Chapter 435 Stockholm Syndrome
James noticed a rare flicker of self-doubt on Samuel's usually resolute face and quickly reassured him, "Boss, everyone in love gets possessive. It's normal. Don't beat yourself up."
"But I hurt her, and that's on me," Samuel frowned. Just thinking about her pale face in that hospital bed made his guilt worse.
"I thought I gave her enough freedom and changed a lot for her."
"You did change a lot for Miss Adkins," James said quickly.
If it weren't for deep love, the boss wouldn't have compromised so much.
In this, the boss wasn't wrong.
"But it's still not enough," Samuel shook his head. "My love ended up being a cage for her."
Samuel was willing to give Layla the world, even his life, but he just didn't know how to love her right.
"Boss, don't think like that. Miss Adkins will understand you did it out of love. She'll get it."
Samuel's mouth twisted into a bitter smile. No matter what, he wouldn't let go.
"What about Brian... how should we handle him?"
A cold glint flashed in Samuel's eyes. "Let him go."
As always, the boss compromised. James nodded. "Got it."
Another night passed.
Morning came, and sunlight fell on Layla's eyelids.
She seemed to have slept deeply, having had many dreams. When she woke up, she felt weak and foggy.
Her hand was gently held.
Layla turned her head to see Samuel asleep by her bedside.
When she went to sleep last night, Samuel wasn't there. He must have snuck in while she was asleep. In such cold weather, he had stood in the hallway all day, until past ten at night.
Thinking of this, Layla felt a pang of heartache.
She knew how much Samuel loved her, and her anger had slowly faded. But she was still scared. Scared that the same thing would happen again and again. She didn't know how many more times she could take it, and she was also afraid of hurting their relationship.
Possessiveness was a double-edged sword; it showed love but could also hurt and sadden.
But right now, Layla's heartache for Samuel was the strongest feeling.
Samuel would catch a cold like this.
"Samuel, Samuel?" Layla called softly.
Samuel woke up immediately, asking nervously, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Layla felt even worse. He was so worried about her.
"I'm fine. Go sleep on the couch."
"It's okay."
Noticing that Layla's expression had softened, Samuel felt much relieved. "Are you hungry? I'll go get breakfast."
"Okay. By the way, can I be discharged today?"
Samuel shook his head. "The doctor suggested observing for two more days, at least until tomorrow. I know you don't like hospitals, but your health is important. Please bear with it a little longer, okay?"
Layla said nothing.
"I'm sorry for putting you in the hospital. I can't justify hurting you in the name of love. I know I'm controlling and selfish, but I can't seem to change. Whenever I see another man near you, I lose control and become obsessive."
"Can we not talk about this now?" Layla interrupted Samuel's self-blame.
They both needed some time.
"Okay. You rest first, I'll be back soon."
Samuel walked out of the ward, looking back with every step.
Layla still felt tired and closed her eyes again.
"Feeling better?"
The sudden male voice startled her, and she opened her eyes.
Brian stood at the door with a bouquet of flowers, his face bruised, and leaning on a crutch.
"Are you okay?"
"What? Worried he killed me?" Brian smiled indifferently, walking towards her with the crutch.
He let Brian go.
Layla breathed a sigh of relief. Although she knew Samuel well enough to believe he wouldn't harm Brian after this incident, she didn't expect him to release him so quickly. Her heart softened.
"It's good that you're okay. You should leave now."
Layla wondered how Brian knew she was here. She was even more surprised that despite knowing Samuel's danger, he still came to "court death."
"I came specifically to see you, and you're kicking me out as soon as I arrive?"
"He'll be back soon," Layla reminded anxiously.
Brian didn't care, instead, he mocked, "Isn't he your boyfriend? Why do you treat him like a demon and fear him so much?"
Layla frowned. She didn't like Brian talking like that.
"Do you like the roses?"
"Take them away." Giving roses at this time was deliberately provoking Samuel; she suspected he was doing it on purpose.
"Why? Aren't they beautiful?"
"Brian," Layla gritted her teeth. "What are you doing?"
"I told you, you're sick, and I'm worried. I came to see you."
"I'm fine now."
"Your face looks haggard. How can you say you're fine? You've lost weight in just two days." Brian said, reaching out to touch her face, and Layla quickly avoided it.
The calmer Brian's demeanor, the more it scared her. Something felt very wrong.
"You should leave."
"You know he's violent, right?" Brian smiled. "You said he respects you and supports your dreams. But what I see is a tyrannical, ridiculous dictator. He can't even tolerate a man near you, so how can he allow you to work among a group of men?"
"That's because we were too close. Any man would be angry."
"But they wouldn't beat someone to death. You saw it that day; he wanted my life. I was locked up by him for two days. You know that's illegal." Brian sneered, "Who does he think he is? A crime boss? If he can do this to me today, he can use violence on you in the future."
"You don't understand him. You have no right to judge him." Layla still defended Samuel. She was very clear on this point.
"The one who doesn't understand him is you. You might think this is love now, but when the chain around your neck tightens, you'll realize this isn't love at all, but a perverse possessiveness." Brian spoke as if casting a spell, a spell that would inevitably come true.
"Loving someone inherently brings possessiveness, and he has already changed a lot for me. Conversely, I haven't stepped up enough."
"It's clearly him being unreasonable, yet you reflect on yourself." Brian laughed mockingly. "Have you been tamed into submission? Stockholm syndrome? Do you even enjoy being controlled by him? Willingly becoming his slave?"
"Watch your mouth."
"I'm just telling the truth. I'm trying to save you. I don't want to see a girl with aspirations and freedom become a demon's slave."
Now it was Layla's turn to sneer, "Who do you think you are? A savior? I don't need your rescue. I've already resigned. I don't want our relationship to upset my boyfriend, so you should leave."
"Are you in such a hurry to get rid of me because you're worried about me?" Brian's eyes showed a hint of ambiguity, even a trace of teasing.
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