He Treated Me as a Servant but Begged Me Not to Leave Chapter 08

He Treated Me as a Servant but Begged Me Not to Leave Chapter 08

The meeting wrapped up, and everything was settled.

I called Vivian.

She asked how things were between Landon and me.

After hearing my answer, she didn’t try to patch things up—she just apologized on Landon’s behalf.

I said, “Vivian, I’ve transferred all the money you’ve spent on me over the years back into your account.”

“I’m not cutting you off. I just want to repay you.”

“I might not be able to visit as often.”

Vivian asked what I meant.

I told her everything at once, “I’m getting an overseas assignment starting next month. My study abroad background makes me a good fit, and I’m grateful you got me into this company.”

Actually, I’d intended to stay abroad from the start.

But Landon had to come back to take over the family business, so I had to follow.

Once Chloe showed up, I finally had a reason to push for that transfer.

I’d already picked an apartment. Some important things had already been shipped overseas.

Like that painting from the living room.

Vivian said, “I’m proud of you.”

I smiled, genuinely.

Landon knew Chloe’s self-harm was just a stunt to play on his sympathy.

But Chloe was so fragile, so sweet and innocent—like a porcelain doll.

So Landon went anyway.

She was both the one that got away and his first love.

Before Chloe came along, the only girl whose name he remembered was Blair’s. Because Blair was always fawning over him with that eager smile. She did his homework. She covered for him every time he skipped class.

That was the only reason he’d bothered to remember her name.

But Chloe was different.

She came from the same poor background as Blair.

But Blair was like a wild weed—tough, unassuming. Chloe was like a flower, pure and beautiful.

It’s just that long distance was too hard.

Chloe deliberately went on blind dates with other guys to make him jealous.

And Landon, in a fit of anger, ended up with Blair.

They’d missed their chance at being together for good.

Being young and impulsive always costs you something.

When they met again, it made sense that feelings reignited.

Landon enjoyed every fresh spark of that old feeling.

He told himself Blair would forgive him.

After all, Blair had always loved him.

She’d followed him abroad back then and stayed by his side all those years.

She’d gotten what she wanted.

She’d stolen Chloe’s place. She owed Chloe, so she should look the other way.

Landon told himself that.

He carried Chloe to the hospital.

He stayed with her until evening.

He’d meant to go home, but Chloe grabbed his sleeve.

She cried, “Can we never go back?”

Landon couldn’t bear to let go of her hand.

He sent Blair a message: [Chloe is emotionally unstable. I’ll be back late.]

He’d said he’d return, but he broke his word.

He expected Blair to argue, and he’d show her Chloe’s medical records, get the nurse to vouch that nothing happened between them.

Blair would be in the wrong.

But Landon would forgive her.

That way they could move past all this and get back together.

That was how Landon had it all figured out in his head.

She was long gone.

Early the next morning, while Chloe was still asleep, Landon bought a bouquet and squeezed in a trip back home.