Chapter 428

Layla was stunned.

She never expected Brian to say something like this to her at this moment.

After a brief shock, she responded, "You're just feeling a bit resentful right now. A lot of people feel this way."

"I know my own feelings," Brian interrupted her firmly, "It's not resentment; it's deep affection for you."

Layla said, "Mr. Evans."

"I can tell the difference between resentment and genuine feelings. I don't need you to teach me that. Just answer my question!" Brian stared intently at Layla.

Faced with Brian's passionate confession, Layla sighed silently, feeling a heavy burden on her shoulders. The hardest thing to bear in this world was someone's feelings. She wouldn't feel flattered or self-important just because someone liked her; on the contrary, she would want to escape.

Layla thought for a moment and tried to refuse as gently as possible, "I appreciate your feelings, but it's impossible between us. My boyfriend and I have a great relationship."

"A man who forces you to give up your dreams; is he really right for you?" Brian pressed on. "Even if he isn't forcing you now, he can't fully support you. You'll regret it in the future."

"I'm unique. Design is not just your dream; it's mine too. I'll chase it forever, never asking you to abandon it. We connect spiritually and ideologically. We're a perfect fit," Brian insisted, reaching for Layla. "Layla, you're my soulmate, no doubt. Trust that. I can bring you more joy than he ever could."

Layla struggled. "Stop, Brian . I admit we have great chemistry in design, but that's one-sided and has nothing to do with feelings. I don't like you."

Brain was very emotional. "That's only because you met him before you met me. I don't know what he does, but I can tell he's not from your world. The distance between you two will only grow. You are not suitable for each other."

Brain added, "You'll find that only someone who understands you, who can unconditionally support you in your career, can sustain a long-term relationship. That person is me. You will never find a better match than me, just as I will never find a better match than you. Passion fades, but the resonance of souls never does. We are destined soulmates. We would be perfect together."

As Brian became more and more agitated, Layla felt even more pressured. "I can't be sure about what you're saying, but I already dislike your stubbornness. Just this alone makes us incompatible. You're the one forcing me." She finally managed to shake off his hand; but in the next second, Brian grabbed her arm again, and Layla couldn't break free.

Layla said, "Brian , let go... You're the one forcing me."

Brain uttered, "I just don't want you to choose the wrong person and miss out on the one who's truly right for you."

"You're being too subjective." Layla was almost out of breath from his pressure. "If we weren't suitable, I wouldn't be with him. That's my choice, and I won't regret it."

Brian said, "You might not regret it now, but you will in the future. I am the one who is truly right for you. Layla, give me a chance. Break up with him. At least try with me, and you'll see that I'm better for you."

"No, my boyfriend is the one who is truly right for me. You don't know him at all. You have no right to make random comments about our relationship. Brian Evans, I don't know where you get the courage to think you're better than my boyfriend. But I never compare him to anyone else; because he is the one and only in my heart," Layla said each word clearly and firmly, rejecting him decisively.

Layla added, "As for my feelings towards you, I'm sorry, but from the beginning until now, my fondness for you has been limited to work. Nothing more."

Layla finally managed to pull her arm free and sighed in relief. Brian, who used to be so rational and aloof, had suddenly become so stubborn, which scared her a bit.

She thought, 'It's not wise to stay with him any longer.'

Layla said, "Take care of your wound. I'm leaving."

She turned to go, but Brian grabbed her arm again. Layla immediately panicked. "Let go of me, I..."

"I'm sorry, I was too impulsive," In just a few seconds, Brian apologized, and his emotions suddenly calmed down.

Layla was slightly taken aback, surprised by Brian's change.

Brain explained, "I just wanted you to help me apply the medicine."

Layla refused, "You should do it yourself."

"Did I scare you just now? Are you afraid of me?" Brian's eyes were filled with regret.

Layla didn't respond. Indeed, she had been frightened and felt very troubled, even annoyed.

"I don't want you to fear me. I don't know what just happened; my emotions went haywire," Brian confessed, puzzled, rubbing his forehead. "It felt like I was possessed, my thoughts and words running amok. I'm truly sorry for startling you."

Layla remained silent.

"Please don't look at me with such guarded eyes. It makes me hate myself too," Brian pleaded, "Forget everything I said just now. I do like you, but since you've clearly rejected me, I won't continue to pester you. I just hope we can still be friends. After all, it's rare to find someone you have such great chemistry with."

Brian's tone was very low and gentle, and Layla's previously tense nerves began to calm down, making her less resistant.

Layla said, "I think we shouldn't be friends. I'm afraid you'll misunderstand again. We have different concepts of distance. I'm worried..."

Brian interrupted her, "No, since you've made it very clear, I understand completely. You have no feelings for me, and our connection is purely professional, right?"

Layla nodded. "That's right."

"You see, I understand perfectly now. I won't have any expectations. You don't need to resign. Professionally, I don't want to lose a valuable designer," Brian said sincerely.

Layla said, "But I've already submitted my resignation."

Brain uttered, "I haven't received your resignation letter."

Layla asserted, "I intended to resign in a month anyway. This is just a bit sooner. My decision stands."

Brain urged, "Take a few more days to consider. I don't want our emotions to drive us apart."

Layla sighed. "That would be for the best. If things get too awkward, I would regret it too." After all, they were in the same industry and would likely bound to run into each other again. It's not good to make a scene.

Brian nodded and smiled. "I'm glad we cleared things up. Now, can you help me apply the medicine?"