Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Uri pressed on, "More than that, how absurd is it that he found a ridiculous substitute like you? Did he truly think that he was so deeply in love with Blake? Was it because his love for Blake was so unforgettable that he needed someone to ease his lovesickness?"

Substitute, substitute, substitute!

The word sliced through Julien's suffocated heart like a sharp knife.

He had never dared to hope he would be the only one Jonah ever loved. But it would be enough for him to be Jonah's last. He didn't care about the past. Yet, what he couldn't bear was that it was his face-so similar to Jonah's ex-lover-that had drawn Jonah in and made him fall in love.

Uri laughed mockingly. "If I had the chance, I'd ask Judas if he was being fair to Blake by finding a new lover. I'd want to know if he was being fair to you by making you Blake's substitute."

His laughter was so hysterical that tears streamed down his face.

In an extremely sarcastic tone, he continued, "I doubt Jonah feels he made a mistake. He's an arrogant, crazed, and heartless man, willing to do anything to get what he wants. Dr. Lovelace, Judas has been scheming against you for a long time."

He had been scheming against him for a long time?

To hell with those schemes!

Julien staggered back. His moistened eyes became bloodshot. The look in his eyes dimmed as he sank heavily to his knees.

...

Seconds and minutes passed, and it was well past 8:00 pm.

For Julien's convenience, Jonah had purchased a four-story villa in a quiet, private area near the center of Solana City. This was their home and his small gift to Julien.

That night, Jonah went to buy two full bags of ingredients and a bottle of fine red wine. He then prepared dinner personally.

Even though it was his birthday, every dish he made was to Julien's preference. He never considered himself Julien was all that mattered to him.

As he served the delectable dishes to the dining table, he was filled with bliss despite being covered in sweat.

He waited and waited, but Julien still had yet to come home. He knew Julien was a workaholic, often losing track of time when busy. But tonight was special; he had promised not to work late.

Jonah couldn't help but feel worried. He pulled out his phone, wanting to call Julien, when his doorbell rang.

He walked to the entrance and opened the door, only to find Alyssa and Sean standing there, arms laden with cake and gifts.

"Jonah, happy birthday."

A warm smile spread across Alyssa's face. She was doing better mentally. Or, at the very least, she looked to be much better. With a smile on his face, Sean gave Jonah his wishes too. "Happy birthday to you, Mr. Jonah!"

"Thank you. Come in and have a seat."

Jonah felt warmth spread in his chest, but concern quickly followed. "Lyse, you've been discharged from the hospital so soon? Are you doing okay physically?"

"I've been fine for a while now. I'm Iron Woman! Jul is at home, isn't he?"

Alyssa craned her neck and playfully peered into the house, her big, round eyes searching.

"Don't worry, Jonah. Sean and I are just here to drop off your gifts. We'll leave right away. We won't third-wheel you two. Time always flies when you're having a good time. I get it..."

"Julien isn't home yet."

"He's not? But it's already so late!"

"I was just about to call Julien. I'm not sure if he's being held back at the hospital."

Right at this moment, his phone rang.

Jonah looked down at the screen

and saw that the call was from net

number he didn't recognize. He frowned. For some reason, his chest tightened too.

He swiped on his phone to answer the call, then held the phone to his ear. In a deep voice, he said, "Hello. Who's calling?"

A man's cold and mocking voice came from the other end of the line.

"Happy birthday, Judas."