CHAPTER 4

Rachel and I sat there for a while, talking and processing everything that had happened. She listened attentively, asking questions and offering words of encouragement.

As we talked, I started to feel a sense of anger rising up inside me. How could Emma do this to me? How could she betray me like this?

Rachel seemed to sense my anger, and she put a hand on my arm. "You have every right to be angry," she said. "But don't let it consume you. You need to take care of yourself right now."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. Rachel was right. I needed to focus on myself, not on Emma and her betrayal.

As the day went on, Rachel and I made plans for me to stay with her for a while. I couldn't bear the thought of going back to my apartment, where all the memories of Jack and me were still fresh.

Rachel and I spent the rest of the day watching movies and eating ice cream. It was a much-needed distraction from the pain and heartache I was feeling.

As the night drew to a close, Rachel hugged me tightly. "You're going to get through this," she said. "I'll be here for you every step of the way."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Rachel. She was my rock, my confidante. I didn't know what I would do without her.

As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of hope rising up inside me. Maybe, just maybe, I could get through this after all. With Rachel by my side, I felt like I could face anything that comes my way.

As the days went by, I settled into a routine at Rachel's apartment. We spent our days lounging on the couch, watching movies, and eating ice cream. It was a much-needed break from the drama and heartache I'd been through.

One day, as we were scrolling through social media, Rachel stumbled upon a post from Emma. She was showing off her engagement ring, and Jack was smiling proudly beside her.

I felt a pang of sadness and anger, but Rachel quickly intervened. "Don't look at it, Alex," she said. "You don't need to see that."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. Rachel was right. I didn't need to torture myself by looking at Emma's posts.

As the days turned into weeks, I started to feel more like myself. I began to venture out of the apartment, going for walks and exploring the city. Rachel was always by my side, offering support and encouragement.

One day, as we were walking through the park, Rachel turned to me with a mischievous grin. "I have a plan," she said. "Let's get you out of this funk once and for all."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did you have in mind?" I asked.

Rachel's grin grew wider. "Let's go to a party tonight. I heard about this amazing charity gala, and I think it would be perfect for you."

I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to face the world. But Rachel's enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself agreeing to go.

As we got ready for the party, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would the night bring? Would I run into Emma or Jack? And what about this charity gala - what would it be like?

Little did I know, the night would bring a surprise that would change my life forever.

As we arrived at the charity gala, I was taken aback by the sheer scale of the event. The venue was a luxurious mansion, with crystal chandeliers and marble floors. The guests were all dressed to the nines, with designer gowns and tuxedos.

Rachel and I made our way through the crowds, sipping champagne and trying to take it all in. We stopped at a table to bid on a charity auction, and that's when I saw him.

He was standing across the room, tall and imposing, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. He was dressed in a tailored tuxedo, and his dark hair was perfectly styled.

Rachel followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?" she whispered.

I shook my head, unable to speak. I was too busy staring at the mysterious stranger.

As if sensing my gaze, he turned and locked eyes with me. I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body, and my heart skipped a beat.

Rachel nudged me, breaking the spell. "Alex, are you okay?" she asked.

I nodded, still feeling dazed. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said.

But I wasn't fine. I was shaken to my core. Who was this stranger, and why did he have such a profound effect on me?

As the night wore on, I found myself glancing over at the stranger again and again. He seemed to be everywhere, yet nowhere, at the same time.

It wasn't until the end of the night, when the charity gala was winding down, that I finally got the chance to meet him.

"Hello," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. "My name is Julian Saint Clair. And you are...?"

I swallowed hard, trying to compose myself. "I'm Alexandra Thompson," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Julian's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alexandra," he said.

As Julian and I talked, I found myself feeling more and more at ease. He was charming and witty, with a quick sense of humor that had me laughing in no time.

But despite his charm, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Julian. Something beneath the surface that he wasn't showing me.

As Julian and I talked, Rachel excused herself to go to the bathroom. When she returned, she raised an eyebrow at the sight of Julian and me laughing together.

"Looks like you're having a good time," she said, with a smile.

I nodded, feeling a little guilty for abandoning my friend. "Yeah, I'm sorry. I got caught up in conversation."

Rachel waved her hand. "Don't worry about it. I'm just happy to see you smiling."

Julian, sensing an introduction was in order, stood up and extended his hand. "I'm Julian Saint Clair," he said.

Rachel's eyes widened slightly as she took his hand. "Rachel Lee," she replied.

As the three of us chatted, Rachel seemed to sense that I was hitting it off with Julian. She discreetly excused herself, saying she needed to make a phone call.

As the night wore on, Julian asked me if I'd like to join him for a drink. I agreed, and we walked to a quiet bar on the outskirts of the gala.

As we sipped our drinks, Julian asked me about myself. I told him about my job, my friends, and my family, the good side though, not the bad stuff, I can't tell a stranger the shitty things happening in my family. He listened intently, asking questions and making thoughtful comments.

But when I asked him about himself, he seemed hesitant. "I'm just a businessman," he said, with a wave of his hand. "Nothing very interesting."

I raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to Julian's story. But I didn't push the issue, content instead to enjoy his company and the quiet intimacy of the bar.

As the night drew to a close, Julian walked me home. We stood outside my apartment, lingering in the cool night air.

"Thank you for tonight," I said, smiling up at him. "I had a wonderful time."

Julian smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I had a wonderful time too," he said. "Would you like to do it again sometime?"

I nodded, feeling a spark of excitement. "I'd love to," I said.

And with that, Julian leaned in and kissed me. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but it sent shivers down my spine.

As I pulled back, gasping in surprise, Julian smiled again. "I'll call you tomorrow," he said.

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling stunned and bewildered.

What just happened? I thought to myself, as I watched Julian disappear into the night.

Little did I know, my life was about to change in ways I never could have imagined.