He Gave Me Brother’s Life To Her Dog Chapter 08
“What about the condo you lived in?”
“Maren’s.”
The car?”
“The company’s.”
“Those companies you invested in?”
“They’re Sterling projects. Not under my name.”
People streamed in and out of the animal hospital.
Lauren stood there without speaking for a long time. Derek
seemed stung by her stare. His voice dropped. “I’ll earn all of it eventually.”
I didn’t say you wouldn’t.” Lauren forced a smile.
But after that day, she visited the apartment less and less.
Two weeks later, Derek got a job offer.
The salary was a third of what he made at Sterling. The title was project director.
He didn’t take it.
He thought going from executive vice president to mid-level management would be humiliating.
But as the days passed, no better offer came.
That night, he went to see Lauren.
Lauren was packing. Luna lay by the door, watching her quietly.
Derek stood in the living room, his face dark.
“Where are you going?”
“I requested a transfer. I’m going to Atlanta next week.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I only decided a few days ago.
Lauren folded clothes into the suitcase without looking at him.
Atlanta’s medical resources are better for Luna’s recovery. I also want a fresh start.”
Derek slammed his hand down on the suitcase.
You said you’d start over with me.”
Lauren finally looked up.
*Derek, I’m grateful you brought Luna back.
“But gratitude isn’t love, and it isn’t a reason for me to spend my life with you.”
Derek’s face went pale. “That’s not what you used to say.”
“Because before, I thought you were the future heir of Sterling Holdings.”
Lauren was brutally honest. “I thought you used Maren’s
brother’s chance on Luna because you didn’t need the Sterlings anymore.”
I even thought it was your way of proving to me that you
didn’t need the Sterlings at all.”
She gave a small, bitter smile. “It turns out you have nothing.”
“You weren’t brave enough to choose me. You just assumed
Maren would never leave you.”
Derek grabbed her wrist. “So you were using me this whole time?”
Lauren frowned and struggled. “Let go.”
I lost everything for you!”
That was your choice!”
Luna stood up at the sound of the argument.
When Derek still wouldn’t let go, Luna lunged and bit his right hand.
Derek cried out and released Lauren.
Luna planted herself in front of Lauren, a low growl rumbling
in her throat. She didn’t lunge. She just bared her teeth, ears
flat, daring him to try again. Then her jaws snapped forward.
Derek looked down at his right hand. Blood was already dripping through his fingers.
The bite had landed on the same hand he’d used to confirm the resurrection target.
His eyes went hollow. “I’m the one who brought you back.”
Luna didn’t understand. She only stood more protectively in front of her owner.
Lauren clipped on the leash and pulled her suitcase toward the door.
As she passed him, she paused.
“What you spent wasn’t mine. So I won’t pay the price for you.”
And Luna won’t see you as her owner just because you saved her.”
“Derek, what you really wanted was never to save her.”
‘You just wanted to prove Maren loved you enough to
sacrifice her own brother for you.”
The door closed in his face.
Derek stood alone in the living room.
The dog he’d traded Grant’s life for left with another woman, Nothing stayed with him.