Chapter 25
There was a hint of surprise in Saoirse’s eyes. She didn’t think he would
twist her words like that.
“I was asking if you were trying to get yourself killed!”
Julian’s soft, unwaveringly tender gaze remained fixed on her. “If it’s for you, I’d be willing to give up my life.” His tone was firm and sincere.
Saoirse never expected to hear such sentimental words from Julian. A few months ago, she might have been deeply moved. But now, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.
Seeing a lack of response from her, Julian couldn’t help but speak again. They didn’t hurt you, did they? I’m sorry I was late. Were you scared…”
At his words, Saoirse recalled the lingering question she’d wrestled with before going to the police station. Her gaze toward him grew increasingly suspicious. “Why were you following me? You can’t tell me it’s a coincidence.”
Julian was caught off guard by the sudden question. Mind turning blank, he struggled to find a response.
The silence seemed to validate Saoirse’s suspicions, and her expression grew more serious.
Seeing her reaction, Julian was anxious that she might get upset with him again. He decided to tell the truth.
“I work at a company right across from your building. I followed you to see where you were going because I saw you take a different route after work today. I didn’t expect to find you being robbed. I was worried there might be important documents in your wallet, so I wanted to help you get them back. I didn’t realize the robbers had knives.”
As he spoke, he watched her expression. Noting her return to a blank face, he quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, Saoirse. I didn’t mean to stalk you. I just…
“Are you only following me today, or have you been following me all along?”
Facing her doubts, Julian hesitated for a moment. He tried to make a few
excuses.
“I… wasn’t exactly following you. It’s just that our work hours are the same, so I end up arriving home around the same time as you every day.”
That meant that he had been following her for two or three months…
No wonder she kept running into him–everything had been premeditated. Saoirse couldn’t help but feel frustrated with her oversight.
She glanced at the unsettled Julian and snapped, “I’ve made it clear before, haven’t I? No matter what you do, I’m not getting back together with you.”
The little bit of confidence Julian had managed to build up crumbled once more at those words. His eyes lost their light, and his voice turned very
somber.
“I know. I didn’t mean to force you to be with me. I just want to stay close to you. Can you not push me away?”
Listening to his tone filled with grievance, Saoirse didn’t know what to say. She lowered her head, reflecting on the past.
Julian had always been aloof and reserved. Why was it that his words now left her speechless?
Seeing him about to speak again made Saoirse shudder with discomfort. She quickly changed the subject. “You’re injured. You need to stay in the hospital. Aren’t you going to contact your family?”
Julian seemed to anticipate what she was going to say next and quickly tried to think on his feet. “My family is busy with work. They probably don’t
have time to come over and take care of me.
Saoirse looked confused upon hearing that.
Weren’t Julian’s parents going to come visit their son, who had been stabbed?
