From Fat Girl to Fated Mate Chapter 11

From Fat Girl to Fated Mate Chapter 11

“Why are there so many cars?” I asked. 

Ethan fixed his cuff links and answered casually, 

“My mom’s birthday party.” 

I stared at him in disbelief. “You brought me to a 

party?” 

“Julian’s dad and my dad are brothers. Of course 

he’ll be here.” 

He nudged me with his elbow. “Are you going in or 

not?” 

I swallowed. “In.” 

The Carter mansion was obscenely luxurious. 

Crystal chandeliers everywhere, everything 

handled by staff. 

Inside, I spotted Julian immediately. 

He was wearing a perfectly tailored suit, moving 

through the crowd with a calm, mature confidence 

that made my chest tighten. 

He was surrounded by people twice his age, 

talking about things I didn’t understand. 

And I understood completely. 

This was why Ethan brought me here. 

To show me the gap between us. To prove I didn’t 

belong in his world. 

Ethan handed me a juice. “Drink?” 

I took it automatically, forcing my eyes away from 

Julian. “Thanks.” 

He waited until I’d had a few sips. Then he nodded toward Julian. “Josie. You two don’t fit.” 

I held my cup and said nothing. 

“Someone like him doesn’t fall for just anyone. Especially not someone he still sees as a kid.” 

“But me? I genuinely like you. We’re the same age. We understand each other. Isn’t that better?” 

I slowly set my cup down. 

I looked up at him seriously. “Ethan, even without 

Julian, it would never be you.” 

He crushed his cup in his hand. “Why?” 

His whole body was trembling slightly. 

“I don’t get it. You liked me before. Why not now?” 

How could I explain? 

He’d spent his whole life being adored. He 

assumed everyone wanted him. 

He wouldn’t understand. 

I glanced one last time at Julian across the hall, then sighed. “I’m leaving.” 

Maybe Ethan was right. This place wasn’t for me. 

My real place was on stage, under the lights. Not trapped in a mansion playing a role I hated. 

I waited outside for a car to take me home. 

Footsteps approached. 

Steady. Familiar. 

I couldn’t turn around. My back went rigid, my 

breath careful. 

A minute passed. Maybe less. 

Then a soft sigh brushed my ear. 

“Did you come alone, or as Ethan’s date?” 

I was frozen. 

I didn’t know how long passed before I finally turned around and forced a smile. “Hey. Long time 

no see, Dr. Reed.” 

Before I could say another word, everything went 

dark. 

Julian pulled me into a tight embrace. 

“God,” he murmured against my hair. “I kept telling 

myself you’re a free spirit. I shouldn’t trap you. Never for selfish reasons.” 

His voice was soft and certain. 

“But Josie… you came here yourself.” 

I stopped breathing. 

Then my brain caught up. 

Wait. Julian… liked me too? 

Heat flooded my cheeks. 

“Julian, it’s not like that. You never trapped me. 

You’ve always been so good to me. And honestly… 

I have feelings for you too.” 

He eased back just enough to see my face. His 

eyes sparkled. “Do you mean that?” 

“Of course.” 

“Even though I’m eight years older?” 

“Perfect,” I whispered. “You can mentor me 

through life.” 

He laughed. He reached up and cupped my cheek. 

“Mentor. And mate.” 

Mate. 

My face burned red. 

His expression grew serious. “I’ll never lock you in 

a cage or use our bond to chain you. Whatever you 

want to become, I’ll support you completely. But I 

will always be your shield. Your safe place to land.” 

Just then, Ethan pushed through the door and 

caught the tail end of that. 

He stood there frozen, staring at us. Specifically, 

at Julian’s arms wrapped around me. 

Then he clenched his jaw, turned, and stalked 

away.