Because It's You - English Version

¤ 51 - Tenuous

Julian pushed Yvet's shoulder. His hands were shaking, as he stared at Yvet who was as shocked as he was.

"Why... you..." Julian couldn't even continue his words. All this time, he believed that Yvet didn't have this kind of intention towards him.

"Why? We're not in the office," replied Yvet.

"It's not a matter of whether we're in the office or not, but... you can't do this, Yvet. I don't..." Julian sighed. "I'm leaving."

"Julian, are you mad at me?" Yvet immediately grabbed Julian's arm as he turned to leave.

"I just don't want you to do something like this—to anyone. You can't just kiss a man who isn't your boyfriend. Especially without asking his permission first."

Yvet was stunned for a moment, but then her face turned red. "I'm sorry." She muttered. "I got carried away. I mean, I was so happy to have you with me. So, I... I..."

"I get it. Just don't do that again." Julian interrupted. "You better go in and rest now."

Julian immediately turned around and went back to his car with mixed feelings. There was only Nate in his head right now. Was that why Nate always gave him a heads up to watch himself around his female friends? Even Sophie had warned him not to get too close to Yvet. Yet he was convinced that their suspicions were misplaced. He was forced to eat his words now that they had been spot on about Yvet's intentions.

Julian suddenly felt extremely bad towards Nate. He imagined. If he hadn't immediately set boundaries in his relationship with Penelope, could it have ended like this? In the end, it turned out that he had also betrayed Nate, even though he didn't realise it.

Yvet messaged Julian an apology after he got home, even though he didn't think it was necessary. He sat on the couch staring at his phone. He felt ashamed and guilty towards Nate, but there was still a part of him that said she had done worse to him. All of Keith's messages, were they true? What should he do?

"Is Matilda there?" Julian asked Marco when he went to the clinic the next day.

"She's out with Frida. Is there anything I can help you with?" Marco's voice was warm and welcoming, but his face remained pinched and uninviting.

"Will she be back soon?"

"I don't know. Is there anything I can help you with?" Marco repeated.

"Please tell her I'll be away for a few days on business. So I'm leaving Muffin with her." Julian put the carrier on the table. He reached into his pocket and took out his wallet. "Here's my card. She can use it to buy anything for Muffin and herself."

Marco's eyebrows shot up as he accepted the black card that was handed to him. He had to guard this card with all his life until it reached Nate. He would be in big trouble if this thing ever got lost.

"I'll be back on Thursday." Julian continued as he put his wallet back in his pocket. "I called Matilda this morning, but her phone was off."

"She..." Marco stared at Julian for a few moments. "I'll let her know later. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Julian frowned at Marco. "Is there anything you want to tell me?"

Marco shook his head. "If there's nothing else, I'll take Muffin upstairs."

Julian watched Marco carry Muffin's carrier upstairs before he finally left the clinic.

Marco went to the playroom. He approached Nate who was cleaning the room. "Look, who's here."

Nate turned to Marco who was taking Muffin out of the carrier. "Muffin? Why is she here? What happened to Julian?"

"He said he'll be away on a business and won't be back until Thursday. He said he tried to call you this morning."