Chapter 184 Consideration
Emma tried grabbing my hand again, tears streaming down her face. "I know you can't stand me. What happened last time was totally my bad. I was so freaked out about losing Daniel that I lost my mind. I'm not gonna apologize 'cause it won't change anything. Believe it or not, I never wanted you to make such a big sacrifice this time. You got into that car accident because of Brad. If anyone owes anything, it's Brad, not you.."
I got up, ready to bounce, but I still told her, "If Brad owes, then I owe. It's the same whether I pay it back or Brad does. I'm not as noble as you think. I'm not giving up my love and future happiness for Daniel. Everything I do is for Brad. I can't stand seeing him torn between me and Daniel, and I don't want him to regret it later. Being with Daniel now is just a temporary fix. We'll find a way to cure him. When that happens, I'll still be with Brad. Even if Daniel can't be cured, I won't marry him, but I'll take care of him for the rest of my life. That's my bottom line and the only thing I can do for Daniel."
As I pushed open the door, there was Brad, standing with the key in his hand, grinning at me.
He was eavesdropping again!
But when did he get there? How much did he hear?
It was super embarrassing to have my confession overheard. I pretended to be chill as I walked past him and jogged away.
"I'll walk you out," Brad said, closing the door and following me downstairs. "You were speaking so well just now, why are you embarrassed now? I wanted to hear you say it again. Why are you running away?"
He knew I was embarrassed and kept talking, showing no understanding at all.
My face was burning as I jogged ahead, with Brad trailing behind.
The apartment wasn't far from the school. Walking and driving took about the same time.
Knowing I was shy, Brad stopped teasing me and started talking about something I cared more about.
"I went to see Ronan and Helen."
"I know."
"Jane, it won't be long. Just wait for me."
"Okay."
He stopped the car and looked at me with some dissatisfaction. "It's rare that Daniel isn't following us. Can't you talk to me properly? You're the one who pushed me away and didn't trust me. Why does it seem like everything is my fault and you're the one who's wronged?"
I was wronged, really. If it weren't for Daniel's complicated thoughts, things wouldn't have come to this!
"You're always blaming me," I snapped. After being tormented by Daniel for days and now being blamed by him, I was really angry. "I didn't want you to be in a tough spot. If he really jumped, you'd blame yourself forever. I was being kind to you, but you don't appreciate it. I am so angry."
He unbuckled his seatbelt and hugged me. The familiar scent of pine surrounded me, and as I greedily breathed in his scent, my anger inexplicably melted away.
In just a few days, I had come to miss his embrace and his scent so much.
"Alright, don't be mad. I know you did it for me. I wasn't blaming you. It's just that being abandoned made me feel bad. You're so good, can't you understand my feelings?"
He made himself sound so pitiful. I never once thought of abandoning him.
I pushed him away and tried to act all high and mighty.
Brad just laughed, kinda annoyed, and then grabbed my chin, kissing me right on the lips.
That warm, soft kiss after days apart made me lose it.
"Did you miss me?"
Why even ask? Wasn't it obvious? Plus, my mouth was busy, how could I even answer?
Before getting out of the car, he reached out and messed up my hair, looking all smug.
I had no clue what he was so smug about. He hadn't even passed the probation period yet, acting all cocky.
After seeing off Ronan and Helen, I got to work on the mural. Only after seeing the plan did I realize that earning $4 million wasn't a walk in the park. The workload was massive, and the deadline was tight. To get it done on time, I'd have to pull some serious overtime.
But whatever, having something to do made time fly.
To save time, I went straight to the apartment to paint after classes each day.
Brad set up a little studio for me in the corner of the living room, complete with an easel, brushes, and watercolors. When I hit a snag, I could talk it out with him. Whenever Brad was free, he'd quietly sit by my side. When I got tired of painting, seeing him there and sharing a smile made all the fatigue disappear.
Even though Daniel often came to stir things up, I still felt pretty good.
After finishing the first draft, I took it to Larry. Instead of looking at the painting, Larry stared at my face for a long time. Just when I was starting to wonder if there was something on my face, he finally spoke, "Jane, I don't think any guy would like a skeleton."
I was fuming.
What was Larry talking about? If I was thin, just say it. Calling a girl a 'skeleton' was way out of line.
It was only then that I realized I had become so thin that I was just skin and bones.
Louis suddenly hit me up, saying that his classmate's uncle had come back from studying abroad and had dealt with cases like Daniel's. Coincidentally, he'd be coming to Regalia for an academic exchange in a week and Louis could introduce me to him.
Hearing this news, I was over the moon and ran to tell Brad.
Brad was so happy that he kissed me over and over, and then told me that he had also found a doctor who would be coming to Regalia soon.
That day, I went back to the apartment with Brad. Daniel was a bit salty about us coming home together but didn't say anything.
When we told him the good news, he was happy for a moment but mostly stayed quiet.
Brad went to the kitchen to cook, and I leaned over the table to do my work.
Daniel was now familiar with the layout of the house and easily came to my side, looking like he wanted to say something.
"Need something?" I asked him.
It took him a while to speak, "Jane, if I get better, will you stay by my side?"
I thought seriously and answered, "Daniel, would you want to stay with a woman who has someone else in her heart and will never love you?"
My words were harsh but true.
Daniel's face turned pale instantly.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brad looking at me with a gentle smile.
During dinner, it was rare that Daniel didn't demand this or that but quietly ate the food on his plate.
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