SOME THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE

CHAPTER 43

Viktor crossed his arms above his chest, the corners of his lips curling up. At this moment, he did not know if he should feel sad for her or should he pity her.

This was indeed a boring wife-swapping game.

“Diego, one day, you might come to regret. Like I did.” His magnetic voice faded slowly into the surrounding atmosphere.

He knew. And who else?

Julianna frowned her eyebrows uncomfortably. She could not sleep well in an unfamiliar environment.

Viktor did not attempt to touch her as she tossed and turned the whole night. Instead, he put himself up on the sofa and did not allow her to leave. After all, he had paid a hefty price. If he did nothing, he felt wronged.

However, no one knew that this wasn’t what he had in mind.

If this was what Diego had wanted, he would make sure that Diego got what he desired. Otherwise, there was no guarantee that this wouldn’t happen again. That was all he could do to help this woman.

...

Viktor gave Julianna a wave as he leaned against the door. “Goodbye, little woman. Thank you for the wonderful night.” He smiled, and his deep, blue eyes narrowed. He did not look like the devil now—more like an angel. It was a genuine smile.

Julianna licked her lips, and she gave a deep bow to Viktor , “Thank you, Mr. Hanson.”

As she walked further and further away, Viktor ’s eyes started to mist. Through her, he was reminded of another woman’s silhouette. Some people had been tossed aside while some memories were broken.

Julianna turned around and looked up the five-star hotel which was over ten-stories high. The sun’s reflection from the glass windows caused her to squint, in discomfort. When she turned back, the light was totally blocked from her eyes.

She looked up and met the man’s profound gaze. It was so deep that she couldn’t see the depth.

“Ah Diego.” She smiled faintly as if she had not seen him for a lifetime. It seemed surreal that they had not seen each other for a long time. Suddenly, she felt mistreated. She wanted to ask, and yet she didn’t.

In the end, she only managed to say his name. Just those two words.

Diego reached out and held her waist. The slight use of force from his arms caused her to experience some pain.

“I’m sorry.” He lowered his head and rested his hand on her hair. She wasn’t sure if he was feeling sincere or faking it, but he sounded troubled.

So troubled that between them, it was getting harder to breathe.

“It’s okay. I know... I know everything.”

Julianna shook her head as her eyes started to tear up, blurring the man’s features from time to time. She thought she knew. It was only after that that she finally realized she actually knew nothing.

Diego walked her to his car, and they got on. The journey was punctuated by a silence which was worse than before. On this night, he seemed to revert to the old him on their wedding night. He was forceful and violent, cruel and cold. Julianna accepted everything in silence. She thought he was more tired and in more pain than her.

In fact, she did not know that she was always the one in pain.

...

She felt indescribable warmth when a ray of light fell on her shoulders. She sat up and felt the empty space beside her. It was cold. He had been very busy lately, more so compared to the past. Sometimes, there were days when he didn’t even come home.

....

Julianna leaned against the headboard, took out her sketchbook, and began to sketch line after line—clearly and rapidly. Soon, a man’s face appeared. His eyebrows were with character and lips were tightly pursed. He looked heartless and tough.

She got off the bed and picked up the calendar which was on the table. It’s today again, her birthday. She was the only one who had remembered her birthday. Everyone else had forgotten.

The woman walked into the living room. Maria had cleaned everything meticulously. As expected, she did not have to do anything. Julianna had become a useless person. She walked over to the telephone.

She picked up the telephone, and her fingers froze as she was about to dial the last digit with some hesitation. That was a forbidden number which should never be dialed. Her fingers tightened into a fist. In the end, the line went through as the last digit was dialed.

Julianna placed the receiver at her ear as she felt herself becoming anxious at the very moment.

“Hello!” A deep voice sounded from the other end. Julianna ’s hand gripped the receiver even tighter in her hand.

“Ah Diego, it’s me. I was wondering...”

“I am busy with work right now. In future—if it’s nothing urgent, don’t call this number.” The man’s voice was unexpectedly cold and hard.

“I just wanted to know what time you will be coming home today.” Julianna felt a pinch in her heart from the stiffness in his voice. However, she forced a smile. Even when there was no one to see it, she must remain smiling.

“After work. If there are no meetings, I will come back as soon as I can.” The voice from the other end softened. Then, it was followed by ‘too-too’ which signified that the line was already busy.

Julianna finally put the receiver down after a long while. Her face registered pure disappointment and had turned pale like in the past.

It seemed that it was the only color that she had.

He was just too busy; that’s why he neglected you. Cheer up, Julianna . Believe in him. She patted herself on the face and walked into the kitchen. She had celebrated her birthday on her own every year. However, this year, she knew that someone would be there to celebrate with her.

As she washed her hands, she looked at herself in the mirror. She might be having an overload of happiness, so much that she could not smile.

While at the other end, Diego tossed the phone away and got out of his car. Working overtime, meetings, busy—they were actually his excuses.

He entered the extravagant private club alone. Of course, he was naturally here to attend this party. There was no sign of any female companion by his side. Just him, alone.

“ Diego, you have come.” An elderly man walked out. His features were uncommon, and his face was glowing.

“Mr. Leo, this is my present to you. I wish you good health.” Diego did not say much, but it made Mr. Leo laugh out loud.

“Thank you for your gift.” He accepted it and looked at Diego again. His eyes beamed with praise though it also had some lamentation. It was a pity that he was not his son. Otherwise, he would have had a life without regrets.

Diego nodded his head lightly at Mr. Leo and proceeded to walk away. He picked up a transparent glass which contained half a glass of wine.

He swirled the glass. The alcohol content was high.

He held it for a long time but did not drink. He had not forgotten that he was driving today. He did not want to die because of these things.