Chapter 27 - Julian's Choice
The next crisis was personal.
Julian received an offer from another company.
Chief Executive Officer.
Higher salary.
More authority.
A company that wanted him badly.
He came home carrying the proposal.
I read it.
"This is a great offer."
He nodded.
"Yes."
"Do you want it?"
He looked at me.
"I don't know."
I closed the folder.
"Then don't decide based on me."
His eyebrows lifted.
"What?"
"You shouldn't stay because you're afraid I'll feel abandoned."
He sat down.
"I love our life."
"I know."
"But I'm also ambitious."
"Good."
He smiled.
"You really mean that."
"I spent twelve years married to a man who confused love with possession."
I reached across the table.
"I'm never going to do that to you."
He took my hand.
"Then what if I leave?"
"I'll miss you."
"And?"
"I'll still love you."
He looked down.
"That's terrifying."
"Why?"
"Because I can't use guilt to keep you."
I laughed.
"Exactly."
Three days later, Julian turned down the offer.
Not because I asked.
Because he realized he wasn't finished building Whitmore.
He wanted to stay.
May you like
But this time, staying was his choice.
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