Chapter 10
James never brought up taking photos of me again.
I never expected Yannick to show up, though. And, of course, he had his usual scowl.
“Yulia! Look at you. You’re all capable now, huh?”
Right on cue, James stepped in front of me. “Can’t you talk to a girl without sounding like a jerk?”
Yannick stared him down for a long moment before suddenly smirking. “Wow, Yulia, you’ve upgraded. Is this guy your new
type?”
James did not hesitate and swung his fist. Yannick squared up as well, ready to fight back. And I–of course–stepped in between
them.
This was not James‘ problem. I was not about to let someone take a punch because of me.
Yannick pulled his fist back, but his eyes burned red. I looked away as I could not meet his gaze. “Just go. Don’t mess up my life
anymore,” I said.
I slipped my arm through James‘ and forced a smile. “I like artists better.”
With that, Yannick really left.
And James… Well, he seemed to get it.
“You really shouldn’t have done that. If he ever finds out the truth, it’ll break him. If he was with you, at least you wouldn’t have
to go through this alone. No matter what happens, wouldn’t it be better if neither of you had regrets?”
I shook my head. “I was selfish before. This is enough for me.”
My health took a turn for the worse. I left the old town and went back home. Chronic pain was not a joke.
After yet another hospital trip, I called Quella. There was so much I needed to tell her.
She arrived in a flash. And the moment she saw me, she completely lost it. I knew I probably looked awful right now–sunken
cheeks and hollow eyes, with wires and tubes attached to me. I took off the oxygen mask and managed a weak grin. “Stop crying.
You look terrible.”
