When the Lights Go Out in Manhattan Chapter 11

Hearing this, Julian looked at Chloe with eyes colder than I had ever seen.

"I told you we were done. You're the one who keeps showing up. My wife is here now, so if you have any shame left, please leave. Now."

Chloe was young, after all. She burst into tears immediately, collapsing onto the floor, crying and making a scene.

Seeing the crowd of onlookers growing, I finally spoke to Julian.

"You misunderstood. I'm not here to see you."

Julian clearly didn't believe me. He stubbornly blocked my path, clutching the bracelet around his neck that he had re-braided with cord, looking at me with anticipation.

"Eleanor, look—I learned to braid it myself. Rainbow colored. Your favorite."

"Eleanor, there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you."

At that moment, a handsome young man walked over.

I recognized him. It was the groomsman from the wedding, my classmate's cousin.

We were barely acquaintances. As I stood there dazed, he naturally walked to my side, took the flowers and fruit from my hands, and smiled at me.

"Ready to go?"

"Who is he?" Julian asked through gritted teeth.

I thought for a moment and said, "A friend."

"A friend calls you Eleanor?!"

Julian was usually composed. I had never seen such a twisted, hateful expression on his face.

"Eleanor, tell the truth. Are you cheating?"

The man's question threw me back to a late night six months ago.

That day, I accidentally saw texts between him and Chloe.

Chloe asked him, if they met in the next life, would he marry her?

Julian's answer was: Even in this life, I would.

"Julian, tell the truth. Are you cheating?"

Facing my choked questioning back then, how did Julian answer?

Oh right, I remembered—

"If that's what you think, then yes. Whatever."

In the hospital lobby, hearing me say the same words in the same careless, airy tone, Julian froze.

He looked at me like he was looking at a complete stranger.

Chloe was also stunned. "Eleanor, how can you be so shameless?"