slightly. "Sister-in-law probably heard some stories from Miss Jensen." Mark's mom's eyes lit up. "What, you knew each other?" "Mhm, we used to date..." "Mr. Sterling sponsored me when I was in college. We often discussed my coursework, mhm." I interrupted, signaling Julian with my eyes to stop. No need to dig up the past, causing trouble. Julian looked at me, face a bit cold. "Yes Godmother, later I dated Miss Jensen for a few years. When she graduated, I happened to be sent to the countryside, so she dumped me." I didn't expect him to be so blunt. He was stating facts. But logically, it sounded like I was an ungrateful woman who abandoned him when he was down. Mark's mom paused, then looking at my expression, understood. "So there was such a story. I wondered why you delayed your trip to Ning City..." Julian coughed lightly. "Godmother." "Okay okay, not saying it. So Julian, are you planning to chase Miss Jensen back?" Mark's mom asked without avoiding me. Too awkward. Julian looked at me and said, "Not happening." The atmosphere cooled instantly. Mark laughed dryly to smooth things over. "Didn't Sarah say she had things to do? Julian, give her a ride." I refused instinctively. "No need to trouble..." Julian grabbed his jacket with his left hand, and my wrist with his right. "Not trouble, I have time." Heat traveled from where he held me straight to my cheeks. I looked down at that hand with defined knuckles. Dazed, I forgot to push him away. Until our figures disappeared completely. Chloe suddenly reacted. Kicked Mark in the shin. "Hiding it even from me! I'll kill you, you bastard!" "Hey, hey, wifey don't hit! I meant well right? You saw it yesterday, Sarah still likes him. If they work out, it's a good deed!" "Did you not hear what Julian just said? He said 'Not happening'!" "Psh! You didn't see him half-dead back then. For Sarah, he hasn't let go! He's just being stubborn. Think about it, dumped by someone, and admitting he wants her back in front of everyone? Doesn't he need to save face?" "But did you forget why they broke up? His family wouldn't allow it. If it happens again, what about Sarah?" "Not gonna happen! Why do you think he stayed in Lanshi and didn't return to New York? Just to avoid the path his mom laid out. With his current rank, his mom can't control him anymore! Hard!" "...You better hope they work out. Otherwise if Sarah drifts away from me because of this, prepare to kneel on a washboard!"
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