It was only then that Yu noticed Julian was wearing the same work badge. Her alertness surged—could these two be Sienna’s enemies?

Yu imagined a fifty-to-sixty-episode drama of love and hate and promptly sealed her lips.

No matter what Julian asked, her answer was always "I don't know."

Seeing Julian’s anxious state, Yara bit her lower lip with resentment.

She grabbed Julian’s arm and tried to persuade him gently, "Julian, it’s just someone with the same name. It’s not her."

Julian coldly brushed Yara’s hand away and said indifferently, "Look in a mirror before you lie. Do you think I don't know what you're thinking?"

Yara stood frozen on the spot.

Unable to find out Sienna’s whereabouts, Julian left the coffee shop. He took his luggage out of the hotel and moved into a guesthouse within the neighborhood.

—He intended to wait for his prey.

After finishing my selection of coffee beans, I was exhausted. I pushed my scooter slowly through the streets.

My rented room was right in this neighborhood—staff quarters I shared with Yu.

Suddenly, at the end of the dim street, a tall man stood under a lamp. His long shadow fell at my feet, appearing as though it wanted to touch me.

Julian took a step forward, a complex look in his eyes as he called out, "Sienna."

Chapter 15

A stitch on a wound buried deep in my memory snapped, oozing a single drop of blood like a star.

As if seeing some wild beast, I took a step back.

My hands loosened, and the scooter crashed to the ground with a loud bang, scattering the items in the basket everywhere.

But I couldn't care about any of that; I only wanted to run away.

It wasn't that I was afraid of seeing him, but rather that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to control myself.

Seeing me turn to flee, Julian was momentarily stunned, but he quickly strode forward.

I was no match for Julian’s speed and was caught within two steps.

A large, well-defined hand gripped my wrist like a giant pincer, leaving me no room for resistance.

"Let go..." I lowered my head, gritting the words through my teeth.

Julian said nothing. He firmly held me and pulled me in front of him.

Only when I had no strength left to struggle did he speak.

"Your brother is very worried about you."

My eyes widened slowly, then dimmed—the first sentence after such a long separation was truly in character for Julian.

"Tell him I'm doing very well," I said coldly.

Since he could be so calm, I didn't want to be the one at a disadvantage.

This time I shook off Julian’s hand. He didn't trouble me further and let go.

As he lowered his hand, a star bracelet peeked out from under his white shirt sleeve.

Keeping my head down, I naturally saw it, and a flicker of surprise appeared in my eyes.

"I missed you very much, too."

The words drifted over from above my head.

I felt my hands trembling uncontrollably.

I clenched my fists tight, my nails digging into my palms; the pain kept me lucid.

This "miss you" was just a common expression of sentiment.

I understood; Julian had always been like this, giving you hope only to plunge you back into despair.

This time, I wouldn't fall for it.

"Thank you." I looked up and gave a composed smile.

I stepped past Julian, righted the scooter, and picked up the things on the ground.

Julian stood there watching.

I felt a silent bitterness—look at that, he was still the same, only watching your wretchedness without saying a word.

Suddenly, a hand reached out in front of me and picked up a star-shaped pen from the ground.

I said thank you again and quickly stuffed everything into my bag.

Once everything was restored to its place, I pushed the scooter and said, "I'm leaving now."

Julian moved aside, showing no intention of pestering me.

I sighed in my heart. Fortunately, I hadn't expected anything from the start; after all, the despair that follows hope is even more torturous.

My shadow stretched long, separating from his. Under the streetlights, the heat made me feel as if I were burning.

Suddenly, Julian took two steps forward and said, "Can I see you again tomorrow?"

I never expected to hear a request, as our past interactions had always been governed by his unilateral decisions.

I stopped and turned back. In my fawn-like eyes, there was only surprise, no longer the adoration of the past.

Julian felt himself becoming somewhat flustered; it was as if he had lost something vital.

"Are you asking me?" I inquired.

"You used to tell me to take you seriously. I've thought it over carefully, so this time I want to ask for your opinion," Julian said earnestly.

That heart, which had already fallen into an ice cellar, suddenly gave a throb.

I felt my breath quicken. It was as if I, who had been dead for three years, showed signs of revival.

"...I have to work tomorrow."

I practically fled in a panic, a complete mess.

I didn't even have time to acknowledge Yu’s greeting before I locked myself in my room.

I frantically pulled open a drawer; the cabinet full of pill bottles rattled loudly from the force.

I swallowed the pills voraciously, not even using water, forcing them down until my throat felt raw and burning.

But I couldn't care about that anymore.

I collapsed onto the bed, trembling all over, my hands tightly clasped as I tried to suppress my emotions.

"Calm down... can't continue..."

I murmured meaningless words, hypnotizing myself as if with whispers from hell.

Suddenly, my phone screen lit up.

I instinctively glanced sideways.

Unknown Number: Goodnight.

A "Goodnight" after three years of silence—once again, I was defeated by him.

Chapter 16

The aroma of coffee carries a slight bitterness; the longer it is brewed, the more mellow its flavor becomes—and so it was with my love.

I carried the coffee to the window sill and placed the handcrafted cup in front of Julian.

"Thank you." Julian put down the book in his hand and took the coffee cup with gravity.

Today, Julian had set aside the black clothing he favored, rarely wearing an off-white overcoat as he sat by the window.

With his bangs down, he lost some of his sharp edge, looking like the "White Moonlight" senior student of everyone's imagination.

Even the fresh flowers on the sill were eclipsed by his radiance, causing passersby to steal glances.

I held my tray and returned to the counter.

Yu teased with a hint of regret, "So he’s not an enemy, but a lover..."

I tapped the tray against Yu’s head and said, exasperated, "What are you imagining now?"

"Sienna, is he your ex-boyfriend?"

I was taken aback, then said, "No."

"Huh?" Yu was very disappointed not to hear any gossip.

"Not an ex-boyfriend, but an older brother." Julian had approached at some point and suddenly interjected after overhearing them.

Yu’s eyes lit up, her soul for gossip reignited.

I alone remained unmoved.

"Older brother"—the barrier had become even thicker than before. I really didn't know what Yu was so happy about.

Julian took some milk and sugar and returned to his seat.

Yu said excitedly, "An 'older brother' is just another name for a sweetheart! You’re not being honest, Sienna. Where did you find someone so handsome?"

"If you slack off again, I'm docking your pay."

That one sentence silenced Yu.

I pressed the button on the coffee machine and looked up at the man by the window.

He seemed to notice my gaze and looked up from his book, meeting my eyes from across the room.

Suddenly realizing what I was doing, I quickly looked away.

I gazed into the distance, wondering when Julian’s case would be settled so he could go back soon.

Because of his sudden appearance, I would have to spend more on visits to the psychological clinic.

After work, Julian walked to the back door of the coffee shop from another direction.

While I was still wondering where he had popped out from, he snatched the trash from my hands.

"Don't you have to work?"

Staying in a coffee shop from morning till night—even on a business trip, one shouldn't be this neglectful of their duties!

Julian said, "It’s a collaborative case; I’m not the lead."

After tossing the trash, he and I walked side-by-side toward the street. By then, the horizon was glowing with golden light.

The light near evening was very soft, making me think once again of my final confession.

The osmanthus flowers dancing in the air—that warm, bright yellow had never brought me warmth.

Reaching the foot of the building, I stopped and voiced the question I had been holding in all the way.

"What exactly is your purpose for doing this all day?"

Julian looked at me and said bluntly, "Come home with me."