Julienne and Zhàng Xínyuè stood in the elegant dining room of my mansion, both clad in exquisite evening gowns. The tension in the air was palpable, a tangible presence between the two women who had both loved me. Julienne's fingers traced the edge of the table nervously, her blue eyes darting between Xínyuè's striking red gaze and the crystal goblets before us.

The scent of fresh flowers mingled with the faint aroma of Xínyuè's perfume - the same scent that had once filled my bedroom, now triggering a flood of memories I struggled to contain. The chandelier cast prisms of light across the polished table, illuminating the fine lines around Xínyuè's eyes that hadn't been there when we were together.

"Julienne, you look ravishing tonight," Xínyuè said, her voice smooth as silk despite the tension. She gestured to the spread before us with a graceful hand. "Please, join me in a glass of wine. It might help us both relax."

Julienne accepted the glass, her hand trembling slightly as their fingers brushed. I watched from the doorway, hidden in shadow, my heart pounding so loudly I feared they might hear it. The evening breeze carried the faint sound of traffic from below, contrasting sharply with the suffocating silence in the room.