Chapter 168

The last sentence hit Julian like a sledgehammer, striking him off guard and causing a surge of confusion and panic. Kaleb's words, earnest yet devastating, pierced him: “Julian, if I treated Anya the way you treated Rosalie, Anya would probably divorce me within a day. Rosalie enduring your cold treatment for a whole year is already quite remarkable.”

Until now, Julian had clung to the self-deceptive notion that Rosalie’s affection meant her recent coldness was merely a tantrum. No one had ever been so blunt, laying out the truth that Rosalie truly didn't want him anymore. She had given up because of his cold treatment.

“Emotional abuse is also a form of domestic violence. Don’t think you haven’t hurt her,” Kaleb added, delivering another blow. Without waiting for a reaction, he left.

Julian stood dazed, watching Kaleb go, the words echoing and causing a mix of irritation and undeniable anxiety. “Mr. Galloway, your cigarettes,” the waiter said, interrupting his brooding frustration.

Julian took them and returned to their table. Before sitting, his gaze instinctively shifted toward Rosalie. Seeing her chatting and laughing with Anya, seemingly unaffected by his presence, Julian’s heart sank.

‘Is it true, as Kaleb said, that she no longer cares about me? Even if we met, she looked indifferent. To her, I am nothing more than a stranger,’ Julian wondered. This realization chilled him to the bone.

At that moment, Sean exclaimed, “Hey, Kaleb, isn’t that Anya and Rosalie over there?” Sean’s shout caused a ripple of reactions. Julian, having already seen Rosalie, showed little surprise but looked displeased at her mention. Kaleb couldn't hide his delight at the prospect of seeing his wife. Only Matteo and Roseanne's faces soured.

Matteo glanced at Roseanne, concern in his eyes. They had known each other since childhood. Though Roseanne hadn’t grown up in the same courtyard, she lived nearby and was considered a childhood friend of Julian's. Matteo was closer to Roseanne and knew how much she liked Julian. When Roseanne’s family moved to Avaloria a few years ago, Julian hadn't dated anyone, and Matteo had been happy for them. However, a year ago, Julian had been forced by his grandfather to marry Rosalie, and she hadn't refused. In Matteo's eyes, Rosalie had taken Julian from Roseanne, and he couldn't help but feel silent resentment.