When Julian first got involved with Rowena, there were subtle signs even before I fully caught on. It began when he showed an unexpected interest in projects from the firm that could collaborate with his company. Casually, he'd inquire about my work schedule. And there was that challenging, defiant look Rowena would give me whenever she saw me, as if she was measuring herself against me.
Initially, I thought it was just a senior mentoring a junior at work. But gradually, I began noticing that something was off. Their chat history was often deleted, and though Julian acted distant yet polite around Rowena, I could sense an unspoken tension. Once or twice, I found strands of hair that weren’t mine at home and Rowena's jacket left behind. Julian always had a ready explanation, claiming they were collaboration meetings with many people coming over.
He was confident I wouldn't verify his stories, casually spinning tales, assured that his well-known devotion would lead me to believe him. He appeared cold and dismissive with Rowena, sometimes even impatient. I could never have imagined his affair would be with someone he seemed to dislike so much on the surface.
Now it was clear that all of this was just a facade. Julian hadn't come home that day, and I spent the evening packing away anything that reminded me of him. I had just one more day before leaving, and the countdown echoed in my mind relentlessly.
Today, I needed to find a moment to have Julian sign the divorce papers.
A call from my supervisor informed me about a conference I needed to attend. Julian, clinging as ever, wrapped his arms around my waist, refusing to let go. "How could your boss be so inconsiderate, knowing you’re leaving tomorrow and still not giving us any time together?" He was affectionate and warm, but I couldn't bear it.
I wriggled free and stood up, my voice cold as ice. "I need to go," I said. His puzzled gaze followed me, and he asked hesitantly, "Honey, is something wrong? Did I upset you somehow?"
"No," I replied blankly. Julian quickly got out of bed to follow me, insisting on joining me at the conference. In the car, he did everything to lighten my mood, talking about visiting me in the Alps. "I'll try to come as often as I can," he promised, "and don't worry, I'll be home waiting for you faithfully."
I let out a soft laugh, but inside, I felt chilled by his false sincerity. He would indeed stay home, just not alone. As we arrived at the venue, we ran into Rowena, who limped dramatically, pouting as she looked at Julian with exaggerated distress.
Julian loosened his grip on my hand, clearly wanting to go to her, but then snapped back to his detached demeanor. "Julian, could you help me get to the hospital? The conference is starting, and they don't have time," Rowena pleaded, her eyes openly challenging me.
Anxious, Julian released my hand, stumbling over his words. "Honey, she seems really hurt. She's your colleague, after all. I can't just ignore her, right? You go ahead; I'll take her to see a doctor."
I glanced at his guilty expression, realizing he couldn't even pretend well in Rowena's presence. I nodded and headed into the conference room.
Before entering, I glanced back. Julian had seated Rowena on a table, bent down to massage her foot, and she playfully nudged his chest with her toes. "Julian, you were so concerned for me earlier. Am I more important to you now than Evangeline?" she teased.
Julian grasped her ankle, visibly annoyed. "How many times do I have to tell you? You're no match for Evangeline!" Rowena pouted, dissatisfied. "If I'm no match, why do you bother with me?"
Julian smirked casually, moving his hand from her ankle upward as he lifted her. "Because being with you suits my whims," he replied. They kissed fervently, stumbling into the restroom as I turned away, expressionless, and entered the conference hall.
A full half-hour passed, and there was still no sign of Julian and Rowena. Nearby, a few people whispered, "I was just in the restroom, and some couple was... you know, completely shameless. The woman was so loud." It was clear they were talking about Julian and Rowena. Even without intentionally listening, their antics reached my ears through others.
But it didn't matter anymore. I checked my watch; only ten minutes remained for the conference. Julian eventually returned with Rowena, a lipstick stain on his shirt. "The hospital was far; we drove around for ages before finding one. You weren't waiting too long, right, honey?" he asked apologetically.
I responded casually and handed him the divorce papers. Without reading, Julian signed them with a smile. "Anything you give me, I trust completely," he said. I suppressed a grimace and said nothing.
The conference concluded, and Julian excused himself, citing work commitments. He promised to spend every moment with me, yet consistently favored moments with Rowena instead.
I contacted my lawyer, handing him the papers to handle the remaining legalities. Then, I packed my bags and headed to the airport, swiftly catching an earlier flight to the Alps.
....
Third Person's POV
When Julian returned home, the chill of emptiness greeted him. Every trace of Evangeline was gone. He frantically tried reaching out to her, only to find he had been blocked on every platform.
As he stood bewildered, a knock came at the door. The lawyer entered, carrying the divorce papers. "Mr. Rivera, Ms. Rivera has asked me to discuss the divorce proceedings with you."
Julian, hand trembling, took the papers, feeling his world collapse.
