Chapter 27

"Have you gone mad?" A loud voice bounced across the spacious room, slightly echoing in her ears. "Did you also have an accident and somehow bump your head?"

Her friend continued questioning her decision as she told her what was happening in a few hours. She could not blame her. Even she could not believe what she was doing.

"Because the Jules I know will not do this." Her friend sounded more desperate than before as she tried to convince her to reconsider her plan.

She had called her friend late last night, asking her to join her and Oliver, but she deliberately omitted telling her friend why.

Then, when Damon learned about it that morning, he offered one of his car and driver to pick her friend up from their meeting place.

She wanted a friend to be present at the ceremony for her. She guessed she needed someone to be in her corner. And, of course, she could only think of one person, Thalia.

"The Jules you knew is not as desperate as I am." She answered her friend as she stared at her face in the mirror.

She knew this was the only option she had for now. Although it was not ideal, she believed it would be the best decision for her son. As she had said before, her priority would always be her son.

And damn the consequences.

"But you could have come to me. You know I would have helped you." Thalia placed her hands on her shoulders, mildly squeezing her blades to show her support.

She knew she could, and her friend would never turn her away. But that was why she precisely did not go to her.

Her friend had a terrible start in her business. She had learned Thalia was also swimming desperately to stay afloat. And her friend would still have come to her rescue despite her problems.

But she could not do that to her friend. Thalia had done so much for her and Oliver. She could not keep dragging her in the mud.

"I know that." And she appreciated her friend even more. "I know you would have come running to help. But Oliver has a father. It was time that I asked him for child support."

Although, she never dreamt of coming to him for anything when she had Oliver. This time, she had to swallow her pride and learn to accept his help.

She could not keep burdening Thalia since they were not her responsibility. She was more than happy to have her moral support. That should be enough.

"What about your family? Aren't they coming?" Thalia asked, but she quickly realized her mistake. "Of course not."

Thalia had grown up in a happy household. Her father was a farmer, and her mother was a teacher in their small town. But their home was full of love and passion.

However, she was not content with their layback lifestyle. So, she tried her luck and moved to the City. Thalia wanted to explore life outside her small world.

But just like her, Thalia's expectations did not match reality. Instead, they met the harsh facts of life and the hardship of surviving in this wild and cutthroat world.

"Don't answer that." Thalia quickly took back her question. "I don't know what I was thinking." Her friend knew very well her status with her family. And it was far from roses and rainbows.

She wished they could be part of her son's life. Oliver deserved to have a family. But if her family could not accept him, then she guessed they were better off not having them around.

"I only need you to stand by my side so I can go through this." Jules had explained to her friend her agreement with Damon.

Of course, her friend had a violent reaction against it. However, she did not need her consent. She only needed her support.

"But..." Then, her friend stopped whatever she was about to say and just took a large gulp of air, appearing like she had finally surrendered.

Her lips curved into a smile as she moved toward the other side of the room. But her eyes were still full of worries and doubts when she turned to look at her.

"Thanks." Her heart was still in turmoil, but knowing she had two people in her corner was enough to calm her down. At least she had Thalia and Oliver.

Then, her eyes focused on the dress wrapped around her body. It was a stunning white ensemble made of a silky material with a few beautiful embroidered lace that added to its appeal.

It had a decent length, not too revealing design, but had a sexy cut that accentuated her curves. She would say it was simple but elegant and classy.

Although it was not the same as the wedding dress she almost wore in her previous wedding engagement, it had less glitz and glamour. It was still gorgeous.

Moreover, she believed it might be more expensive than anything she owned. Besides, she doubted that Damon would buy something cheap, remembering all the branded clothes he wore.

"Do I have a choice?" Thalia raised her left eyebrow, still showing her disapproval. Nevertheless, she grabbed a brush and moved closer to her. "Let me fix your hair and your makeup."

"And by the way, you looked amazing in that dress," Thalia added as a genuine smile finally grazed her friend's lips.

Jules also felt much better, agreeing with her friend. She also admired her appearance with her new dress. She was amazed at how the beautiful outfit perfectly fitted her body.

It was as if the designer had checked her size. Even the design conformed to her taste. She could not help but wonder if Damon had any say in the dress or if he just let someone else pick it up.

"And that is one gorgeous piece of rock." Her friend commented. "If only this is all real." She added despondently. "You could have been a beautiful family."

Overall, she concluded that this day was just the start of the long road ahead for her and her son as she stared at the round object on her vanity table.

WEAR THIS...

The note said, together with the engagement ring.

But sadly, this was not real.