When the Lights Go Out in Manhattan Chapter 6

In the blink of an eye, two weeks passed.

Julian stopped staying out all night.

He came home on time every day, bringing back various foods I loved—from soup dumplings to the signature dishes at Persi.

Not only that, he insisted on driving me to and from work.

I wasn't going to turn down a free chauffeur. I didn't refuse.

But every time the car got a block away from the office building, I would tell him to pull over.

He asked me why.

I looked at him like he was a stranger.

"Isn't this what you said? To avoid the appearance of any conflict of interest."

Julian had no comeback for that.

Neither of us mentioned the divorce again.

The agreement lay quietly on his study desk.

He pretended everything was normal. I didn't burst his bubble, but I wasn't idle either.

I went back to my parents' home in Connecticut.

After a long talk, their support gave me the confidence I needed.

"Eleanor! You actually left the apartment! Come over, this Izakaya in the East Village has the best yakitori!"

The place was near the office, so I wasn't too surprised to see Julian in the next booth.

I just didn't expect Chloe to be there too.

"Eleanor, what are you doing here?"

Seeing me, a surprised smile immediately spread across Julian's face, and he walked quickly toward me.

Seeing him get too close, I instinctively took two steps back.

Julian's body stiffened, and disappointment flashed in his eyes.

"Eleanor, babe, come play Truth or Dare with us!" Chloe actively grabbed my hand and pulled me toward their table.

My gaze fell on the silver bracelet on her pale wrist.

I had spent months commissioning a silver artisan in upstate New York, who was impossible to book, to make that for Julian.

It was engraved with the star map of the night we met. I had told him it would bring him good luck.

No wonder Julian suddenly exploded when I asked him why he wasn't wearing it last time.

"It's in the safe, okay? Do I have to report every damn thing to you, Eleanor? Who do you think you are? Stop nagging like a bitter housewife!"

After I was pulled down to sit by Chloe, Julian considerately poured me a glass of Coke.

Seeing I didn't take a sip, he rubbed his knees with his palms somewhat helplessly and asked softly:

"Eleanor, I thought you loved Coke?"

I didn't answer. I just waved the waiter over and ordered an iced latte.

I did love Coke, but I didn't want to drink the cup he handed me.

When someone at the table exaggeratedly praised Chloe's unique bracelet, Julian's face went pale instantly.

He leaned into my ear, whispering so only the two of us could hear.

"Chloe's been having a hard time lately. I just... let her borrow it to wear. Don't overthink it."

I picked up a piece of grilled Wagyu beef and glanced at him.

"It wasn't expensive anyway. Don't be stingy—if she likes it, let her keep it."

With delicious food in front of me, I just wanted to satisfy my appetite.

As for the rest, it had nothing to do with me.