The Exit You Approved의 모든 챕터: 챕터 1 - 챕터 10

Eight years ago, Aaron got into Harttwell University. He was a small-town guy from an average family. Dylan Weinstein came from money in Valdora City.On paper, they had nothing in common. In person, they just clicked. Classes, meals, basketball—they did it all together.Dylan brought Aaron into his circle and introduced him to his family. Somewhere along the way, Aaron fell for Dylan's older sister, Gracie Weinstein.He never told a soul.After graduation, Dylan went abroad to study.Aaron stayed in Valdora City and landed a job as Gracie's secretary. All so he could see her every day.Then one night, someone drugged her.He was about to call the hospital when she grabbed him and started kissing him, out of control.They spent the night together. When he woke, she was sitting by the window, her pretty face half in shadow. She looked quiet and lonely.She heard him stir and turned. "Do you have feelings for me?"Aaron almost denied it.But she kept going, her face calm. "You

As Gracie walked away, Aaron's tears finally fell.He forced himself up, grabbed a broom and mop, and cleaned through the pain.A few coworkers pitched in, their eyes full of pity."I heard him ask for iced, no sugar. Now he's blaming you? Aaron, did you piss him off?""Like he needs a reason. Everyone says he's a spoiled bully. Anything goes wrong, he takes it out on someone."Plenty of his friends can't stand him, but Ms. Weinstein lets him get away with everything.""I've never seen her care this much about anyone. Watch your back, Aaron. People like us can't take on a rich guy with her backing him."We just get stuck taking their crap."They meant well. Aaron knew that.But he was too choked up to answer.Once, a client had blamed him for a contract problem their own company had caused.Gracie had trusted him. Through every accusation, she'd had his back until she proved he'd done nothing wrong.Now Julian told one lie, and she blamed Aaron. No questions. No chance to e

Her words tore him apart.His head buzzed. His eyes went blank.By the time he realized what was happening, everyone was gone. Under the harsh lights, every mark on his body showed.He forced himself up, put on the jacket a kind server had left beside him, and stumbled out.Rain poured. He walked straight into it, barely aware of anything.Cold water ran down his face like tears.He had none left.Not knowing where to go, he wandered the streets.A car pulled up beside him. The window slid down.Gracie's face was beautiful and cold."Get in."Aaron kept trudging through the rain like he hadn't heard.Gracie frowned. "Get in."He stopped and turned his pale face toward her."Don't bother, Ms. Weinstein. I'm just a secretary."His cold tone jolted her.She got out into the rain and grabbed his hand."I handled tonight badly. But I lost Julian once. I can't lose him again. I'll make it up to you. Don't stay mad at me over this."This time, Aaron didn't give in.He yanke

"No! Julian goes first. Nothing can happen to him. His safety comes first!"Gracie's panicked shout was the last thing Aaron heard before he blacked out.Darkness swallowed him.It felt like one long nightmare.When he finally woke, Dylan sat beside him, his eyes bloodshot."I'd just gotten back when I heard about the crash. The doctor said you lost so much blood they almost couldn't save you. You scared the hell out of me!"Seeing Dylan brought everything Aaron had buried rushing back.His eyes stung."Don't worry. I'm okay..."They sat in silence for a long time. Then Dylan poured some water and helped him drink. Following the doctor's advice, he kept things light."So, how've you been? Gracie giving you a hard time? And what about that girlfriend? When do I meet her? If she's not treating you right, she's not getting my approval."Aaron stiffened."Ms. Weinstein keeps things professional. She hasn't given me trouble. My girlfriend, though... we broke up."Dylan hadn't s

Dylan's anger flared. He supported Aaron as he stormed into Gracie's office."Julian Vale, what the hell? Aaron did nothing to you! You left him out in the cold? He works for my sister, not you. Who do you think you are?"Gracie frowned at Aaron's condition. Before she could ask, Julian wrapped his arms around her waist."Gracie, I didn't do anything. Why would I punish Mr. Austine? I have nothing against him. I don't know why he's making up lies about me..."Dylan snapped. He lunged at Julian and punched him."Bullshit! Aaron doesn't lie!"No one had ever treated Julian like that. He burst into tears."Gracie, your secretary's lying about me, and your brother's backing him up. Fine. You're family. We're done."Gracie panicked. Then she stood, her face cold, and slapped Dylan."Enough! Grow up, Dylan. Julian's your future brother-in-law!"She turned on Aaron."Quit making things up about Julian. Do it again, and you're fired!"Dylan held his cheek and stared at her in shock