Chapter 14: Losing Control
It seemed clear now that Julian wouldn’t be able to see Chloe today. His patience had been completely. worn out, and without a word, he turned and left.
In his mind, Julian was certain that Chloe was staying at Mia’s apartment. He couldn’t see her now, but that didn’t matter. Eventually, they would meet again. And next time, he wouldn’t allow Chloe to stay connected to Mia any longer.
As Julian’s car pulled away, Mia was left fuming, stomping her feet and yelling at his retreating car.
“What a pathetic guy! If you’re so sick, go to a hospital Instead of coming! than dog poop on the street–disgusting!”
for attention! You’re worse
The young man beside Mia, sensing her anger, tried to calm her down. He didn’t want her temper directed at him.
“I’m telling you, Chloe won’t go back to him. When she says she’s done, she means it. Julian will be the one regretting everything in the end–not Chloe!” Mia’s tone was fierce, like she was ready for battle.
The young man, too scared to argue, nodded quickly in agreement. “You’re absolutely right! Julian will definitely regret it. He doesn’t appreciate what he had, and even if he realizes it later, it’ll be too late!”
Still, deep down, the young man wasn’t so sure. Seeing Julian’s confidence earlier, he wondered if perhaps Julian had a reason to feel so certain–maybe someone was giving him that confidence. But now wasn’t the time to voice such thoughts. His main focus was helping Mia cool down.
Finally, Mia’s temper seemed to ease a little, and she dragged the young man back inside.
Meanwhile, as Julian drove, his phone rang. For a brief moment, he felt a flicker of hope. But when he saw who was calling, his anticipation turned cold.
“Hey babe, are you busy tomorrow? If you’re free, how about we go on a date? I found this amazing restaurant and I really want to go with you,” said the voice on the other end–it was Layla.
Ever since Chloe had officially broken up with Julian, Layla had taken her place as his girlfriend. She cheerful, lively, and full of energy when she spoke to him.
e was
Julian had always had a taste for good food, often seeking out the best restaurants, whether they were high–end or more modest. Layla had gone to great lengths to find a restaurant she thought he would like, hoping it would bring them closer.
But Julian wasn’t interested. Even now, he made up an excuse about being busy with meetings, brushing her off.
Layla, sensing his indifference, wasn’t ready to give up. “Well, how about Sunday? You can’t work all the time–you need to relax too…”
“We’ll see,” Julian replied, not even bothering to put much effort into the excuse before hanging up.
Holding her phone, Layla felt a wave of panic rise in her chest. Her whole body trembled -she couldn’t afford to lose control over the situation any further.
After dinner, Chloe and Wyatt prepared to say their goodbyes to Professor Lauren. Since they were heighbors, it made sense for them to head home together.
“You’re in such a rush to leave. Here, take this bag with you–it’s yours. Consider it returned,” Professor Lauren said, pointing to a bag in her cupboard.
Chloe retrieved the bag and found inside a few books and a folder. As she flipped through the contents, she realized these were things she had left behind when she’d walked away from her academic life, Including an unfinished thesis.
Had she completed that thesis, she would have become Professor Lauren’s graduate student as planned But she had abandoned that opportunity
She hadn’t expected the professor to have kept her things for all these years, especially the unfinished thesis. Her hands trembled slightly as she held it.
“Now that you’ve got your things, go on home. And take the dishes you left at the hospital, too. I didn’t eat the food, but I washed the containers for you,” Professor Lauren added, reminding Chloe of the time she had fled from the hospital, leaving her meal behind.
Chloe smiled awkwardly. Tll be sure to cook for you more often.
“That would be nice. Now, off you go.”
On the way back, Chloe knew Wyatt had other things to attend to, so she suggested they part ways at the university gate.
Wyatt dropped her off and hurried off to the lab, while Chloe, feeling relaxed for the first time in days, decided to take a slow walk home.
When Julian pulled up to his villa, he saw a figure crouching by the flowerbed, dressed in a way that reminded him of Chloe. A smug smile spread across his face–so she had come back after all.
Feeling pleased with himself, Julian walked over, but when he got closer, he realized it wasn’t Chloe. It was Layla.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone flat..
“Babe, you’re finally home!” Layla exclaimed, jumping to her feet and rushing toward him.
“Why are you here?”
“1 came to wait for you! You said you were busy, so I thought I’d come check on you. I didn’t disturb your
work, did 1?”
Layla spoke cautiously, unsure of what Julian was thinking and wanting to tread carefully.
“No, I’m done with work for today,” Julian replied,
“That’s great! I’ve been waiting here for so long–I’m starving…” Layla said, rubbing her empty stomach. She had indeed waited outside for hours, missing dinner, and her hunger wasn’t an act.
Chap 15 The Devenportind Larstuder
Chapter 15: The Unexpected Encounter
