He Fell For Me on My Path to Revenge Chapter 2

I looked up and saw the impeccably handsome, distinguished face of my boss, Julian Thorne.

If Mark's rage and Brenda's fake concern made me want to laugh out loud, the uncharacteristic tenderness in Julian's eyes sent a chill down my spine.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Julian glanced at Mark and Brenda and asked, "And these two are?"

Julian was tall, impeccably dressed, with an undeniable air of authority. Everything about him screamed that he was not an ordinary person.

Brenda, ever the opportunist, tugged at Mark's sleeve and offered Julian a practiced smile. "We're Maya's parents. You must be... her boyfriend?"

Julian gave a slight nod and stepped forward, extending his hand to Mark. "Julian Thorne."

Mark Collins had carved out a decent niche for himself in the city's business circles. Hearing Julian Thorne's name, his cautious scrutiny instantly turned into delighted surprise. He eagerly shook Julian's hand. "The name certainly rings a bell! A pleasure, a real pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thorne! I'm Mark Collins, of Collins Industries."

Julian retracted his hand and asked with concern, "What were you saying to Maya just now?"

Mark chuckled awkwardly. "Just tough love, you know how it is with daughters. A misunderstanding. Heat of the moment!"

Julian nodded, then put an arm around my shoulders, preparing to lead me away. "We have some things to attend to. We'll see you around."

Mark hurried after us, his thick fingers gripping my wrist. His eyes practically overflowed with fatherly affection.

"Maya, don't be mad at Dad. No hard feelings between father and daughter, right?"

"Dad's birthday party is this weekend. Bring your boyfriend and come early, okay?"

Julian remained noncommittal, looking at me expectantly, as if waiting for my decision.

Although I had no idea what had gotten into the big boss today, my fear was mixed with a surge of confidence.

Clothes make the man, as they say.

And today, facing my deadbeat dad, I might as well lean on the imposing presence of Julian Thorne.

I pretended to consider it, then said hesitantly, "I'm not sure yet... depends on Julian's schedule."

Mark nodded understandingly, urging us gently, "Come if you can, come if you can."

The pressure on my wrist clearly signaled that I had to bring this important connection to the party.

I nodded, took Julian's arm, and turned to leave.

Once we reached the parking garage, Julian abruptly dropped my hand. "Ms. Stern, your family drama is quite something."

"Eh, it's nothing special. Thanks to Mr. Thorne for stepping in and playing the part!"

I bowed slightly, opened the car door for him like a chauffeur, then hurried around to the passenger seat.

Mike, the driver, handed me a bottle of water as he started the car. "Took you a while in there, Ms. Stern," he asked kindly. "Everything okay? You should take your medicine."

If he hadn't mentioned it, I'd almost forgotten why I was at the hospital in the first place.

The adrenaline rush from the confrontation had made the cramps that tormented me all afternoon vanish.

Now that he reminded me, sharp pain began radiating from my lower abdomen again.

I tipped my head back, swallowed the pills, and leaned back in the seat, trying the sleep-it-off method.

When the driver woke me, the car was parked outside my apartment building.

Streetlights were just beginning to glow outside. Dazed, I unbuckled my seatbelt and patted Mike's shoulder. "You're a good guy, Mike. Thanks for waiting. Must've been here a while."

Mike subtly gestured towards the back seat. Only then did I realize Julian was still in the car.

Julian was wearing wire-rimmed glasses, reading a document. As I looked back, he raised his head, meeting my gaze.

Elegance and refinement hit me all at once, seeming to heal the hurts I'd endured earlier.

For the first time, I felt that good looks weren't just appealing; they could actually ease pain.

It all felt too good to be true. I almost suspected my usually harsh boss, the one who frequently chewed me out, had been replaced by an imposter.

Thinking about all his kind gestures today, I felt genuinely grateful. "Mr. Thorne, thank you for today."

Julian casually looked away. "Don't mention it."

Then, in the same flat tone he used for reading reports, he recited: "Accidental pregnancy, termination, 'our Julian'."

Mike's eyes, fixed straight ahead, seemed to burn with the heat of someone eagerly listening to gossip.

I stammered, trying to explain, but a faint smile touched Julian's lips.

"Maya, the reputational damage you've caused will be deducted from this month's salary."

"Mike, let's go."

I stood there in the cold wind, watching the understated Rolls-Royce drive away from my modest neighborhood, crying invisible tears.

His kindness was all an act. Damn capitalists.