My Boss's First Love Comes Back

“Stay right there!”

I yelled in surprise, coughing hard from the effort.

“Eliza, don’t talk – just drink some water,” Julian said, darting to the dining table to pour me a glass.

“Julian, I told you not to come near me! Can’t you understand simple words?” My cough only aggravated my sore throat, making my tone more irritable.

“You need to drink water right now. We can talk later.” He paused, tightening his grip on the glass, then stubbornly took a step closer.

Why couldn’t he just take a hint?

He had his dream girl already. Did he think I was a consolation prize because I hadn’t been bothering him lately?

What a jerk. Why come to me when he could be with her? Was it true that what you couldn’t have was always more desirable?

“I don’t want any! Get out! I don’t need your care! This is my home! Even if you’re my landlord and boss, you have no right to be here!”

I rasped out the words, feeling like my throat was about to give up on me.

“No right? Then who does? Your underclassman, Wyatt? Or your upperclassman, Evan?” Julian’s eyes were red with frustration, veins popping in his hands.

What did they have to do with anything? I was sick and just wanted to rest at home!

Seeing me with my hand over my mouth, pale and weak, he was furious. How could I say such hurtful things while looking so vulnerable? It made him want to shut me up.

And he did just that…

Julian took a big gulp of water and stepped right up to me. He pulled my hand away from my mouth, grasped my chin, and suddenly his handsome face loomed large in front of me.

I widened my eyes, noticing his long lashes quiver, and I could see my stunned face reflected in his pupils.

The soft sensation on my lips hit me with a shocking realization.

Julian… actually kissed me!

Before I could process what was happening and push him away, I felt his grip on my cheeks, and my mouth involuntarily opened. Something warm flowed into my mouth. He was sharing his water with me!

I stood there, frozen, my mind blank.

Julian chuckled softly, leaning in closer, his warm breath brushing against my ear.

I shivered, feeling my face flush, heat creeping to my ears. “Do you want to drink on your own, or do you want me to feed you?”

His words snapped me back to reality, and I instinctively swung my hand, the slap echoing sharply. Tears spilled down my cheeks.

“How dare you kiss me… Get out! Just get out…”

What kind of jerk was he, getting all cozy with his dream girl while trying to seduce me? No way!

I, Eliza Campbell, would never play the role of a mistress.

That was my first kiss! The more I thought about it, the sadder I felt, and the tears flowed uncontrollably.

Julian touched his cheek where I slapped him, but he just smiled. “One slap for one kiss – worth it! Want to try the other cheek?”

“Julian, you’re fucking insane!”

Crying made me feel worse all over. Ignoring him, I turned and went back to my room, slamming the door shut behind me.

I climbed into bed, wiped my tears, and lay down.

The medicine kicked in, and I felt so exhausted that I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

In a daze, I felt something cool pressed against my forehead, easing my restless mind. It was soothing and refreshing…