Rachel was clasping her hands together under the table. “I understand that I’m asking too much, but it will eventually be proven as a good decision for us. Besides, you don’t have to worry about Charlotte. I’ll be taking care of her. You can come back anytime to visit her, or I can bring her to you.”
“You thought I didn’t leave with Ginny because of Charlotte?” Justin’s scorching eyes burned into Rachel’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I can’t make a promise on that. Ginny and I canceled the engagement a long time ago.”
Justin was aware that he had failed Rachel, and nothing could ever compensate for her loss. He understood that she might not forgive him or could even seek revenge, and he would willingly accept it. But now, she was using something that never happened as an excuse to push him away. For that, he would not accept her decision. He continued, “However if my presence disturbs you, I can leave Riverdale for now.”
Rachel lifted her head and stared at Justin in shock. She was surprised to see him taking the initiative to leave Riverdale, so she could only try to make up to him. “No worries, Jess won’t stay long in Riverdale. You can come back anytime after she leaves. I-”
“You’ll never see me again if that’s what you’re asking for.” He spoke in an overly calm tone while his eyes betrayed no signs of emotion. “I’ve got work to do. Goodbye.”
At that, he left immediately without waiting for her reply. Sitting in the chair alone, Rachel could feel her heart sinking and her fists tightening at the feeling.
Jessica’s arrival in Riverdale was a mistake that both Rachel and Justin allowed to occur. Both of them were responsible for Hans’ death, so they needed to do everything to compensate for Jessica’s loss.
In Rachel’s opinion, compensation wasn’t necessary to meticulously look after Jessica with care because sometimes, providing her with some space would be more suitable.
“He is leaving for real?” Jolly asked in shock when Rachel told her the story in the office. “You only used a few words and managed to persuade him to leave Riverdale?”
Rachel corrected her, stating, “He’s only leaving. for a while.” “It’s still considered leaving. Now, I feel sorry for Justin. Look, he’ll do anything you ask, and now he is really leaving. What a pitiful man he is.”
Rachel’s mind was a mess, and Jolly’s words didn’t help her to feel better. Her irritation could be heard in the noises she made from flipping. through the contracts with force. Perceiving that Rachel was in a bad mood, Jolly cleared her throat. “Don’t mind my words. I’m just saying that you don’t need to do everything for Jessica. I kind of have an odd feeling about her.”
“What do you mean?” “I don’t know. It’s just my gut feeling.” “So, there’s nothing wrong about her after all. You’re only being judgemental.”
“Sure thing.” Jolly didn’t try to contradict Rachel’s words at all. “I don’t like the way she uses Hans’ death to take advantage of you. You! know what? I don’t even think you are the one to be blamed for Hans’ death. Even if you really need to take responsibility for Hans, you’re not obliged to look after her.”
In fact, Rachel had the freedom to look after Jessica for Hans’ sake, but she wasn’t obliged to take care of every aspect of Jessica’s well- being. Jolly could see that Jessica was being unreasonable. “Speaking of which, what time is Justin leaving? Where’s he going?”
“He’s leaving tomorrow, but he didn’t tell me his destination.” “All right. I’ll send him off tomorrow.” Bringing at pile of signed contracts with her, Jolly intentionally asked, “Are you coming with me?”
Rachel scowled at her suggestion. “Count me out. Julian’s coming back tomorrow. I’ll pick him up at the airport.” Julian’s finally coming back?” Hearing the news, Jolly felt her eyes shine with excitement.
“Let’s have a meal together.”
“Sure, I’ll ask him about his free time.” Their conversation ended as Jolly had nothing. to say to that. The next morning, Rachel woke up early to pick Julian up from the airport.
“You are heading out so early.” Coming out of the bathroom, Jolly was rubbing her eyes with a hint of drowsiness while looking at Rachel heading out after fully preparing for the trip.
“He should be landing at about 8.00AM. I’m almost late. You can have breakfast by yourself. I’m leaving.” “Don’t worry about it. I’m seeing Justin later. He probably won’t starve me, right?”
“Are you being serious?” Changing her shoes at the entrance, Rachel stopped at the mention of Justin’s name with surprise. She thought it was only a joke all the time.
Jolly feigned seriousness. I’m doing this for you since things are awkward between the two of you. So, I’ll do it. Besides, Leroy’s staying in the same hotel for his ad shoot.”
Grabbing the car keys, Rachel teased, “I can see who your main focus is.” Jolly wasn’t spared the time to respond as Rachel left promptly. Not wanting to cause any delay, she headed straight to the airport. While waiting for Julian’s arrival at the arrivals hall, Rachel passed her time as she exchanged messages with Jolly..
“Rae.” When she heard the familiar voice, she turned behind to greet the person. “You’re here, Julian.” Julian smiled at her gently. The cream-colored trench coat he was wearing reflected a soft aura from him. “Sorry to make you wait. I saw you standing here from a distance. Are you busy?”
“It’s not about work. I’m just chatting with Jolly.” Rachel returned the cell phone to her pocket. “Let’s go. My car’s outside.”
When Rachel was driving on the highway from the airport, the phone in her pocket vibrated continuously with multiple incoming messages, and it wasn’t giving her a break. Thinking that she had been chatting with Jolly not long ago, she didn’t bother to check them.
Jolly was making a big deal out of seeing Justin alone. It was too much for Rachel to handle. To distract herself, she asked, “Everything went well?”
“It went smoothly. However, it seems like you have lost weight since I last saw you. You’re probably worried about Jessica.” “I’m fine. Jess is going to be discharged soon, and I will send her home after that.”
The sound of the ringtone interrupted their conversation as the in-car display showed Jolly’s caller-ID. Rachel hesitated for a second before she received the call. “Hello?”
As soon as she was on the call, she heard Jolly’s hasty voice. ‘Chris! Where are you? Something bad happened!”
“What happened?” “Come to the hotel now. The police are already here.” “Police?” Rachel hit the brake hard and fast. The wheels screeched as the car skidded across the road and almost slammed into the highway guardrail.
When they managed to stop the car in the emergency lane, Julian turned on the hazard lights instantly to warn other drivers.
He suggested, “I’ll drive.”
Fear lingered within Rachel as she exchanged seats with Julian in silence. When they were back on the road, she disabled the speaker mode and placed the phone next to her as she rejoined the call. “Tell me what happened.”
On the other hand, Jolly incoherently explained, “J-Jessica went to the hotel, and then something happened. The police are now involved and have taken Justin with them. What am I supposed to do now?”
“What happened exactly? Why was Jess at the hotel?” “I just got here, so I don’t know much about it either. You have to be here as soon as possible. The police arrested Justin for committing sexual assault against a minor.”
“W-What?” The blood drained from Rachel’s face as she listened to Jolly.
