《The Heiress's Heartbreak》 Chapter I : Betrayal The bedroom was a mess, every photograph was shattered on the ground. Julliana''s heart was pounding immensely, heartbroken at the news delivered upon her. "Do you really intend for this to happen?" She asked, hoping it was just a lie. "Look Lia, Joan''s back from New Zealand. It''s only a matter of time for this to end." He sighed, his fingers ran through his necktie loosening it a bit. Julliana can''t help but feel betrayed, she''ve adorned this man for years, became a full time housewife to prove her love for him. However, everything was pointless. Right from the start, it was always Joan who captivated his heart. Even if it pained the young lady to ask him, she still did. "In these 3 years, have you not harbor any feelings for me? Even just a bit?" Julliana stared at his emerald eyes, trying to read through him, but was defeated as he remained cold. "Julliana Cambridge, this is for the best. I''ve signed the divorce papers. It''ll be sent to you first thing in the morning." She didn''t want to listen to him anymore, everytime he speaks it''s like his striking daggers to her heart. "And one more thing, I want your stuff removed by the end of the week. Joan''s a bit of an OCD freak, I don''t want to stress her after she was just released from the hospital." With that, the door from their bedqroom closed. She watched as his broad back walked away from her, never have she thought this marriage would end up so soon. Julliana''s hands grasped the shattered photo on the ground, trying to recollect the years wasted on a one-sided love. Her almond eyes rummaged around the spacious room, that was once shared by them both. Even if he didn''t love her, he never harmed the young lady physically, he still bought her gifts as a compensation for not attending special occasions throughout their whole marriage. Though it doesn''t justify his negligence towards her, his own wife, she dare not obligate him fully as this marriage was formed only because he needed to be chairman of the Jung Industries. ''I guess this is were it''ll end.'' She thought sadly to herself. Scanning the room, Julliana took a deep breath and started packing her clothes. She separated what''s bought with her own, and what was gifted from him. She didn''t have any plans on bringing his ''compensation gifts'' with her, as it will only make it difficult for her to live on. A tear streamed down her rosy cheek once again, fidgeting the ring that was on her slender yet delicate finger, clinging unto it for the last few moments before eventually wearing it off. Julliana gently placed it over the nightstand, along with the necklace his mother gave her. Jeffrey''s mother was sweet, and nice to his wife. She wasn''t any like the other typical rich mom''s that were mean towards their in-laws, Deliah was different. Treated her as if Julliana was one of her daughter, and would occasionally visit her when her son can''t. "Lia are you still here?!" A woman''s voice can heard echoing through the hallway, just outside the bedroom. It starled the young lady, and pulled her back from her thoughts. Suddenly, the door swung opened. "Thank goodness I thought you left." Claire, Jeffrey''s twin, hurriedly ran over Julliana, and embraced her tightly. Julliana wasn''t able to hide her tears any longer, and was now bawling like a lost child. Claire looked at the younger with pain in her eyes, she patted her back as she held her tighter. Claire was 4 years older than her. "I can''t believed that jerk twin of mine. I''ll kill them both if I have to." Anger was evident in her voice. "It''s alright Claire, we both know I was the only one who insisted to prolong this marriage. As I thought I would be able to make him love me slowly." "But that doesn''t mean, he can bring his mistress just cause he filed for divorce. It hasn''t even been properly processed yet. What''s he so eager about?" "Well she really isn''t the mistress, or the side chick. If anything, I was the home wrecker. Joan was first before me remember? They dated way back in their senior year in highschool, I was merely a tool used after he graduated to inherit his position as chairman." Claire looked at Julliana sadly, as if she''s sharing the pain she''s feeling. "Your dad only got in the way because he deemed Joan as unworthy, and not suitable for your brother. But you know whatever happens, he loves her, and that''s something I will never be able to compete with." She tried composing herself, but it was just too much to bear. The soon to be former young madame, wasn''t given enough time to grieve, yet she was told to move out swiftly to not stress his dear lover. It was a slap to Julliana''s face, speaking to her as if she was a stranger, as if she was never his wife. ''But who am I kidding? We are only married in paper, he loves someone else, and it will always be that way.'' "I''ll be alright Claire, don''t worry." The two ladies shared an embrace, cherishing the few moments before officially cutting off ties with the Barclay family. Julliana loved his mother, and sister but if she keep contact with them, it''ll only seem as if she was desperate to still keep in touch in an attempt to rekindle things with Jeffrey. It is today that Julliana decided she will no longer be a fool in love with Jeffrey Barclay. As she slowly wipe her tears away, Claire gave her a weak smile, and helped her with Julliana''s packing. "How I wished my twin grew a functioning brain." She sighed. Julliana can only chuckle at her remark. