The Gondola the Don Made for Me Chapter 06

The Gondola the Don Made for Me Chapter 06

Sophia wrapped her arms around his waist. “Julian, remember what you said. These seven days, you belong only to me.”

Julian’s hand closed around empty air. Irritation flared up inside him, but he forced it down.

Forget it. I promised her I’d play along for a week.

Once this week is over, I’ll explain everything to Vera.

She had a fiery temper, but she was always easy to appease.

With that thought, he swung his legs out of bed and stood up.

“Sophia, I can never give you a real place by my side. Treat these seven days as one final gift from me.”

“Alright.”

Sophia lowered her gaze, hiding the triumphant glint in her eyes. She glanced at her phone, satisfied with how perfectly her performance the night before had gone.

For the next week, Julian stayed by Sophia’s side, indulging her every whim. He sent Vera messages from time to time, yet she never replied.

On the sixth night, Sophia dragged him to a get-together with her friends. Julian was distracted the entire evening. Vera hadn’t messaged him back in days. She didn’t even ask when he’d be home like she always did. This was far from normal. Was she still mad?

He’d clearly told her they’d get their marriage registration the second he got back. What more could she possibly be upset about? He downed another glass of wine, growing more restless.

Sophia’s friends began to tease them.

“A seven-day exclusive boyfriend? You two are so sweet! This doesn’t feel temporary at all—it’s basically a public announcement of true love!”

“This isn’t just a casual fling. You two are meant to be. You’re perfect for each other!”

Sophia’s cheeks flushed pink. She rested her head lightly on Julian’s shoulder and murmured shyly, “Stop teasing us.”

Their playful cheers grew louder. But Julian’s fingers tightened, and he gently pulled her arm away from his.

“This is just granting Sophia a birthday wish. I already have a fiancée.”

His words instantly doused the lively mood. Sophia’s face paled, her smile turning strained.

“You’re right. Julian’s just humoring me.”

Julian caught another guest rolling her eyes and muttering under her breath.

“Pfft. If I were Vera, I’d have dumped him ages ago.”

He slammed his wine bottle down on the table. “What did you just say?”

As the heir of the Romano family, his anger was undeniably intimidating.

The young girl did not flinch. “I’m from the Gracie family. I apologize for my blunt words, but I only spoke the truth.”

An awkward silence settled over the room.

Someone tried to defuse the tension. “Don’t listen to her, Miss Gracie. Vera posted an update on social media. She said she’s getting married tomorrow. There’s no way she’d leave Julian.”

Julian froze for a moment, then the stress that had weighed on him for days finally lifted. So that was it. Vera’s unusual silence these past few days was just her way of pouting. She’d even announced their upcoming marriage online, waiting for him to keep his promise and go through with the documents.

A faint smile tugged at his lips. She’d even blocked him from seeing her posts. Old memories drifted through his mind: the lamp she always left burning late into the night for him, how she’d soften and forgive him every time he’d neglected her for Sophia, the countless hints she’d dropped over seven years that she wanted a home of their own.

Guilt crept over his heart. He had gone too far this time. He made up his mind. Once this day was done, he would keep his word without delay.

The young girl from the Gracie family stood to her feet. “My apologies. I’ll take my leave now. The Gracie family is also holding a wedding tomorrow.”

She shot Julian one last disdainful glance before walking off.

—What a foolish heir.

—He still has no idea he’s already been dumped.

—The future of Water City belongs to the Gracies now.