[109] b
“Mama and Papa, you must also take care of your health. Watch your diet, get enough sleep, and don’t overthink unimportant things. Besides, Mountain has been walking as it should, right?” Chloe joked, trying to lighten the mood. However, she admitted that sadness always enveloped her when she met Agatha.
“Chloe loves Mama and Papa too. Chloe loves you all; thank you for treating Chloe like your child.”
Tears finally welled up in Chloe’s eyes; she couldn’t hide how grateful she was for the fortune she had. Yes, the tears that came out were not a sign of sadness but overwhelming joy and happiness.
If it weren’t for Leonel, it wouldn’t matter to Chloe to meet Agatha and Robby as often as possible. “Take care on the road. Call Chloe when you arrive so that Chloe can be at ease,” Chloe said again.
Darren remained silent as Chloe hugged Agatha and spoke farewell words that instantly turned the atmosphere emotional. He didn’t feel the same; he didn’t feel what his girlfriend felt. However, on one side, Darren felt grateful for Agatha and Robby’s kindness. “That means all this time, while Chloe suffered a lot because of Leonel, there were parents who always cared for her and supported her. You’re fortunate, Chloe. It is what I often say because you’re good, good things will accompany you,” he thought.
In turn, Darren shook hands with Agatha and Robby and bid them a modest farewell. Chloe waved as the car carrying Agatha, and Robby left the hotel lobby.
Darren embraced his girlfriend affectionately. Chloe turned and looked up, gazing deeply into Darren’s face. He smiled, returning the smile with a sense of pride. Indeed, he felt lucky because Darren was patient in dealing with her.
“Thank you, Darren.”
Darren furrowed his brows upon hearing the unnecessary thank you. For him, what he did was natural for a partner to do.
“Why are you thanking me?”
“I know this must not be easy for you. You had to meet and even accompany me, even though the person I met was my ex-husband’s parents.”
Darren’s brows furrowed even more, but a few moments later, he nodded. “You’re right; this isn’t easy. But that doesn’t mean I can’t do it,” he said calmly.
“Honestly, I don’t like it when you have to meet them. I’m afraid they still expect you to reconcile with your ex-husband.”
Darren spoke again, causing Chloe, who initially felt happy and proud, to feel guilty.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
“But,” Darren spoke with a raised voice. “I’m also happy because they are kind to you. I’m glad because many people love and care for you.” Darren gently rubbed Chloe’s shoulder. “I remember when I took care of you before. They were concerned about you, Sa. Almost every day, they asked about your recovery progress. Not to mention Mr. Robby, who showed the same level of concern. I even thought you were the youngest child in the Grisham family.”
Chloe, who had tensed up, finally let out a soft laugh. “I’m sorry, Darren. You got trapped in a situation that made you uncomfortable.”
Darren shook his head. “Chloe, I’ve heard the term ‘there’s no such thing as ex-in-laws.’ Now I understand a girlfriend can break up, and marriage can end in divorce, but not parents. Even though they’re called in-laws, they are parents who will never be labeled exes. I’m proud of you because you don’t avoid them due to your feelings toward their child.”
Darren looked at Chloe with a touch of melancholy, appearing sad yet comforting. “Chloe, with this, I believe even more that I didn’t make a mistake choosing you.”
Chloe smiled widely, then hugged Darren without realizing they were in public. “Thank you, Darren. I don’t know what else to say to you.”
Given the pain she experienced because of Leonel and Josh’s past actions, it was difficult for Chloe to trust men again. However, because of Darren’s sincere and genuine efforts, she could now feel his sincerity.
A few moments later, when Chloe realized that they were in a public place, she quickly released her embrace. She even pushed Darren’s body, nearly causing him to fall. Fortunately, his hands could reach out and grab Darren’s hand, who reflexively tried to seek support.
They stared at each other in surprise, but they burst into laughter once they could stand upright.
After that, Darren and Chloe engaged in another long gaze. The sparks of romance were strongly felt, and they both smiled widely, their teeth almost visible in their entirety.
“Shall I take you to the cafe now?”
Since Chloe was picked up by Darren at the hotel earlier, he now wanted to accompany his girlfriend to the cafe.
Chloe shook her head, declining Darren’s kind intention. “I can take a taxi, and you must go to work too. I don’t want you to lose your job because of me, and I don’t want to have an unemployed boyfriend either.”
Darren chuckled at the reasons Chloe gave. “Taking you to the cafe won’t get me fired, Chloe.” He still wanted to spend more time with his beloved.
However, Chloe continued to refuse. She vigorously shook her head with a pout on her lips.
“I can take a taxi. Consider it as me giving some income to the taxi driver. Don’t keep debating with me; go. I’m hungry. I have yet to eat. If you keep talking, I’ll make you breakfast right now.”
Darren laughed again. “You’re something else. Alright, then I’ll go first.”
Chloe and Darren parted ways, heading to their respective workplaces. However, they had only recently started to feel the romance between them, while on the road, both of them were engulfed in worry.
Chloe worried Darren was pretending to be good before her only to protect her feelings. She would feel guilty if that were the case. However, she would be immensely grateful if everything Darren said was genuine.
Darren himself worried about having to go back to New York City. He continued trying to relocate his practice to Beverly Hills for a long time, not just temporarily. Darren wanted to be near Chloe all the time, as often as possible. If he had to return to New York City, he was afraid that another man would be trying to get close to Chloe.
“I will do anything to always be with you, Chloe. I’m willing to do it for you. I’ll prove that you didn’t make a mistake in choosing me.”