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. After spending the rest of the evening stuffing her belongings, she embraced Claire one last time. "Please tell Aunt Deliah not to be sad, if I can I''ll try to visit or meet you both someday." Claire let out a sob. "God why do you have to leave? You''re like a sister to me." They both shared laughter, and sadness at the same time. If random people saw them, they would think they''re both crazy. "Mrs. Barclay- apologies, Ms. Cambridge. I have brought out your stuff. Do you need me to help with anything else?" Julliana smiled towards her, and gestured a thanks before excusing herself back inside. ''Staying here is kind of suffocating now.'' Julliana reached for her phone in her pocket, and dialed a number. "This is the Habsburg Residence, may I help you?" A male voice answered. "Hey Stan." The young lady gently replied. A gasped was heard through the other end. " Young Ms. Habsburg?!" "Can you send someone to come pick me up? I wanna go home." Julliana tried holding back my tears, but she knew Stanley can hear hoarseness her my voice. He knew her, he watched her grew up, and became some sort of an uncle to her. "I''ll send Michael immediately M''lady." "I''ll get going Claire. Thank you for everything. Please take care of yourself, and Aunt Deliah." Julliana bid her farewell as she left the Barclay residence. Taking a glance at the once called, home he shared with his husband for the last time. Julliana''s heart was aching throughout the ride, though it was one-sided she loved Jeffrey wholeheartedly. Figuring that things should really end now, she grabbed her phone, and messaged him. ''Can you send me the documents at the municipal court? Thanks.'' She wasn''t expecting any immediate response, however maybe it was because of the divorce that he replied instantly. ''Send me the address. Also, if you can, can you go with the proceedings? I''m in a meeting.'' She reluctantly sent him the address, as she kept hoping this could be mend. However, seeing the way he responded it broke Julliana''s heart more. ''He really can''t wait to get rid of me can''t he?'' "M''lady, if there''s something you want, or need please don''t hesitate to tell." Michael, who''s hands, and eyes are still on the road spoke to her gently. "Does my father, and brothers know of my return?" She asked nervously, afterall she left them for her soon ex-husband. "The young masters are currently away, Mr. Habsburg''s in Las Vegas, gambling his fortune as he usually does. But after Stanley delivered him the news, he got on his flight back here in New York." Julliana was delighted atleast that her father didn''t disown her yet, and was still thrilled he wanted to see the young lady. ''I owe my family a huge apology, especially my mom. I know I haven''t visited her grave these past 3 years, and surely she''s upset at me.'' "Hey Michael, can we go visit my mom before we head home?" "Of course, M''lady." Julliana, and Michael reached the cemetery where her mom''s burried in peace. She slowly approached her tombstone, as tears once again formed in her eyes. ''Mom what do I do now? I''m so lost.'' She grieved, as shehugged the cold cement thinking of her mom. ''She would definitely know what I should do, and how to comfort me. I miss my mom so much.'' After staying for a few hours talking to her mom, she bid her goodbye, promising to visit her again as Julliana left. They arrived back in her own home, the lingering feeling that she missed for being away these years. As she stepped out of the car, Stanley greeted Julliana with a smile. She couldn''t help but hugged him. Stanley was no different from the Habsburg Family. He grew up with her dad, and was basically part of family. "M''lady you grew dark circles now, does the Barclay family not treat you well? I must inform the head master of this!" Stanley stated, anger eminent in his voice. "There''s no need. I cut all ties with them, Jeffrey''s family was actually nice to me. It''s just that, we weren''t really meant for each other." Sadness crept out, as her voice trembled. "Worry not M''lady, your brothers has been informed of your arrival. Mr. Habsburg''s on his flight back home." She can''t helped but asked, "Were they mad?" Stanley can only look at Julliana with fondness, "M''lady, even if you did something wrong, you''re the only daughter of Habsburg. You''re the treasure of this family, everyone adores you for being able to grow into a sweet, and gentle person." Hearing this, she breathed a sigh of relief. "When the young masters, and your father was informed they quickly postponed all activities, and events just to come back for you. It only shows how much they love you dear." There her tears finally fell. Stanley embraced the younger, as she let her tears flow down soaking his suit. "I''ll have the maids prepare you dinner, M''lady." Stanley left, and now she was alone in the living room hall. Julliana''s eyes wandered around the place, feeling a bit happy she''s back where she really belong. Her sights landed on a large portrait, located at the middle of hall. It