Chapter 357 I Miss You So Much
She was all snuggled up in his arms when he popped the question about the ceremony again.
"Let's see! There's been a ton of announcements lately."
Andrew planted a kiss on the corner of her mouth. "Come on, Chloe, I've been waiting for this day forever."
But she still didn't give him a straight answer.
She wanted to hold off a bit longer; she didn't want to rush into anything.
Andrew didn't get mad. He kissed her again, and then, unable to hold back, he grabbed her hand to help him masturbate. She was both embarrassed and pissed. Gavin was right there!
But in the end, he got what he wanted.
She dozed off in his arms.
Early the next morning, Andrew took off early, but he whipped up some breakfast before he left.
Gavin was over the moon, munching on breakfast and sneaking glances at his mom. He thought she looked stunning today, her skin glowing, and she seemed so happy.
He thought, 'Mom must really like Dad.'
Chloe could feel Gavin's excitement.
Even though Andrew often came to Syeattel, the father and son rarely got to hang out. And when they did, it was usually so quick they didn't even have time to eat together.
She felt a pang of guilt and patted Gavin's head.
She softly said, "After New Year's, you're going to school!"
Gavin happily chugged an extra glass of milk.
He said in his sweet little voice, "I wanna go to school with Johnny and Lola."
Chloe just hummed in response.
Outside, the driver was waiting with the car.
He was Andrew's right-hand man, and he opened the car door for Chloe and Gavin. "Mr. Devereux took a private jet back to Copenhegan early this morning and told me to get you and Gavin home safe."
He went back to Copenhegan.
Chloe was a bit taken aback.
The driver added, "Mr. Devereux didn't have Syeattel on his itinerary; he flew over yesterday afternoon on a whim, and then rushed back after seeing you!"
Hearing this, no woman would be unmoved.
Especially since this man was someone she had loved for years, and he had set up a home here.
Chloe hugged Gavin without saying a word.
Gavin obediently stayed in his mom's arms.
Mom seemed really happy, but also looked like she was about to cry.
That night, Frederick brought the family back to the Hawkins Mansion for dinner.
As soon as the car stopped, Lola strutted ahead, saying, "Johnny, hurry up!"
Johnny's little face turned a bit red.
He looked at the little girl ahead, with her golden curls and pretty dress.
He had lost his mom at a young age.
Lola was his whole world.
Behind them, Frederick picked up Kingsley and walked in with Charlotte.
Patrick and Laura both adored Johnny and had set up a kids' room for him at the Hawkins Mansion, just like the other kids.
Dinner was a blast.
After dinner, Patrick called Frederick to the study to talk business.
Laura took the kids to bake cookies.
Charlotte, with nothing else to do, headed to Chloe's bedroom.
Chloe was sitting at the dressing table, staring blankly, lost in thought.
Charlotte walked over quietly and gently took from her hand what turned out to be a diamond ring.
Charlotte immediately knew it was from Andrew. She asked with a smile, "So, is it a done deal?"
Chloe shook her head, looking a bit confused.
She and Charlotte were tight, like, share-everything tight, so she spilled the beans about last night. Finally, she whispered, "Charlotte, I love him! But the pain from those years is real. Simply because he's successful now, doesn't mean he can have me and Gavin whenever he pleases!"
Charlotte put the ring back and gave Chloe a gentle hug, patting her shoulder. "Frederick and I just want you to be happy."
She figured Chloe already knew what she wanted.
Just then, Frederick wrapped up his business and came looking for Charlotte.
He saw Chloe with tears in her eyes.
He stood at the door, lit a cigarette, took a drag, and asked, "Heartbroken over Andrew again?"
"Frederick!" Charlotte bit her lip.
Frederick took the cigarette out, slowly exhaled the smoke, and smirked. "He chewed me out so many times; can't I give him a hard time?"
Charlotte went quiet.
Chloe, not wanting to mess up their vibe, quickly said she was fine.
Frederick gave her a long look, then hugged his wife and said gently, "Alright, time to head home. Those kids are going nuts! Chloe, you and Gavin stay here."
Chloe nodded, watching them leave. When the house got quiet, she sat down again, staring at the diamond ring.
Her phone rang.
In the still night, it was super noticeable. It was Andrew calling.
Chloe hesitated but picked up.
It was really quiet on the other end, and Andrew's voice was a bit raspy. He asked, "Have you made up your mind?"
"Are you asking about the ceremony or living together? Andrew, I haven't decided on either. Give me time."
Andrew chuckled softly, his voice even deeper. "You're sounding more grown-up! Chloe, I was too impatient. I wanted to tell you this news so badly! With Gavin around last night, it wasn't the right time. Let's find a time to talk properly, okay?"
"No!" she said, her voice a bit shaky.
Andrew knew her well and knew she was on the verge of tears.
He got it. A woman like her, with so much potential, being left in the lurch by him, waiting for years, would feel sad and have a tough time.
He didn't push her; instead, he switched topics.
Andrew's voice was relaxed. He told her softly, "Winter's here; the flowers at home have fallen, but they'll bloom again next year! Chloe, are you listening? Adeline's getting more bossy, not letting me eat much. She said if I don't look good, I won't attract girls! Adeline misses you and Gavin. She bought Gavin two pairs of shoes. I'll bring them next time."
Chloe sobbed softly.
A few years ago, the days in Copenhagen were their best times.
Even though they'd been through so much and she was scarred, it was still beautiful looking back.
Andrew heard her crying and gently comforted her, "Come over with Gavin. I'll take you both to eat all the good food in Copenhegan and go shopping."
Chloe cried even harder.
He always had a way of making her cry.
In the end, she didn't say goodbye and just hung up.
Andrew held his phone, feeling melancholy for a long time. These years were hurtful for Chloe, and for him, they were full of regret. When he found out she had a child alone, he was very sad.
If he didn't love her so much, he thought he would never have come back.
Andrew slowly put down his phone, stood by the window, and let the cold wind hit him.
He owed Chloe for a lifetime.
This feeling was unforgettable!