Chapter 582

Julian advanced another step, his piercing gaze locked onto Rosalind.

"I'm no longer in love with Arabella. My heart belongs to you now."

His words hung in the air—a declaration that he had moved on from Arabella and fallen for Rosalind instead.

Rosalind's thoughts scattered. She hadn't anticipated such a drastic shift from Julian. The man who had once dismissed her, even betrayed her, now stood before her, professing his transformation and newfound love.

His arms encircled her, pulling her close. The delicate fragrance of her perfume enveloped him, stirring something deep within.

"Be with me," Julian murmured, his voice rough with urgency.

Outside, Everett had just arrived, prepared to seek out Rosalind. But then Julian's sleek sports car rolled up, halting his steps.

He watched, motionless, as Julian knocked and Rosalind answered.

Now, Everett stood frozen, witnessing Julian crush Rosalind against his chest.

His hands curled into fists at his sides, knuckles cracking sharply in the quiet.

A searing pain lanced through his chest at the sight.

Yet, slowly, his fingers unclenched. Hadn't this been what he wanted? To push her away? His wish had been granted.

Without a word, Everett turned and vanished into the night.

Inside, Rosalind shoved Julian back with surprising force. "Have you lost your mind?"

Julian staggered, colliding with the doorframe.

Her expression was glacial, her voice cutting. "I never realized your ego was this inflated. Let me be clear—your breakup with Arabella means nothing to me. I won't be with you."

Julian blinked, stunned. "Why?"

Rosalind crossed her arms, unyielding. "You already know why. Let me repeat it—Julian, I don't love you anymore."

"That's impossible," Julian denied, shaking his head.

"Haven't you been listening? I admit I once cared for you, but it was nothing more than a girl's admiration for an older brother. Back then, I didn't even understand real love—until Everett."

Her voice softened, warmth seeping into her words.

"My world shifted toward him. When he's near, he's all I see. When he's gone, he's all I miss. I've never felt this way about anyone else. He's my first true love."

Julian refused to accept it. He had always believed Rosalind was his. "You're lying! You don't love Everett. You're just using him to punish me!"

"Julian," Rosalind said firmly, "if delusions plague you, see a doctor. I'm not playing games. Everett is the man I love."

Without hesitation, she pushed Julian out the door. He stood there, stunned, his voice rising in frustration. "Rosalind, enough games! I've ended things with Arabella for you! What more do you want?"

Her eyes narrowed. "I want you gone from my life. I want you to leave my home—now."

With a final, resounding slam, the door shut in his face.

Julian stood there, speechless.

No. He couldn't—wouldn't—believe it. Rosalind couldn't have stopped loving him.

What did Everett have that he didn't? Why would she choose him?

He wasn't ready to let go.

Not yet.