I Quit My Job Twenty-One Times And He Packed Her Shirt Chapter 07

I Quit My Job Twenty-One Times And He Packed Her Shirt Chapter 07

If this had happened in the past, I never would have given them a single opportunity to be alone together.

But over the years, Julian had broken my heart too many times.

He knew exactly how much his lack of boundaries with Chloe deeply disturbed me, yet he never bothered to

change.

I had spent four years following him through corporate relocations, enduring endless condescending smirks

and side–eyes from everyone around us. I was completely spent.

Since he loved that blur of attention so much, Chloe was more than welcome to have him.

The moment I hung up, the entire world fell wonderfully quiet again.

My assignment in Chicago was scheduled for three months–not too long, but long enough. During my free

time, I began exploring the city properly.

I treated myself to some famous local treats, diving into orders of fluffy powdered sugar beignets and sweet,

smoky barbecue ribs.

After a few days of indulging, a dull ache started throbbing in my teeth.

By the time I scheduled an appointment with a local dentist, I pushed open the clinic doors only to find Julian

standing right there in the waiting room.

He looked completely wrecked, dark, heavy circles bruising the skin under his eyes.

The moment his eyes landed on me, a rush of worry and heartache flooded his face. “Your wisdom teeth are

acting up again, aren’t they? Let me go in with you.”

I stepped back into the doorway, physically blocking him from getting any closer.

He retreated a step, looking deeply uncomfortable as he forced a fragile smile. “I still have your medical

portal linked to my account, so I saw the notification…”

“And what exactly do you think you’re going to accomplish by coming here?” I countered.

He froze, his voice incredibly hoarse.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Rachel. It took so long… I thought I’d lost you forever.”

I gave a dismissive shrug and looked down at my phone, scrolling through my screen.

Suddenly, his fingers clamped around my wrist, his words rushing out as he tried to explain how desperately

he had missed me.

“Rachel, I never realized how painful and helpless it feels to be left out of someone’s future plans.”

“I understand now. I’ll change, I swear. From now on, I’ll consult you on absolutely everything.”

“I’ll celebrate every single one of your birthdays. I won’t let any other girl get close to me ever again.”

Tears pooled in his eyes, his voice cracking with desperation.

His skin felt burning hot against mine, and the whites of his eyes were heavily bloodshot.

“You need a hospital,” I said flatly.

His face lit up with immediate hope. “Rachel, I knew you couldn’t just walk away from me. I promise I’m

going to make things right.”

I didn’t answer. I simply dragged him toward the elevator bank.

Once we hit the street, I hailed a cab and slipped into the back seat.

Julian’s face was flushed a deep crimson from the fever, his voice growing soft and vulnerable.

“Rachel, this is exactly how you used to look after me whenever I got sick.”

“I know I crossed the line this time. I know I screwed up.”

“But I’m fixing it, I swear. I completely blocked Chloe and deleted her number.”

“I even handed in my resignation. I’ll do anything you want, Rachel, as long as you come home with me.”

The air inside the cab felt heavy and suffocating. My hands tightened over my knees. I cut him off sharply.

“And what’s your point?”

“Julian, I know exactly who you are.”

“The second you sacrifice something for my sake, you’ll spend the rest of our lives making me pay for it a

thousand times over.”

“I refuse to be the villain in your story. I don’t want your sacrifices.”

“That’s not what love is supposed to look like. It shouldn’t be a transactional debt.”

Julian shifted forward, his expression intense with desperate sincerity. “But I want to!”

“Rachel, I am completely willing to sacrifice everything for you. You’re not a villain–you’re the only lighthouse

that can guide me back home.”

I turned my face toward the window, remaining entirely silent.

Deflated, Julian sank back into the leather seat, his legs shaking uncontrollably from the fever.

Only after a long, agonizing silence did I finally answer his plea, my voice quiet and steady.

“I’m done being your lighthouse, Julian.”

At the hospital, the IV fluids finally brought his fever down. Sitting beside his hospital bed, I spoke with a

coldness.

home once the doctor clears you. Figure out what you’re doing with your job on your own. Either

I am never going back with you.”