Chapter 396

Chapter 396

Although Brynn had grown up with traditional values about dating, marriage, and having kids, meeting Raymond had really shaken her beliefs.

She started thinking that true love was just about liking someone.

After all, you only live once. When you meet someone you like, you should go for it. Why be tied down by rules?

Do people really have to follow the rules their whole lives?

"But he's married. Isn't this wrong?" Brynn was still hesitant, even though deep down she really wanted to get closer to Raymond.

Her roommate said, "Brynn, you're too naive. It's the 21st century. So what if he's married? Does marriage guarantee true love? Honestly, these days, so many people cheat. Nine out of ten men cheat."

Another roommate chimed in, "It's not just men who cheat; plenty of women do too. True love exists, but it often gets overshadowed by novelty. Life is long. Do you really think people can stay with one person forever?"

Brynn's parents had passed away early, and she had lived with her grandparents before high school, so her beliefs were pretty rigid.

Her roommates' words made her feel uneasy and even a bit scared.

She swallowed hard and asked incredulously, "Do you really think that way? Isn't that just like being a bad person? Won't society condemn us?"

Her words elicited laughter in the dorm room. Everyone thought Brynn was adorably naive.

One roommate said, "Brynn, you're trapped by your own outdated beliefs. Love is simple: if two people like each other, they should be together. If not, they shouldn't. There aren't so many rules. As for married men, being the other woman isn't necessarily bad. Especially if it's Mr. Carter. If he likes you, you must be special. You'd gain wealth and status that others can only dream of. In this world, besides love, there's money. Do you still care about your so-called reputation?"

Brynn's expression showed surprise and confusion. She didn't know what to do.

"Someone like Mr. Carter, a successful man, is unlikely to be faithful. He has too many beautiful women around him. No man can resist temptation forever."

"And Brynn, you're very pretty. Your type is rare these days. It's understandable that Mr. Carter likes you."

"But think carefully. The world of desire is complex. It's easy to enter but hard to leave. Many women are ruined by it. But Brynn, the choice is yours. It's your life. If you can manage the risks, gaining something temporarily isn't bad."

Brynn snapped out of her thoughts and met Juan's gaze. "Mr. Stewart, there's something I've always wanted to ask."

"Go ahead," Juan replied calmly.

Taking a deep breath, Brynn asked, "There were so many excellent candidates at the interview. I was average, maybe even a joke. So why did Mr. Carter choose me?"

Juan was just as puzzled. Raymond's hiring decisions were his own and beyond Juan's control.

He replied, "I can't answer that. But if you keep this up, you'll lose your job. You're just an intern. Don't think you're special. If your colleagues start to resent you, imagine the consequences."

Juan's words were a sincere warning to Brynn. After speaking, he left without looking back.

Brynn stood there, feeling embarrassed and unsure, as if the air around her had frozen.

All morning, Raymond stayed home with Emily. They went to the hospital for a check-up, and everything was fine.

The gloom from the previous night had lifted by noon.

After lunch, Emily received a call from Stanley, asking her to come to the school. Stanley didn't specify the reason.

Emily didn't think much of it. She still had things at the school, and even though she had only worked there for half a month, she needed to complete some formalities.

Raymond also needed to go to the office, so he suggested they go together.

But Emily refused.

"I can go alone. The school and the office are in different directions. It's too much trouble."

Raymond chuckled, "It's my duty as your husband. It's not about trouble."

Emily laughed. Sometimes Raymond acted like a child, always emphasizing his role as her husband.

"Alright, husband. I need to handle some resignation paperwork. I signed a contract when I started. I know you're capable, but Stanley has been good to me. Let's not put too much pressure on her."

Raymond looked at her deeply, his lips curving into a smile. "You're stubborn and kind. Okay, we'll do it your way."

"Thanks, husband," Emily said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

She wanted to reassure him.

Warm sunlight filled the room, dust particles dancing in the light. The summer afternoon was peaceful and lovely.

The temperature was perfect.

Emily drove to the school. Teachers and students greeted her warmly, aware of the incident with Audrey the night before.

Emily knew their sudden kindness was because of Raymond.