The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 195: Engagement day I

Julian’s arms tightened around her just a little more, his protective instincts active even in his sleep, as if he could sense the sudden tension gripping her body.

She carefully moved her hand and placed it over her stomach. A much bigger, darker war was waiting for her.

How could I remember something my body doesn’t want to remember? she thought desperately.

She needed to unlock those missing pieces of her past. She had to try and force herself to remember. Maybe she could try meditating; centering her mind usually helped clear the fog.

​She closed her eyes, trying to slow her racing heartbeat, but the silence was broken before she could even begin.

​"Baby?"

​Julian’s voice was low and rough from sleep, his warmth shifting against her as he stirred.

​He opened his eyes, looking down at her with instant concern. He noticed the tightness in her shoulders and the faint trace of tears on her face.

​"Are you okay?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair away from her forehead. "You’re shaking."

How do you tell someone you’d just spent the night talking to your dead mother, and that she’d told you to kill the person who killed you in your past life?

How did you say, the Hollow is coming for me and the children, and not watch him look at you like you’d lost it?

"Baby?" His thumb brushed over her cheek, wiping away a tear she hadn’t realized had fallen. "Talk to me."

She looked up at him. Trust Julian.

She swallowed hard. "I had a dream about my mom."

It wasn’t a lie.

"She said I have to kill the one who killed me in my past life."

The words hung heavily in the air.

​Meanwhile, across town, Andrew stood in the center of his bedroom, entirely detached from the lives he was about to ruin.

​On the bed, his pregnant girlfriend, Ava, was fast asleep. He had quietly slipped a sleeping pill into her glass the night before, ensuring she wouldn’t wake up to question his movements.

His mother was in the next room. She was under the illusion that they were fleeing the country, likely packing bags for a night flight to the Bahamas.

​But Andrew had other plans.

​His eyes dropped to the desk. Spread out before him was the complete blueprint of the Grant mansion, a prize he had secretly stolen from the Chairman’s private study during their stay there, knowing it would eventually come in handy. He had stared at the layout until the image was burned into his mind. Every corridor, every exit, and every security blind spot, he knew them all by heart now.

He turned his attention to the small vial on his desk. It was the chemical he had secured from Arthur Reed right before Lyvana’s sudden rescue. The science behind it was simple yet terrifying: a precise molecular compound designed to slow the human heart down to an undetectable rhythm, mimicking death perfectly. He checked the dosage three times, obsessing over the measurements until it was perfect.

​He had to move today. His informant, Chloe, a maid he had easily bought with sweet words and a shared bed during his time at the mansion, had told him that the engagement party was happening this evening.

​A dark smile touched his lips. His plan was flawless. He would take Lyvana away from Julian, erase her memories completely, marry her, and have many babies.

He slipped out of the house quietly, his plan already in motion.

When he arrived at the Grant estate, Chloe was already waiting for him near the outer main gate. Andrew tightened his grip on the heavy brown paper bag filled with random groceries.

​The guards at the gate didn’t question him. Seeing Chloe there, they simply assumed he was running a last-minute errand at her request and waved him through.

​"You’re late," Chloe whispered anxiously as they walked past the guards and headed toward the mansion.

The mansion was already chaotic, swarming with caterers, musicians, and extra staff. She handed him a silver tray, helped him adjust a subtle wig, and expertly applied light makeup to alter his features.

​Slipping into the crisp white server’s uniform, Andrew pulled the high collar up to mask his jawline. Tray in hand, he walked into the main hall, blending perfectly into the background with the other servers.

By the time Julian and Lyvana arrived at the mansion, the sun was fully up, and the estate was buzzing with frantic energy.

Lyvana’s family had already arrived early that morning, and an army of servants now hurried through the halls, putting the final, meticulous touches in place for the engagement party.

​The grandeur of the estate was on full display. Elegant golden lights glowed warmly across the massive ballroom, casting a rich shine over the polished floors, while the sweet, heavy scent of fresh flowers trailed up every grand hallway and staircase.

The ceremony was going to be strictly by invitation.

Inside the grand suite, Lyvana stood before the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection. The hairstylist had just left the room, taking Emily along to go fetch her gown.

​Left alone in the quiet suite, her hand subconsciously drifted down to her flat stomach. Everything from the vivid dream was rushing back to her, filling her mind with more questions.

​A soft knock on the door broke her concentration.

​"Come in," she called out, assuming it was Emily returning with the dress.

​Instead, the door swung open and Julian stepped into the room. He had already changed into a tailored black tuxedo that molded perfectly to his broad shoulders, making him look exceptionally powerful and striking. But the moment his dark eyes locked onto her, the cold, commanding aura he usually carried around others completely melted away.

​He walked over to her slowly, his dark gaze tracing every inch of her.

​"You look absolutely breathtaking, baby," he murmured. frёewebηovel.cѳm

​Lyvana blinked, looking down at herself, and then looked back up at him with an amused expression. "What are you even saying, Julian? I’m not even dressed yet. I’m literally in a towel."