Chapter 19
Chapter 19
When Chloe woke the next morning, Ian was already gone.
She showered, dressed in a rush, and headed to Kingsford General Hospital.
Work and small talk with colleagues kept her mind busy enough that the ache in her chest dulled, at least for a while.
After her shift she ran into Eric, the senior fellow Dr. Murphy had introduced to her.
“Hello, Eric,” she greeted politely.
Eric nodded. He wore a smart–casual outfit and gold–rimmed frameless glasses that gave him a gentle, urbane air.
“I heard you live on Camellia Street,” he said with a warm smile. “I’m heading that way–need a lift p>
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Everyone in the hospital knew that Eric came from a dynasty of physicians, and he was already the youngest medical PhD in Avalonia.
Rumor had it the Jordan family’s private hospitals spanned the globe and their fortune ran into the billions.
“Thanks, but I drove today,” Chloe replied, shaking her head.
Stepping out of the outpatient building, Chloe unexpectedly spotted Ian.
The memory of his pained eyes the night before sent a dull throb through her heart. Of course he was here for Andrea. Chloe knew it. ·
She lifted her chin and walked past him, every step a show of composure.
The threats she’d hurled last night had been nothing but a burst of anger. No matter how hurt she felt, she had her parents and Carl to consider.
Ian knew exactly how to pin her where it hurt. All she could do was flare up when no one else was around.
Watching her pass without a word, Ian followed and caught her wrist.
“Chloe,” he said quietly, “a fight is just a fight. We’re still married p>
Chloe yanked free. “Your precious Andrea is waiting. Don’t keep her p>
Ian glanced back at the hospital entrance, then at Chloe. He kept hold of her hand and steered her toward the street. “I came to pick you up. Let’s visit your parents together p>
Chloe stopped short. She knew that was always Ian’s way of smoothing things over–show up at her family’s place with expensive gifts, or tag along for dinner like nothing was wrong.
There was never a real apology nor an explanation.
“Don’t bother,” she said flatly. “My parents don’t need the performance p>
Her words carried a spark of defiance, but Ian only tightened his grip.
“I already called Jill,” he said. “She’s making fish. I’ll share a drink with
Frank p>
Chloe bit back her irritation. If her parents were expecting them, she couldn’t refuse.
People on the sidewalk stole admiring glances at lan in his all–black suit, Impossibly polished, Ian was just the kind of man who drew eyes wherever he went.
Chloe had grown up with him, once proud of the attention he commanded. But now it only left her numb.
Later, they visited Jill and Frank together. Eyeing the luxury goods that filled half the living room, Jill was at a loss to know what to do. “lan, you don’t have to buy us anything,” she said.
After bringing in the last two crates of wine, lan finally spoke. “This place is too far out, and it’s hard for Chloe to visit after work. How
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Chapter 19
about moving back p>
“It’s fine,” Frank came out of the kitchen with the last dish and broke in. “Let’s eat first p>
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At the table, Chloe sensed Ian’s discomfort in the modest, aging apartment. She reached to take his plate. “Go handle your work if you need to. I can head back later p>
She didn’t spell it out, but Ian caught the meaning and let it slide. He picked up his fork and served her a piece of fish. “No rush. We’ll leave together p>
Across the table, Jill and Frank exchanged worried looks.
They knew exactly how much Chloe had loved Ian. She used to cling to him, pout if he didn’t pick her up after dinner.
But now she was poised, distant–so unlike the girl they remembered.
Noticing their expressions, Chloe quickly added food to Ian’s plate, trying to look cheerful.
Ian ate calmly, as if perfectly at ease.
He was used to a life of wealth and refinement, and this old neighborhood was worlds away from that. But his manners never slipped. Pouring Frank a drink, he said, “Frank, this one’s supposed to be smooth. Tell me if you like it, and I’ll bring more next time p>
Frank smiled, giving him the respect he was due. “You’re busy enough. Just eat while you’re here p>
Ian brought up the idea of them moving twice more over dinner, but for the first time, Jill and Frank didn’t agree.
Chloe knew they were uneasy. She’d told them Ian hadn’t cheated, that the rumors were a misunderstanding. But there’s no smoke without fire.
Ian, ever perceptive, let the matter drop after that. Later, as they left, he quietly slipped the bank card Chloe gave him earlier back onto the counter.
But it was found out by Jill. She secretly handed it to Chloe, letting her bring it back. On the drive home, sitting together in the backseat, Chloe pulled out the card and handed to Ian.
“They won’t take it,” she said. “Keep it yourself p>
Ian didn’t reply. He had drunk a little, and his gaze was hazy and soft.
He took her hand with his, eyes tracing every delicate line of her face, and pulled her closer.
Just then, his phone buzzed sharply in his pocket. They both froze.
Chloe snatched her hand back as Ian fished for the phone.
The call cut off before he could answer. A moment later, message alerts chimed one after another.
Chloe’s hands clenched at her sides, her pulse spiking.
It was a sickness she couldn’t shake. The second Ian’s phone rang–call or text–if he hesitated even a beat, her mind spun and the urge to explode was unbearable.
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