was 7 years ago, when her mom, Mirabella was still alive. A family portrait of them 6, hanging neatly at the wall, along with the other achievements of the whole family. Her mom, Mirabella was no inferior to his husband Alessando Habsburg. Mirabella''s family, the Cambridge themselves, are a wealthy dynasty family that originated from Europe. Their family invented, and owned the first railroad business in England, and was now a top tier industrial company. Alessadnro''s family was no different for sure, the Habsburgs were also a dynasty family who too originated from the western continent, but was able to make a name for itself in America by owning the largest fortune, his grandfather''s oil company that helped built their family''s generational wealth. Every other family portrait there is from both parties, have been hung on the wall, generation by generation. Julliana can''t help but reminisce the times, where her mom was still with them alive, and kicking. A car was heard arriving past the gate entrances. As soon as Julliana was about to turn, a warm body was pressed against her slim, frail back. Familiar with the scent of Baccarat Rouge, she knew it was her eldest brother, Dominic. "You could''ve called me my darling!" "I was afraid you guys were still mad, and disappointed in me. Hence, didn''t bother sharing the news of my arrival." "How can we be upset with you? You''re our precious sister, a gem to this family. We''ll give you everything this world can offer." Julliana finally turned to face him, and hugged him really tightly. "That bastard finally decided to divorce you huh? I''ll let him feel my wrath." "Dom it''s fine. It was a mutual agreement, you don''t have to worry." "I don''t have to? He broke my little sister''s heart! I''ll broke every bone in his body if it meant avenging you." "Please Dominic, it''s fine. I wanted to ask if you can accompany to the municipal court? I''ll head on with divorce proceedings." Her brother can only look at her with disgust in his face. "You mean even in this matter, your scumbag husband won''t come with you? What the fuck Lia?!" Julliana tried calming him down, and coaxed him into accompanying her instead of being mad at someone who''s presence was not evident. ''This was not fun at all, I''m standing here alone with my brother as I do the finality of the divorce, because however my soon ex-husband is busy with work.'' She thought to herself, when her brother noticed this he can''t help but speak. "He can''t even spare you a bit time. What is he the president of the United States?" Dominic mockingly said. Julliana let out a chuckle, while pain was still lingering her heart. She would be lying if she didn''t hoped, he''d come by even for a brief period, even if it''s for this matter. For one last time, Julliana wanted to see him. "The divorce has been legalized Ms. Habsburg." A sharp pang pierced through her heart. Chapter II : Home As the siblings were headed home, Julliana can''t help but wonder if Jeffrey was finally happy he''d been granted his freedom from her. Afterall, he never liked the idea of being entangled in a marriage with someone else, it just so happen he really needed it to secure his position now. The younger rested her head on Dominic''s shoulder as she tried to compose herself. Suddenly his phone started to buzz. "Brat where are you?" Julliana can hear a dominant voice from the other end, it was no other than their father. "We''re headed home." Dominic simply replied. "Are you with Lia?" "Yes dad." "Then hurry home!" Alessandro excitedly ended the call. Dominic can''t help but laugh, "You do know we missed you so much right?" Pulling her in a hug. Julliana looked into his eyes, "And I missed you all as well." Although her marriage seemed to have ended in divorce, it does feel nice to actually come back to her family, where she is loved trully. As they reached home, the siblings could already see 2 tall silhouettes standing infront of porch. It was their father, and the second son, Gabriel. "Gab! Daddy!" Julliana shouted in happiness as she ran towards them open arms. Alessandro caught his daughter first embracing her tightly, then Gabriel and Dominic joined in the hug. Alessandro''s eyes were red, and she can hear Gabriel sniffing already. "You guys, I''m back home." She cooed. "You still left us, and chose to be with that scumbag." Alessandro pouted. "Dad it''s all in the past, your princess'' back now. Please don''t be upset anymore, I''m sorry." Julliana hugged him again. This time she was crying one more time. Julliana can''t help but be emotional, a lot has happened in just the span of a day. It was too much for her brain to handle, that she ended up breakingdown most of the time. Then she realized, someone was missing. "Is Francis still mad at me? Julliana asked sadly. Gabriel, and Dominic looked at each other. "Darling, she isn''t. He''s just busy in the military. I''m sure he''ll come by anytime soon." Gabriel reassured. Before leaving, Francis and Julliana got in a fight. It wasn''t anything like they used to argue about. The siblings both spoke negatively to each other, and never reconciled after, until this day. And surely he was even more upset now, that the news of his baby sister married, into a guy whom he hated the most. Francis, and Jeffrey used to serve in