Chapter 220: Decision
"Hold up, I wanna roll with you. She saved you, so she saved me too. I gotta thank her and help you look after her." I wriggled outta Brad's arms and dashed to the bathroom. "Brad, hang tight, I'll be quick."
Worried Brad might bail, I shoved him onto the bed and scrambled to grab some clothes while sprinting to the bathroom.
When I finished freshening up and changing, Brad had already tidied up the bed and was standing by the window, lost in thought with a cigarette between his fingers.
My mood took a nosedive. After all this, Brad seemed... different.
What was eating at him? That girl's injury?
"Brad, let's roll."
Brad turned, his worry melting into tenderness.
"Honestly, I can go solo. There's some cool spots in Silverbrook City. Since you're here, you could hang with Daniel and the crew."
I pouted, thinking, 'is he for real? Didn't he get the awkward vibes between Daniel and me? He just didn't want me tagging along to the hospital. Whatever, I'm going, no excuses.'
"You're the best view in my life; nothing else catches my eye." I exaggerated, just wanting him to take me along.
"Alright, let's go together then." Brad grabbed my hand, picked up my bag, and stuffed my phone in it, leading me out the door.
As soon as we stepped out, we saw three people standing there. Up front was Daniel, his hand mid-air, about to knock. He didn't expect the door to open. Seeing us together, his eyes darkened a bit.
"Brad, heading out early? You've been cooped up for two days, gotta take care of yourself and not leave any lasting issues." Hugh squeezed to the front. He wasn't shocked to see Brad coming outta my room; he was all about Brad's health.
"Dad, I'm fine."
"Fine? Your mom just called, said you should take care of yourself, maybe get a full check-up. Don't brush off your health just 'cause you're young; you'll regret it later."
"I know, Dad. I got it under control. I'm just hitting the hospital to see a friend, and I'll be back by the afternoon to rest."
"Who you going to see? That girl you were holding yesterday?" Daniel butted in, frowning, his face cold.
Brad shot him a glance, his tone icy. After that incident, their relationship had cooled big time. "What are you getting at?"
Daniel snorted and stepped aside. "Just reminding you to keep your promises. Don't let anyone down. Remember, I wasn't joking."
Promises? Letdowns? I had no clue what they were on about, but it seemed to involve me.
"Dad, we're outta here." Brad ignored Daniel, grabbed my hand, and walked past him.
Adam, who was at the back, stepped forward, looking like he had something to say.
"What's up?" I asked him.
Adam caught up to me and walked alongside. "Larry said there's a change in the project. It's urgent, and he booked a flight for this afternoon. He asked me to tell you."
"Larry didn't mention anything to me. Which project?"
"Larry said you know, something about a design issue. The person in charge wants to meet with you."
Weird that Larry didn't hit me up directly but went through Adam.
"Larry said he tried to contact you, but you didn't respond."
I checked my phone. Half an hour ago, Larry had sent me a super brief Facebook message: [Returning this afternoon.]
"What time's the flight?"
"Three in the afternoon."
I glanced at Brad, feeling totally swamped. Was it really that urgent?
Why did everything have to hit at once?
I stopped in my tracks, feeling torn.
Larry must be talking about that big project. Both of us had poured a ton of time and effort into it, and we had prepped like crazy. We’d already submitted over a dozen drafts, and the feedback was solid. Now, if there was a sudden change, all our plans might get trashed and we'd have to start over.
That would make the timeline super tight and the task way harder. Larry's request for me to come back ASAP meant he couldn't handle it solo and needed my help.
Plus, Larry had signed a formal contract with them. If the client suddenly changed their mind, that was a breach of contract. Why wasn't Larry holding them accountable and instead asking me to go back and deal with it? What was going on that I didn't know about?
Life wasn't just about love; career mattered too.
But I was really worried about Brad. He just went through a disaster, and both his body and mind were still on edge. He'd been holding on because he had stuff on his mind. I really wanted to stay by his side. As his girlfriend, I should take care of him for a few more days, right?
And I couldn't shake the image of him holding another girl. My heart told me Brad wouldn't betray me, but what girl wouldn't be jealous seeing her boyfriend holding someone else? I needed to know who that girl was, right?
But everything was happening at once, and Larry's notice was too sudden. His reason seemed flimsy to me, but I didn't dare to question it. What should I do?
I stopped, feeling overwhelmed.
"How about you go back with Larry first?" Brad bent down, trying to talk to me. "Things will be sorted here soon. My exchange period is almost over, and I'll be back in two weeks tops. I'll keep you updated on everything. Don't delay your important work, okay?"
I lowered my head, silent, almost putting "NO" on my face.
Brad sighed, his big hand rubbing my neck as he pulled me into his arms. "Listen, you've been working on that project for so long. You're not the type to give up halfway, right? And didn't you say you wanted to make a lot of money to support me? What, are you going back on your word?"
Saying this in front of so many people, he didn't feel embarrassed at all. Was being supported by a girl something to be proud of?
Even though I knew he was trying to coax me, he was actually helping me make a decision because he knew what was troubling me and my reluctance. So he decided for me.
I shook off his hand, turning around, and faced the wall, sulking, refusing to talk to him.
What the heck, he was so eager to send me away. I wanted to spend a few more days with him.
I had only been here for a day and a night, and I hadn't had a proper conversation with Brad. We hadn't seen each other for over a month, and I had so much to share with him. But fate wasn't giving me the chance. What was more frustrating was that the person I wanted to see wasn't keeping me here but was urging me to go back.
So annoying.
I heard footsteps behind me, and soon, it was just Brad and me in the hallway.
I admitted I was deliberately causing trouble because I was upset, and it was his fault. If I had known he would be like this, I wouldn't have come.
Brad knew me well and always knew how to make me feel better and happy again.
He didn't say much, just wrapped his arm around my shoulders and walked me towards the elevator. I angrily tried to break free from his arm, but he just held me tighter.
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