Chapter 42 Putting
Distance Between Them
Brian wasn’t going to accept that Rachel would stop loving him.
Rachel was his–always had been, always would be.
That night, he didn’t stop until she was utterly exhausted, every ounce of energy drained from her body.
By the time he finally let go, they were both covered in sweat.
Rachel was so spent that she slipped into a deep, unconscious sleep, completely unaware of anything that happened after–whether it was a shower or slipping into fresh pajamas. She slept soundly.
It was the harsh sunlight spilling through the window that finally stirred her from sleep.
As soon as she shifted slightly, an arm tightened around her waist.
That was when she realized–Brian was still in bed.
Even in deep sleep, his grip around her remained firm.
In that moment, memories from the night before rushed back to her.
She shut her eyes, willing herself to shove those memories aside.
As she got up, Brian casually asked her to help him choose his clothes.
Rachel nodded quietly and picked out a casual outfit.
“And grab a watch for me while you’re at it.”
“Sure.”
Her quiet obedience didn’t bring Brian the satisfaction he expected–it only left him oddly frustrated.
He cupped her chin, tilting her face up with just enough force. “Are you still upset about last night?”
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Chapter 42 Putting Distance Between Them
Rachel said nothing. She quietly fastened the watch around his wrist and smoothly changed the subject. “Anything else?”
Brian deliberately stretched out his foot, and she instantly got the message. Without a word, she grabbed a pair of sneakers for him.
“Dressing me for a workout? Are you implying that I should work out a lot to improve my stamina?”
In the past, whenever Brian threw in a teasing remark, Rachel would always turn red.
And for whatever reason, he always took pleasure in watching her get flustered.
But today, even though he intentionally provoked her, she didn’t react at all. She simply acted like she hadn’t heard a thing.
She continued helping him put on his shoes without so much as a pause.
Only after she was done fastening the laces did she speak, her voice calm. “If I’m not mistaken, you have a golf match today.”
The tension at breakfast was almost suffocating.
Brian nitpicked at everything, his irritation seeping into even the smallest details.
First, Brian grumbled that the milk wasn’t warm enough. Then, he claimed the food
wasn’t to his liking. After that, he complained it had
Simply put, nothing was good enough for him.
gone cold.
Normally, Rachel would have hurried to take care of it, even warming the milk to his preferred temperature without a single complaint.
But this time, she pretended not to hear him at all.
The only noise filling the dining room was the quiet clinking of utensils.
Rachel finished a few bites of her sandwich, took a sip of milk, and placed her glass lightly.
After a brief pause, she looked across the table at him. “There’s something I need to discuss with you.”
Brian’s spoon hovered mid–air, his hand stilling.
It looked like his petty behavior had finally gotten her attention.
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Chapter 42 Putting Distance Between Them
He met her gaze, his face turning serious. “Go on.”
He believed that as long as she forgave him, as long as she stopped being angry, they could return to how things used to be.
No matter what she asked for–a raise, a promotion, or any gift… he was willing to give it without a second thought.
But what he hadn’t anticipated was what she said next. “I want to go on a business trip. Please approve it.”
The silence in the dining room made her request even more pronounced, each word striking his ears with unmistakable clarity.
In that instant, she caught the flicker of anger in his eyes.
His grip on the glass tightened so much it looked like it might break.
His eyes locked onto hers with an icy glare. “Say that again.”
Rachel didn’t flinch. She met his gaze head–on, her expression calm and unwavering. “I’d like to go on a business trip. Please approve it.”
His glass shattered against the floor, sending shards flying.
Expecting his outburst, Rachel stayed composed.
When he didn’t say anything, she went on, her voice steady. “The company is doing well, and you have capable people managing everything, both at work and in your personal life.
There’s an important project in Amberfield, and as the head of the design department, I believe it’s my responsibility to oversee it.”
She chose her words carefully, making sure they carried weight.
She had braced herself for this confrontation, but one thing remained clear to her.
No matter how furious Brian became, no matter whether he approved of it or not, she was going on this trip.
Right now, putting distance between them was the best option.
“Fine!” Brian finally gave in, just as Rachel was beginning to lose hope.
But his gaze was sharp and icy, like a blade slicing through the air. “You want time?
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Chapter 42 Putting Distance Between Them
Space? To be away from me? Fine. I’ll give you that. But don’t forget–so long as I have a say, you’re still mine.”
Rachel had no intention of dragging this conversation out any longer.
Without another word, she headed upstairs to pack her suitcase.
She was halfway through when Brian suddenly showed up, leaning against the
doorframe.
He stood there, tall and composed, with a cigarette between his fingers. He took slow, deliberate drags, the smoke curling around him, making him seem even more distant.
There was something undeniably lonely about the way he was standing there, lost in thought, saying nothing–just watching her.
Within minutes, she had finished packing.
She zipped up the suitcase and dragged it toward the door.
Every movement was swift and precise, like she wasn’t hesitating, like she felt nothing
at all.
Just as she reached the doorway, Brian’s hand caught hers in a firm grip.
“You’re really leaving, aren’t you?”
His deep eyes locked onto hers, a raw sadness flickering within them.
The depth of his sorrow was too real to be an act.
In that moment, it felt as if he was looking at the most precious thing in his life- something he was about to lose.
For a fleeting second, Rachel felt herself hesitate.
But she quickly brushed the thought away. how could Brian be unwilling to part with
her?
“You already said yes,” she reminded him, keeping her eyes down.
She knew if she met his eyes, she might falter–might give in to the weight of his sorrow.
“How long will you be away?” he asked, his voice subdued.
“It’s a big project. Around a month,” she replied.
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Chapter 42 Putting Distance Between Them
“Alright,” Brian muttered, taking another long drag, letting the smoke swirl heavily
around them.
And just like that, he released her.
Rachel turned to leave, but before she could take a step, strong arms wrapped around. her from behind, locking her in place.
His body pressed against hers, the warmth of his embrace was almost overwhelming. Then, in a voice that sounded rough, almost broken, Brian spoke again. “Rachel, I was a jerk. What happened last night… I was wrong. I shouldn’t have done that to you.”
Rachel thought she had done a good job hiding her emotions, but the moment she heard his words, everything came crashing down. Tears streamed down her face, unstoppable, as if all the feelings she had been holding back finally burst free.
She spun around, unable to hold it in any longer, and shouted at him, “Yes, you’re a jerk! Just because I love you, does that give you the right to treat me like this?”
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