Chapter 283

Why wasn't Julian picking up? Had something gone wrong?

A knot of anxiety twisted in Rosalind's stomach as she imagined all sorts of disasters. Clutching the popcorn bag tightly, she sprinted through the torrential downpour back to Willowridge University.

By the time she reached campus, Rosalind was soaked to the bone, the popcorn miraculously dry beneath her protective embrace. The movie might have been missed, but at least she could still share this small comfort with Julian.

Her heart pounded as she searched for him, then froze mid-step. There he was - Julian Blackwood, walking alongside none other than Arabella.

Julian had apparently helped Arabella with some ointment and stayed by her side the whole time. Now that her foot seemed better, they were strolling back together like old friends.

Rosalind watched, unblinking. Julian and Arabella moved in perfect sync, the latter murmuring something that made his handsome face break into a warm smile.

Their easy laughter and intimate proximity painted the picture of a perfect couple.

Rosalind stood rooted to the spot, struggling to process why her fiancé was casually strolling with another woman.

So he'd blown off their date for Arabella?

A bitter taste filled her mouth. She'd been worried sick, racing back like a drowned rat, only to find him enjoying Arabella's company.

Fury ignited in her chest. She yanked out her phone and dialed Julian's number.

The ringing came clearly from his pocket, yet he made no move to answer, too engrossed in his conversation with Arabella.

Rosalind's stomach dropped. Without hesitation, she marched forward and planted herself directly in their path. "Julian! What the hell is this?"

Both froze. Arabella adopted a fragile, startled expression. "Rosalind..."

Julian immediately stepped between them, shielding Arabella as he glared at Rosalind. "What's wrong with you? You're scaring Arabella."

Rosalind's hands trembled with rage. "We had plans! Seven o'clock at the cinema! Where were you?"

Julian's gaze flickered to Rosalind's birthmark, his lip curling slightly. Her drenched state only seemed to disgust him further. "I forgot," he said coldly. "We'll go tomorrow. Must you always make everything so dramatic?"

Dramatic? She was being dramatic?

Rosalind let out a harsh laugh. "You didn't forget. You were too busy with Arabella. You're cheating on me!"

The accusation made Julian flinch. "Arabella and I haven't done anything inappropriate."

"Cheating isn't just physical, Julian. Emotional betrayal counts too. Or does that distinction escape you?"

Her sharp words left him momentarily speechless.

At that moment, Arabella reached out, fingers brushing Julian's sleeve. "This is all my fault," she said sweetly. "I never meant to cause trouble between you two."

Julian's expression softened as he turned to her. "Don't blame yourself, Arabella. Her irrational behavior isn't your responsibility."

Arabella shot Rosalind a triumphant smirk when Julian wasn't looking.

White-hot anger surged through Rosalind, but she said nothing. Turning on her heel, she walked away.

Behind her, Arabella's voice carried clearly. "Julian, what exactly is your relationship with Rosalind?"

There was a pause. Then Julian's reply: "We're just friends."

Rosalind choked back a bitter laugh. Just friends? After their engagement?

The absurdity of it all made her want to scream.

She'd never felt more humiliated in her life.

As Rosalind disappeared into the rain, Julian and Arabella went their separate ways.