the same camp in the military back then, during training and other activities, the two men were inseparable. They could''ve been great friends if it weren''t for an incident that occurrd. Back then, Joan was a free spirited lady. She liked the attention that guys gave her, she considered it as her source of energy. Joan was a field nurse that day, when Francis got injured because of a trap mine that has set off, Joan was the nurse that tended his wounds. Francis was asleep for a week, and she didn''t leave his side, she frequently visited his bed to check on him. Once he woke up, he was greeted by a beauty, an angel he regarded that saved his life. Since then, he has liked Joan and admired her. Months passed, and they were starting to fall deeply for each other, Francis confessed to her before leaving for a mission, and she delightfully accepted him. However, when he got discharged he found out his ''friend'', and his lover were dating. Francis was so furious, he called Jeffrey, who has no clue over, and punched him instantly. Jeffrey kept denying that he didn''t know there was something between Francis, and Joan. Ofcourse, he didn''t believe Jeffrey, and they kept fighting. It was only then when Joan had heard the news, she immediately went to the place where the two were busy biting each other''s head off. "Stop it this instant!" Joan exclaimed, as she placed herself in the middle of the two. "Joan''s what the meaning of this?!" Francis angrily asked. "What do you mean Francis? There''s nothing going on between us!" Francis who was caught in a daze, felt like a ton of bricks fell on him. It didn''t sink through him instantly, but when he realized he felt betrayed. "What? Joan tell me you''re joking." "I am not one to kid around in this kind of matter, Francis." She sternly said. "We''ve been together for months Joan! I confessed to you, and told you that I love you!" "I only pitied you! I was sad to see you behaving the way you are, and thought I could help. It was your fault that you mistook my gestures, as an affection." Francis scoffed. "Help? What am I, a charity program? And now, it was ny problem?" He then turned to look at Jeffrey. "I don''t believe one bit that you didn''t know something''s going on between us." "I didn''t lie when I said I didn''t know, because there was nothing between you two in the first place. Joan said it so herself, I hope you didn''t have anybtrouble hearing." Jeffrey talked back, feigning ignorance. Francis''s blood boiled, but he knew it was pointless. He look at the two who was embracing each other one last time, before shooting them dagger like looks. With a heavy heart, he left and was never heard from ever again. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. It was at that day, he grew hatred towards the two. They betrayed him in the most heartbreaking way. That''s when the siblings fought, when he learned about Julliana, and Jeffrey''s unexpected engagement. Francis broke into a fit, he was cursing Jeffrey and his baby sister. That''s when it hit a nerve, the young lady deliberately cursed back at him saying hurtful words to get back at him, in the end it was the reason why there''s a hidden barrier between the two. Julliana does not wish to be in a bad relationship with her brother, infact she badly want to apologize for not thinking about his feelings, and how it may affect him. Warily, she reach out to my phone, and decided to contact her brother. When Julliana''s calls weren''t coming through, she felt a sense of panic as he might''ve blocked her number not wanting to be associated with her anymore. When Alessandro saw her daughter fidgeting her fingers anxiously, he pulled her in for a hug and patted her back softly. "He''s in a meeting, we talked a while ago. He might just have turned off his phone to avoid interruptions, that brat''s coming home don''t worry." Her father reassured. "I hope he can forgive me." The three smiled at lady before them. "Oh he will, he did nothing but called us every time he can to ask whether the jerkface brought you back home or not." Gabriel said cheekily. "Just like us, he wanted to skin that man alive." Dominic butted in. "Enough with this conversation involving an irrelevant being. Let''s let Lia rest in her room for now, I have to drop by the company in a while. You two better behave yourselves!" Alessandro exclaimed. Julliana chuckled at his words, and kissed his cheek. "Well then I shall proceed to my bedroom." Before Julliana can leave, her brothers held her wrist. "Why does dad only get to be kissed on the cheek?" The eldest son pouted, making the youngest laugh. "Yeah, that''s so unfair!" Gabriel chimed in. Julliana surrendered her hands in defeat, and left a kiss both on their cheeks. They all laughed at the scene before them. Julliana thought, ''it feels good to be home.'' "I''ll head to my room now, goodnight dad, goodnight brothers." With that, they left as Julliana went upstairs. She gripped the knob, gently twisting it. The clasp of the lock, unbuckling revealing her untouched room. ''It''s still how I left it.'' She went inside, and first notice the photographs on the desk. It was a photograph of her, and a few friends in college. On the left was Stephanie Young, in the middle was Julliana, and on the left was Xavier Warren. Stephanie Young, is