Chapter 264
Morning light filtered through the gap in the curtains.
Clothes were scattered across the floor.
From the living room sofa to the bedroom door.
Mostly men's shirts and pants.
Only one woman's nightgown was mixed in.
Julian Winston slowly opened his eyes.
Images of last night's passion flooded his mind.
The corner of his mouth lifted unconsciously.
He turned his head to look at the woman sleeping beside him.
His gaze instantly softened.
Olivia Lopez was still deep in sleep.
Her breathing was even.
Her eyelashes fluttered lightly.
His eyes swept over her delicate features.
Finally resting on her neck.
Pale skin covered in red marks.
All left by him the previous night.
Julian was no impulsive youth.
But last night he was like a leopard tasting fresh prey.
Insatiable.
It only stopped when Olivia slapped him.
The pain was real.
The pleasure was even more real.
Thinking of this, his smile deepened.
He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.
Throwing back the covers, he got up.
He walked out of the room quietly.
Carefully closing the door behind him.
In the kitchen, Julian turned around holding two bowls of noodles.
Olivia leaned against the doorframe in a silk camisole.
He didn't know how long she had been standing there.
Their eyes met.
A flicker of embarrassment passed through Julian's eyes.
Quickly replaced by teasing.
"Up already? Seems I didn't try hard enough."
Olivia didn't smile.
Her gaze fell on his hands.
Two bowls of instant noodles, each with a fried egg.
The edges slightly burnt.
Julian cleared his throat lightly. "This is all you had. Make do with it."
He passed by her and placed the bowls on the dining table.
Olivia looked at him with a complex expression.
At him.
At the noodles.
Julian said, "Sit and eat. Why stare at me? Suddenly realized I'm devastatingly handsome?"
Olivia was silent for two seconds. "Put some clothes on first."
She had just reached the kitchen door.
And saw his completely bare back.
The visual impact was too strong.
Julian paused. "My clothes are dirty. Nothing to change into."
Olivia: "..."
Was it so hard to wrap a towel around yourself?
Julian said, "You get to see this body for free and you're complaining?"
"...Not my type, thanks."
She walked to the table.
Julian pulled out a chair for her.
Handed her chopsticks.
Olivia took them silently.
Julian pointed beside her hand. "Poured you some ice water."
"...Thanks."
He hesitated before speaking. "About last night..."
Olivia said, "No talking during meals."
Julian lowered his head and ate his noodles.
Olivia put down her chopsticks after eating half.
Julian looked up. "Done?"
"Yeah. Full."
"Don't waste it. Give it here."
He pulled her bowl over and started eating.
Olivia didn't have time to stop him.
He finished the noodles and drank all the soup.
Julian leaned back in his chair, satisfied.
Olivia looked at him calmly. "Full now?"
"Full."
"Pack your things and leave. Don't come back."
Julian's smile froze.
"What do you mean?"
Olivia said, "Exactly what I said. I told you I don't mix business with pleasure."
"Since it's already happened, the only solution is to terminate our cooperation."
Julian sat up straight.
His gaze darkened. "I wasn't drunk last night. Neither were you."
"Yes."
They were both sober.
This wasn't a case of drunken mistake.
Julian sneered. "Kick the donkey out right after grinding the mill?"
The corner of Olivia's mouth twitched. "You're the one who won't get dressed. Who's fault is that? Call yourself a donkey if you want."
"I object!" His voice rose. "Olivia, do you know what you're like?"
"?"
"A fuckboy who seduces virgins and doesn't take responsibility!"
Olivia was silent for two seconds. "Are you a virgin?"
Julian: "?!"
"We were both willing last night. Don't play innocent. You've slept with so many women. Did you take responsibility for each one? Likewise, I don't need to take responsibility for you."
The boomerang hit right between the eyes.
Julian scoffed. "Who wants your responsibility! Do I lack women?"
Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. "Good."
Julian watched her relieved expression.
His fists clenched.
But his voice remained steady. "What happens between adults stays between adults. But what's with ending our partnership? What about professional integrity?"
Olivia said seriously, "Mixing business with emotions leads to trouble. Cutting losses early is best for everyone."
She hated complications.
She thought he felt the same.
Julian's mouth twisted. "My mom video-called last night and saw us being affectionate. If I tell her we broke up today, will she believe it?"
Olivia: "..."
"Want to end it? Fine. Convince my mom and I'll agree."
Olivia frowned. "Terms?"
"You can see it that way."
She laughed. "Julian, do you think I play by the rules? Your agreement isn't important. I'll end it if I want to. What can you do about it?"
Julian's eyes widened.
"You're being unreasonable!" He gritted his teeth.
Olivia: "Oh."
"Worse than a fuckboy!"
Olivia: "Oh."
"Bully!"
"Oh."
Finally, Julian put on his clothes and slammed the door on his way out.
Damn—
Play with fire and get burned!
Olivia Lopez!
You're ruthless!