Surprise flashed in Julian's eyes. I had never rejected his touch before. In the past, I would have begged for it.

Furious and humiliated, he slammed the guest room door and stormed into the master bedroom.

Once he was gone, I fell asleep almost instantly.

Ever since I cleared my mind of him, even sleep came easily.

The next morning, the director of the dance company called. He had somehow found out I was leaving for Paris.

He said he wanted to throw me a farewell party. I quickly declined. He insisted, saying he’d already arranged a dinner for me to say goodbye to my colleagues.

He put me on the spot, so I had no choice but to agree.

But when I arrived at the restaurant that evening, Julian was there. Of course he was. The director was a man his father had planted to keep an eye on me.

And sitting next to Julian was Sophia. I couldn't believe he'd bring her to something like this.

Julian saw me and gestured for me to sit next to him, but I ignored him.

They looked like a power couple. I wasn't about to get in their way.

When Sophia saw me, she gave me a provocative little smile.

Then she wiped it off her face and said apologetically, "I'm so sorry to crash your company dinner. I was just so bored, and Julian decided to bring me along."

Julian opened his mouth to explain several times, but no words came out.

I politely raised my glass. "It's fine. I don't mind."

I took a sip of my wine.

During dinner, my phone kept buzzing. I pulled it out.

It was a text from Julian: "I only brought her because I had to for appearances. Don't get the wrong idea."

"If it bothers you, I won't bring her next time."

I scrolled down to the last message.

"Let's go home together after dinner."

I cleared my throat and typed back: "No thanks. You should take Sophia home. I drove."

I went back to my meal, ignoring any more messages from him.

The dinner was lively. Everyone was sharing memories.

The director, his face flushed from the wine, stood up and raised his glass to me.

"I remember when you were the most promising dancer in New York," he said. "Your dream was always to join a top European company. I never understood why you suddenly decided to stay here."

He paused, then continued, "But now, you're going to Paris! You're finally making your dream come true, and I'm so happy for you! Here's to you. I wish you the best of luck and a brilliant future."

I smiled, feeling a wave of emotion, and drained my glass.

At that moment, Julian was frozen, staring as if he'd just heard the most unbelievable news of his life.