Chapter 4

“Ayden? Finally! I’ve been trying to reach you. Your assistant always says you’re busy.”

“Does he?" Ayden asked, looking at Jake, who wished the ground would open up and swallow him.

“Yes and I’ve been worried about you " Ayla said shyly.

“I’ll be at your parents’ house for dinner tonight. Consider it an apology for my assistant’s incompetence " he said coolly his voice devoid of warmth.

She paused, then let out a gasp. "Oh yes! Of course. Thank you! I mean, yes. I’ll tell them!”

“Alright I’m guessing you’re busy so I will make sure I prepare everything how you like it " she said excitedly.

Ayden ended the call without another word.

Jake felt like it was his day on earth. He turned to Ayden. "Sir I can explain.”

“You’re promoted to my assistant. Congratulations " Ayden said.

Julie’s eyes widened. "Thank you sir…”

Then Ayden turned his gaze back to Calvin, who hadn’t moved.

“What you’re doing is reckless " Calvin said. "You’re hurting people. Chloe is here to cause more pain. This isn’t like you, Ayden.”

“No, Calvin " Ayden said, brushing past him. "What’s not like me is trusting people.”

He paused at the door. "You’re being transferred to City N. Project Phoenix. You leave in the morning.”

Calvin stared at him in disbelief. "You’re sending me away?”

“I’m giving you space " Ayden said coldly "so you don’t forget your place.”

He walked out leaving Calvin standing there stunned and furious.

Afraid of what Chloe’s return meant for all of them he knew he needed to act fast.

*****************************************************

Chloe sat in the backseat of the cab her fingers fidgeting in her lap. Henry glanced at her from the rearview mirror.

“Still can’t believe it’s really you " he said, his eyes softening. "After all this time…”

“I didn’t want to come " Chloe said quietly. "But I had no choice.”

“Does he know?" Chloe asked.

She shook her head. "He knows I’m here.. Not why.”

Henry’s knuckles whitened on the wheel. "If he finds out…”

“He won’t " she said, cutting him off. "Not until it’s late.”

He sighed, turning down a side road. "We’re there. You’re sure the documents are still in the house?”

“They have to be. My mom hid them well " Chloe said.

Henry glanced back. "Chloe… they won’t welcome you back. Not after what Ayla did.”

“I know " she whispered, her eyes locked on the shadows ahead. ". I’m not here for them. I’m here for my son.”

*****************************************************

The yellow cab pulled to a stop in front of the worn-out yet quietly dignified building nestled on the corner of Coral Lane. The city hadn’t changed much still beating with life and movement. Chloe stepped out her eyes softening as she stared up at the apartment complex that once held her fragile hopes. A gust of wind played with the ends of her hair and for a moment it was like the past whispered through the breeze.

Henry stepped out. Walked around to hand her a small worn key.

“Still works!" he said, offering her a smile.

Chloe took it carefully her fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you Henry... For not giving up on me.”

He looked at her his eyes glassy. "You saved my wife when no one else would. You stood by me when I was at my lowest. You don’t owe me thanks, Chloe. I’m the one who’s indebted.”

She gave him a nod, her eyes lingering on his weathered face for a moment before turning to the building. She climbed the staircase slowly like each step was a memory.

The key slid into the lock smoothly. When the door creaked open her breath caught.

Spotless.

Everything was the same. Her small couch with the coffee smell the bookshelf still holding her collection of medical journals and fantasy novels the little blue vase by the window with fake tulips she’d once bought for herself.

She stepped inside her bare feet walking softly against the rug. "You really kept it alive for me Henry...." she whispered.

The air smelled of citrus and cedar cleaned weekly she could tell. The apartment hadn’t just been maintained; it had been protected with all the memories attached.

She walked into her bedroom. Her wardrobe stood tall. Curious she opened it. There they were. Her old clothes, neatly folded. She touched each and every one of them remembering the occasions and memories attached. Some would still fit some wouldn’t. She chuckled under her breath. "A pounds heavier. Great.”

She glanced at the mirror and removed her loose cardigan. "Time for a dress.”

*****************************************************

The boutique was high-end, elegant and in season. The kind of place she wouldn’t have entered years ago. Today she walked in like she belonged. She ran her fingers along the fabrics eyes scanning for something that would make her invisible yet powerful.

“Ummm Miss please this isn’t the beggars aisle " a staff member approached her saying sarcastically.

Chloe turned around. "Please I would like this packaged and ready to go.”

The sales girl laughed. "Didn’t you hear me?”

She snatched the gown from Chloe. "See you’ve gotten it all stained and foul-smelling.”

“So this is how your boutique treats your customers?" Chloe asked, trying to control her anger. "How much is the gown?”

“This gown costs nine million dollars " the sales girl said, smirking, knowing Chloe couldn’t afford it.

Chloe looked shocked at the gown; she hadn’t yet transferred money from her account outside and Ayden was watching her every move so she couldn’t be careless.

“Speechless right? That’s what I thought " the sales girl laughed at Chloe. "I advise you to leave before you embarrass yourself.”

“Ms. Chloe you forgot your black card in the car " said a man dressed formally in a driver’s outfit as he handed her the card and left.

Chloe looked at the camera in the store. She could see his eyes filled with pride but she knew better. She handed the card to the shocked girl. "I will take the dress to go.”

The shocked sales girl couldn’t utter a word; she gently swiped the card. Smiled. "Thank you for patronizing us. Please leave a five-star review. I’m really sorry, for the inconvenience.”

Chloe just walked out. Looked at the CCTV cameras in front. He would never change.

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