Chapter 5: I’ve Already Decided to Marry Someone Else
Sonya pulled her suitcase out of the mansion, momentarily disoriented by the busy street. This was where she had lived for eight years, the place she once thought of as home. She had decided to break up with Julian and move out, but she hadn’t found a new place yet. Where could she go now?
Her phone buzzed twice.
It was a voice message from Henry.
“I’m in Beijing. Nice weather today, but tons of work. Had a piece of toast for breakfast, hard to swallow. Guess I miss Chicago. I was too busy for lunch and dinner is a business meeting. I’ll probably get drunk. I hate business dinners…”
It was long and detailed, like a work report.
Sonya was confused, but his last sentence stood out:
“Oh, right. My house is in Cloud Haven Villas, building eight. You can move in anytime. This will be our home. Of course, if you don’t like it, we can find another place.”
Cloud Haven Villas. He lived in the same community. It was close.
Sonya arrived at building eight, using the code Henry had texted her to unlock the door. A cool, austere air greeted her.
The layout was identical to her old place, but the décor was stark—black and white, minimalist. There was no sofa in the living room.
Was this really livable?
Sonya went upstairs. The second floor was just as barren. Three bedrooms, but only the master had a bed—a single one, with no dresser.
It seemed Henry didn’t live here often, or maybe he hadn’t finished decorating.
After unpacking, Sonya went to work on an empty stomach.
Ashley shared a bun and half a cup of soy milk, then proudly showed off her love life. “My husband made the dough last night and steamed these buns this morning. They’re my favorite.”
Sonya looked envious. “You better hold onto him tight. I might steal him.”
Ashley smirked. “He’s mine. And only mine.”
That day, Sonya felt lighter.
For eight years, she had given everything, carrying the weight of her love for Julian until she was exhausted. Letting go felt like freedom.
In the afternoon, Julian texted her.
“Do you want your books back? If not, I’m throwing them out.”
Without replying, Sonya deleted his message and blocked his number.
She had left so much behind, but the books were the least of her worries.
After work, Henry replied to her earlier message. She’d texted him to let him know she had moved in.
“Welcome.”
Only one word, but it warmed Sonya’s heart.
She texted him again: Can I sleep in your bed?
Realizing how weird it sounded, she rushed to catch the subway.
Before she could explain herself, he’d already replied: Okay.
Sonya flushed. It must be 3 AM where he was. Was he not sleeping?
Exiting the subway, she headed to the supermarket. Henry needed a lot of household items.
As she reached the entrance, Leo called.
“Sonya, help!”
Sonya froze. “What happened?”
“I… got stabbed.”
“What?!”
Sonya rushed to Jake’s bar, finding it cleared out. In the courtyard, staff were cleaning up. They pointed to a private room.
Inside, the place was trashed—tables broken, chairs overturned, shattered glass everywhere.
Julian was slumped on the sofa, blood trickling from his head.
Sonya glanced at him, then turned to leave.
“Sonya, you finally came! Help!” Leo ran out, grabbing her. “I really got stabbed!”
He pointed to his arm, which was bleeding.
Jake arrived, pushing Leo away, handing Sonya a first aid kit.
“That guy refuses to go to the hospital, and he won’t let anyone touch him. He only wants you.”
“We broke up. Even if he dies, it’s none of my business,” Sonya said, weary.
“I know, but exes can still be friends, right?”
“We can’t be friends.”
“Sonya, just do me a favor, okay?”
Sonya paused, then took the kit.
Jake pulled her aside.
“Seraphina’s pregnant with Liam’s baby, and Liam wants her to have an abortion. Julian brought Liam here to settle the score, and they fought. Liam lost, but Seraphina came to protect him.”
“Where’s Seraphina?” Sonya asked.
“She ran off with Liam.”
“Interesting.” Jake sighed. “Don’t mention Liam or Seraphina. It might enrage him further.”
Sonya didn’t promise anything. She walked toward Julian with the kit.
He was breathing heavily, his anger still burning. Seeing her, his rage intensified.
“So, you came here to laugh at me?”
Sonya ignored him, taking cotton swabs and antiseptic to clean the wound.
“I’d rather bleed out than let you touch me!” Julian yelled.
Sonya knew his temper—reckless, stubborn, unreasonable. She calmly cleaned and bandaged his wound.
“It’s deep. You need to go to the hospital for stitches,” Sonya told Jake.
As she turned to leave, Julian grabbed her arm.
“You blocked my number?”
Sonya pulled her arm away. “Since we’ve broken up, let’s cut ties. I’m doing this for your own good.”
“I order you to unblock me!”
“You must have really hurt your head. Go to the hospital.”
She turned to leave.
“Seraphina changed her mind. She doesn’t want to marry me anymore. So, I’ll marry you.”
Sonya stopped and turned back. Julian had a charitable look on his face.
“Save it. I’ve already decided to marry someone else.”
