Chapter 92

Roseanne hesitated, but the woman pressed further. “What are you waiting for? You’re his girlfriend. It’s been three years. How could he not rush to the airport the second he finds out his girlfriend is back? I bet he just hasn’t seen your messages yet.”

Roseanne pursed her perfectly painted red lips, a slight crease forming between her brows. There were things she didn’t want to acknowledge, but that didn’t mean they weren’t real.

As Julian’s girlfriend, Roseanne had always felt superior to others. But with Julian, she’d never felt a firm hold on him. If she had, he wouldn’t have refused to help her when her father lost the fight for Palmer Group.

Roseanne protested in a hoarse voice. “But Mom, he got married.”

Jealousy, sharp and unbidden, flared in her chest at the thought of him marrying another woman during her absence.

His wife is…

Sophie scoffed, unimpressed. “Everyone knows Julian doesn’t care about that woman. Haven’t you heard what Matteo said? She’s just a substitute for you. Now that the real one is back, why would he still need the substitute?”

Roseanne felt encouraged, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face. Manco had told her long ago that Julian’s wife, Rosalie, looked much like her. She’d even seen pictures, confirming the resemblance.

Just a few days ago, Matteo had given her even better news: Julian had already filed for divorce. The paperwork should be complete by now, Roseanne thought. He married a woman who looks like me, and the moment he knew I was coming back, he filed for divorce. If he doesn’t love me, why would he go that far?!

That was exactly why she’d texted him so naturally, expecting him to pick her up. In her mind, all the unpleasant history between them had already been erased.

Sophie’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Julian has always been distant. He’s not the type to sweet-talk women, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. If you hadn’t stormed off back then, Rosalie would never have had a place in his life.”

Sophie said it with complete confidence, as if Rosalie had always been a mere placeholder, a joke, as if Roseanne were already Julian’s rightful wife.

Hearing that, Roseanne’s hesitation melted away, replaced by certainty. “You’re right, Mom. I’m not letting Julian slip away again. He’s mine. He always has been, and always will be.”

A sudden clarity washed over Roseanne. That’s right, she thought. Julian has always been cold and reserved, even with his closest childhood friends; he’s never overly affectionate. So why did I ever think he didn’t love me? If he didn’t care, why would he marry someone who looks like me? Why would he divorce her after all these years?

Back then, I was too impulsive. That’s why I let him slip through my fingers for so many years.

Seeing her daughter’s realization, Sophie nodded, giving her a reassuring pat. “It’s good you finally figured everything out. Now call him. Tell him to come pick us up.”

Roseanne nodded, her mood considerably lifted. With renewed confidence, she dialed Julian’s number.

To her surprise, the call was declined almost immediately.

Roseanne froze. Her grip on the phone tightened, disbelief flickering across her face.