Chapter 21: The End of First Love

Julian could read Matt’s greed as easily as a financial statement. The moment Matt’s gaze locked on the checkbook, Julian knew the deal was sealed.

He didn’t say another word. He simply stood there, holding the check loosely in one hand, calm as a man watching a game he had already won.

Cora couldn’t hold back anymore. She rushed forward, grabbing Matt’s arm.

“Matti, let’s go! We’ll leave this place. We don’t need his money—we’ll fight, we’ll work, and one day we’ll make more than he ever could!”

Her hand blocked Matt’s view of the check. He shoved her away so hard she almost fell.

“It’s mine! All of it’s mine!”

Cora stumbled, her heels scraping the pavement. Julian caught her before she hit the ground, but she tore her arm free and stumbled toward Matt again.

“Matti, we—”

He flung her hand aside as if her touch burned him.

The world went cold. Cora felt as if someone had poured a bucket of ice over her from head to toe.

Julian’s voice cut through the silence.

“All right, Mr. Miller. My time is limited—make your choice.”

Matt didn’t hesitate. “I want the money. She’s yours.”

For a second, the world tilted. Cora couldn’t breathe. No. No, that’s not what you mean. You can’t mean that.

Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.

Julian’s expression didn’t change. “Good. The money and the car are yours.”

He stepped forward, pulling Cora back. She tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.

Matt didn’t even glance at her again. He took the check, mumbled a thank-you to Julian, and left.

The man who once swore he would defy the world for her—reduced to a coward who sold her for cash and a car.

Every promise, every tender word, shattered like glass.

Cora ripped free of Julian’s grip and tried to chase him, but after two desperate steps, Matt was gone.

She collapsed to her knees. The pain in her chest was so sharp she thought her heart might actually stop.

This has to be a nightmare. Please, let it be a nightmare.

She pressed a hand to her chest and gagged, but nothing came up—only air and anguish.

Her first love had died right here, sold at a price.

Enough. It was over. The girl who believed in love needed to wake up.

Matt… thank you for the lesson.

Not far away, Dina—who had been hiding to watch—froze in disbelief. She hadn’t expected such a reversal.

She started toward Julian, but two bodyguards immediately stepped in front of her.

“What are you doing? I’m Dina—Julian’s girlfriend! Let me through!”

The guards didn’t move.

“Ms. Dina,” one of them said evenly, “Mr. Watson asked us to remind you: since you love Milan so much, you should stay there. Your flight is already booked.”

Dina’s face went white. “No! You’re lying! Jule wouldn’t do this to me! Let me go, I have to talk to him! The bride should be me, not that woman!”

Her protest ended when the guards escorted her straight to the airport and watched until she boarded the plane.

—

The wedding ended quietly. Julian and Cora returned to the villa—an extravagant gift from the old madam herself, prepared as their new home.

Cora sat on the edge of the bed, still dazed. From the bathroom came the sound of running water. It hit her then—she was married. Truly married. The girl who once dreamed of love stories was gone, replaced by a woman who had signed her fate away.

The ceremony itself was a blur, every moment mechanical.

When Matt drove away with his new fortune, something inside her had died.

Maybe marrying Julian wasn’t the best decision—but it wasn’t the worst either.

At least her child would have a father. At least her baby wouldn’t be born into loneliness.

Julian cared about that baby—enough to go through with the marriage despite his anger.

And for Cora, that was enough.

Dina, I’m sorry, she thought. But this marriage has to happen. Whether you gave me that hotel key by accident or on purpose, fate made the choice for us. Matt and I are over. The moment he sold me—for five hundred thousand dollars, two million yuan, and a Bentley—our love was gone.

There was no going back.

If love was already dead, she would fight to protect what was left—her child.

She would stay strong. She would survive.

Julian stepped out of the bathroom, water still dripping from his hair, a towel slung low on his hips.

Cora looked away immediately, her pulse skipping.

They were married, yet strangers. The thought of sharing a room with him felt unbearable.

Julian noticed her unease. He hesitated, then said quietly, “I’ll sleep in the study. Get some rest.”

Cora blinked, surprised.

He was giving up his own room? Of course. He didn’t want to be near her any more than she wanted him.

Without another word, Julian left, the door clicking softly shut behind him.

When silence returned, Cora finally exhaled.

The longest day of her life was over.

—

The next morning, she woke to the smell of breakfast drifting through the house.

Austin was waiting in the living room.

“Good morning, Mrs. Watson.”

“Morning,” Cora murmured, still a bit dazed. “Where’s Julian?”

“Mr. Watson left early for the office,” Austin replied. “The madam said you’re to rest at home. If you need anything, just tell me.”

“Rest?” Cora frowned. “I don’t need rest.”

If she stayed idle, she’d earn nothing—and she still had to send money home.

Watson family funds wouldn’t reach her until after the child was born. That could be months.

If she didn’t find a way to earn income soon, her grandmother would make her mother’s life a living hell again.

Cora straightened her back, determination flickering in her eyes.

She had lost her love, her pride, and her freedom.

But she would not lose her mother—or her child.