He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 290

Julian says nothing more.

Yardley stands frozen for a long moment before slumping back into his booth. He pours his third glass of whiskey. This time, he drinks it agonizingly slowly as a flood of distant memories of him and Scarlett rushes to the surface.

In the past, he was always so commanding and confident around her. Because he was older and a veteran of the corporate world, he felt he had to play the role of the strong protector, lecturing her on how the world worked and constantly teaching her lessons.

When they first got together, Scarlett was thin, had short hair, and seemed to him like an inexperienced kid. So, like a strict paternal figure, he would scold her and dictate her actions, only to turn around and shower her with gentle affection.

He loved patting her head. He loved pulling her into his arms to comfort her when her eyes grew red from his scolding. He loved the feeling of conquering her. He loved seeing the sheer adoration in her eyes as he shared his business victories, telling her she needed to learn from him.

Scarlett had once looked at him as her guiding light, her idol. But he had constantly, intentionally or not, crushed her self-esteem, slowly taming her into a docile, obedient little wife.

He watched her grow as a designer—from an assistant to an independent architect, to leading her own team. He knew she was talented, but subconsciously, he always believed her success was entirely because of his guidance. Without him, she would be nothing.

He vividly remembers the day her Zenith Tower designs were chosen and she won an award. He had hugged her, brimming with pride. "See? After five years of my coaching, you achieved this. Are you happy?"

That was the first time Scarlett had ever pushed back. "I achieved this because I worked incredibly hard. I know I have to reach for my dreams myself, not just rely on your 'coaching.' Actually, your coaching just gives me pressure and makes me feel lost. I don't think my life should be completely controlled by you, but..."

It was the first time she had ever tried to express her true feelings. He still remembers her flushed face and her bright, sparkling eyes.

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