the daughter of Wilson Young, the owner of the biggest law firm in New York, and Crystal Young, New York''s finest actress. Tiffany''s her childhood bestfriend, and her other half, they basically knew everything about each other. Xavier Warren, is the son of Robert Warren the founder of Warren Entertainment. Xavier was now the CEO, and handled things in the company smoothly. Julliana on the otherhand''s a doctor. However, she quitted due to her ex-husband''s request of staying at home. She was a renowned surgeon, who specialized in 3 fields, orthopedic, pediatric, and last general surgery. The three friends may have different professions, but they still share one braincell. Realizing she haven''t spoke to them too over the years, Julliana decided to give them both a call. Stephanie wasn''t able to answer. ''Maybe she was busy in court.'' She thought to herself, so she left her a message instead. On the other hand, Xavier quickly picked up the call. "Julia? Is that you?" He asked surprised. "Hi, how are you?" "God you have no idea how much we missed you!" "I''m sorry I just left like that. I thought I was pursuing what I though was, love. I was blinded, I believed I could change him, but his heart was cold as ice. I was nothing but a tool for him, once used I was no use for him." "You don''t have to apologize Julia, we were only worried about you. It''s only natural for us to care. And it wasn''t your fault, Jeffrey is an ignorant fool." He spoke with such calm, and soothing voice. Xavier''s tone of voice is a few octaves lower, and everytime he speaks it gives her a sense of security, and comfort. "Well I called to say I missed you, and Tiffany. Was hoping you''re free sometime tomorrow? It''s alright if you''re loaded, a different day will be fine, I just wanted to see you guys since I''ve return back home." "Ofcourse we''ll be coming. Tiffany has a trial scheduled tomorrow, though surely she''ll be done by 2. While I am free for the rest of the day, so you''re free to order me around." Julliana chuckled at his remark. "Then can you come pick me up by 12? Was figuring we could have lunch, then we''ll wait for Tiffany." "Sounds good, see you tomorrow!" As the call ended, Julliana rested on her bed and slowly drifted off to sleep. she needed this sleep, to forget the worries she''s being burdened by. Morning came, Julliana slowly rose up making her way to the bathroom. The water was the perfect temperature to bath with. After the shower, she walked over her wardrobe closet, as she opened it, Maribella''s gifted signature coutures were still there hanged nicely. Julliana rummage a bit more, and found a light blue sunday dress. Since the temperature was indeed hot, the dress would do justice. She them paired it up, with a white Jimmy Choo Elisa. She then lastly, took a glimpsed of herself in the mirror, feeling satisfied, Julliama went downstairs and waited for Xavier to arrive. The young lady of Habsburg sat outside the porch, letting the wind brush against her gentle white skin. The sun wasn''t violently shinning through, infact it lit the surroundings beautifully. In the corner of her eye, she noticed a handful of chrysanthemums growing in her mom''s well kept garden. ''My father must have frequented here seeing how the flowers were still alive.'' "M''lady, Sir Warren has arrived." "I see, thank you Stanley. I''ll be gone for the rest of the evening, please do tell my father, and brothers." She waved him goodbye, as she walked to Xaiver''s car. It was parked just outside the gate, his black 1990 Toyota Supra 2.0 GT TT was majestic. Julliana have a thing for cars, and her second brother Gabriel share the same interests with her. The three of them, Gabriel, Xavier, and Julliana, used to hangout in different drag races. Althoug Julliana''s a doctor, and was heavily busy with work, she still had to keep a fun lifestyle apart from the medicine field. "Raiju''s looking good." Julliana complimented his car. "Only the best for my sweet baby." He flirtatiously replied back. I rolled my eyes on him, as he stepped out and opened the door for me. "M''lady." He gestured for the lady to sit, as he bowed infront of her. Julliana hit him gently on his chest, causing him to chuckle. "So where to M''lady?" "I swear to God Xavier, stop calling me that." "Make me." He stuck a tounge out childishly. "This is why you''re still single." "Ehem. I chose to be single." Emphasizing on the word, chose. "I''ve been craving for sushi. It''s been a while, I think I forgot what they taste like." Julliana dramatically pondered. Xavier smiled, "I know just a place." Xavier drove them to a Japanese fancy restaurant, which she have never heard of before. "Is this place new?" She asked curiously, Xavier nodded with a smile as he escorted her inside. The interior was nice, and the entire ambience itself was welcoming. "Christopher owns this place." His name rang a bell, but Julliana wasn''t too sure where does she know this name from. "It''s Stephanie''s pretend-boyfriend back in college." Her eyes widened at the sudden revelation. "Shut up, no way?" She asked in awe. "Yep, they''re chill so she often ate here as well, so no worries. I texted her that we''ll be dining here, so we''ll just have to wait for her later." Xaiver spoke as he gestured a waiter to take their order.