Chapter 27: Meeting Again, After Five Long Years

"How dare that mistress be so bold!" Julia's mind raced with anger. She can't believe the guts of mistresses nowadays. "She wasted her beauty and brains just for this. You're something else, Victor. A fucking cheater!"

Fists clenched tightly, Julia felt her body tense. She fought to hold on to her marriage, but Victor was tearing it apart. He's blaming her for a mistake she didn't want to happen in the first place, he's the one who is shattering their family.

Hot tears pricked her eyes again. She sniffed and wiped her cheeks, determined to hold back the tears. No more crying. She was exhausted from the pain. Tired of having to explain herself.

"Is this his revenge for not giving him my virginity?" The thought stung like a slap, fueling her anger even more.

"You shameless people!" she thought bitterly.

Suddenly, she felt a presence nearby. The dim light flickered in the hallway, shadows dancing around her. Someone stood in the corner—was it Victor?

She was ready to confront him. "You're mistress talked to me," she'd say. She wouldn't let him walk all over her like that.

With swift steps, she exited to confront "Victor" outside the men's restroom. But her heart dropped when she saw it was Dante standing there!

"Dante!" her mind said, she gasped, her breath catching. This was no stranger. She couldn't take her eyes off his handsome face. He seemed to expect her.

"D-Dante…?" she stuttered, confusion dancing in her voice.

He studied her intently, and her cheeks flushed. She felt seen in a way that made her heart flutter. It was amusing her husband never looked at her this way.

"Look at me? Like I'm the most beautiful woman in the world?" her mind teased, making her feel both flattered and bashful.

He smiled, his recognition warm and inviting. "Julia… I'm so glad you still remember me," he said, his deep voice wrapping around her like a soft blanket.

Hearing his voice again, she unconsciously closed her eyes. His sweet tone made her feel safe, something Victor had never given her—his anger always reigned, leaving her in pain.

"How can I forget you? Every day I'm surrounded by your memory. You look so much like Eli," the voices in her head whispered, things she could never say out loud.

She was about to respond when she heard the ladies' restroom door opening. Her heart raced, remembering that her husband's mistress was still there.

"W-We might get caught," she stammered. He sensed her fear and swiftly took her elbow, leading her toward the fire exit beside the men's restroom.

Confusion swirled in her mind as she let him guide her. Maybe it was fear—fear of being seen by Victor's mistress with Dante, who would surely ruin her in her husband's eyes.

Just as the fire-exit door clicked shut, the sharp click of Iris Hale's heels echoed down the hallway. Relief washed over her, like a cool breeze.

Turning back, she found Dante's eyes still fixed on her. A warm blush crept up her cheeks. Why did he look at her like that?

Her heart raced as if it were about to burst. Why was her breathing becoming shallow? What was happening to her?

"Julia… I would be lying to myself if I didn't say I'm glad to see you again," he said softly, cutting through the thick silence.

She had noticed from a distance how handsome Dante had become, but standing so close, the reality took her breath away.

The added years suited him perfectly, his maturity radiating sexiness. He still looked youthful, yet he carried himself with the confidence of a true "MAN."

Wait, what was she thinking? Comparisons flitted through her mind, Dante versus Victor! She shouldn't be thinking this. Victor was still her husband.

"Dante… you… you look good. I'm happy to see how you've changed! You seem very successful now," was all she managed to say, voice shaking slightly.

"It's because of you. I bettered my life because I wanted to find you, to make sure you're okay. You're my motivation in everything," he wanted to say but couldn't.

Instead, he smiled shyly, his eyes bright. "Thanks! I had to, for my family and my dreams," he replied with a nod. "But how are you? What's new?"

Why did it feel like longing danced in his eyes? Like he wanted to share so much more with her?

She shook her head. And when did she become a mind reader?

A forced smile spread across her face as she looked at Dante. She hoped he couldn't see her pain, didn't want his pity. She didn't want to complicate his life.

"I-I'm okay. I'm working on a small business," she said, her voice shaky. "You know, being unemployed is tough. It's hard being just a housewife," she added, realizing she spoke too freely.

His smile lit up his face, revealing bright white teeth. "What's wrong with being a housewife? It's a huge role! It takes a lot of time and effort," he chuckled. "Honestly, if I had a wife, I wouldn't let her work. It's my job to provide and protect. If she wants a career, fine, but I want her to be happy every day!" His words resonated deeply in her.

Warmth filled her eyes as emotions surged. From a young age, she envisioned being a good wife and mother. Yet, her friends had laughed at her dreams, calling her goals silly and pointless.

When she met Victor, she still dreamed of being a soft, caring wife, nurturing him and their future kids. But before their wedding, she realized he despised women who leaned on their husbands. He wanted a strong woman, fiercely independent.

That wasn't her nature at all. She wasn't that type of woman. While she respected independence, it simply wasn't her. She grew up admiring her father, a strong leader and provider, and her mother, a devoted housewife. Those were her roots, aligning perfectly with her dreams.

But Victor made it very clear: she needed a career. "It's embarrassing to sit at home without purpose!" he'd say. He wanted accomplished women, those who had proven their worth. Competitive women, always chasing after goals, business, and money.

Out of love for Victor, she changed herself, toughening up and adopting a "male energy." Any softness invited his criticism; he saw housewives as a joke.

But now, here was Dante, and he offered no judgment about her "true" desires. Why did she feel so free with him?

Was she wrong for changing who she was just to fit Victor's "preferences"?

Sensing her silence, Dante frowned slightly. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

She quickly shook her head. "N-No! You're right," she stammered, her heart racing. "I didn't expect to see you today, Dante. And out of all places, here! You've changed so much, and I'm really happy for you."

"You too! You've changed a lot," he said, his brows knitted in thought. "Some of it I don't like. You seem tougher now. But you definitely look ravishing," he said, his gaze locked onto hers.

His deep gaze sent warmth through her, and her knees felt weak. "Y-You shouldn't say that to me, Dante. You know I'm married, and you know who he is," she blurted, her heart racing. "I need to get back to Victor; he might be looking for me!"

Even though Victor treated her like shit, it wasn't enough reason to be around him, and where her stomach is fluttering when she was near with Dante.

Just as her fingers touched the cold door knob of the fire exit, his hand wrapped around her wrist. "Looking for you? Don't make me laugh, Julia. Deep down, you know your husband isn't looking for you. Stop lying to yourself," he said, his tone unyielding.

Her eyes widened; she struggled to pull away, but his grip was like iron. "I-I don't know what you're talking about, Dante! I'm going back to my husband. I'm just doing you a favor; when Victor finds out I talked to another man today—especially you—he'll make your life miserable! You don't know him," she said, her anger slipping into worry.

He let go of her wrist, his voice steady. "Stay here with me. I don't care about your husband. No matter how many demons he throws my way, nothing will stop me from talking to you," he insisted, his eyes locked on hers.

She gasped, her heart racing. "Y-You're losing your mind! We shouldn't be talking at all. It's enough that we checked on each other… I have to go back—"

But before she could turn, he was in front of her, as if he had blinked into existence. "You're going back to your husband? For what? To boost his ego while he disrespects you? While he hurts your feelings? He isn't looking for you; he doesn't care because all his focus is on his mistress!" he yelled, his voice booming.

Julia staggered back, her mouth falling open in surprise. He knew about Victor's mistress?!