Chapter 442 Are You Angry?
Andrew just stood there, watching her.
He looked all calm and collected, like some wise old dude, but they were married once and had two kids. Chloe couldn't keep it together like he could.
Maurice glanced at her, then at Andrew.
He gently grabbed Chloe's hand.
Chloe's palm twitched a bit. She still wasn't used to getting all touchy-feely with Maurice.
And Andrew was staring at their hands, watching someone else hold Chloe's soft palm.
His heart clenched a bit. But he had no right to butt in.
Andrew fiddled with his tie, loosening it up, finally feeling a bit more chill.
Maurice grinned, "Don't sweat it; I'll take good care of her."
Hearing that, Andrew almost lost it.
Chloe's eyes got a bit watery. She finally made an excuse and left with Maurice.
Andrew held a champagne glass, his gaze deep.
Charlotte and Grace walked over.
Grace, having watched the whole thing, couldn't help but tease, "I've never seen you so bummed out before!"
Andrew gave a faint smile.
Grace glanced over at Chloe. She added, "They really look good together, don't they?"
Andrew's eyes were deep.
Just then, a waiter passed by. He put his glass on the tray and adjusted his suit, "Long time no see; you don't talk as sweet as you used to."
Grace felt a bit awkward, smiling lightly.
She used to dream of being Andrew's wife, always trying to please him.
Now, he was all hung up on Chloe, and she was married. How could she be the same as before?
He whispered, "My bad."
Grace's eyes got a bit misty. She watched the two people dancing in the ballroom and said softly, "Andrew, if you don't win her back, you'll be failing her years of patience and the sacrifices you've made would be in vain!"
Andrew also lowered his voice, "Thanks."
Grace's eyes reddened a bit. She walked to the terrace to get some air.
Andrew was always the biggest part of her life. No matter how perfect her marriage was, it couldn't cover up the unfulfilled longing of the past.
Andrew didn't go to comfort her.
The more tangled it got, the deeper it cut. He knew this well.
He mingled with others, his gaze occasionally drifting to Chloe. She seemed surprised he showed up, always looking a bit reserved.
But her reserved manner was kinda cute.
Andrew didn't know how much longer he could handle the fact that she wasn't his.
He watched her in someone else's arms, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.
Unconsciously, he picked up a glass of red wine.
Charlotte came over, gently took the wine from his hand, and softly called his name.
Andrew snapped back to reality.
After a moment, he smiled bitterly, "I'm making a fool of myself."
Charlotte said softly, "You should take better care of yourself."
During those days in Vienner, it wasn't just Andrew's ordeal; it was a wound on the hearts of the entire Devereux Family. Adeline, despite her poor health, insisted on staying there for a while, and Charlotte was running back and forth.
Now things were finally better.
Charlotte knew best about Andrew and Chloe.
She gently took his arm and said softly, "Now, Gavin and Natalie need your company more, especially Gavin."
Andrew slightly came to his senses.
He gently ruffled Charlotte's blonde hair, a touch of affection in his gesture.
Chloe turned around and caught sight of this.
She saw Andrew looking at Charlotte with the same affection he once had for her.
She knew she shouldn't, but her heart felt a slight pang.
Charlotte, being super perceptive, noticed Chloe's subtle feelings. She smiled lightly and walked away, thinking, 'If there's love, they'll find their way back to each other.'
The premiere was about to kick off.
Charlotte took her seat, and after a bit, Grace came over and sat next to her.
Grace's eyes were a bit red.
In the dim light, she whispered, "Charlotte, even now, I can't believe I lost to Chloe. But seeing Andrew today, I finally get it; I can never compare to Chloe! I've never seen Andrew like this: setting aside his pride and dignity for a woman."
Charlotte gently patted her hand and said kindly, "You're doing great now."
Grace felt a bit better. Yeah, her little family was happy now.
Her husband, once a total playboy, was now super devoted and considerate, and their kid was lively and adorable.
What more could she ask for?
This film was a low-budget art flick, and Grace was the lead, so she was on stage a lot.
The host made a dumb remark, "Mr. Devereux is here to support your premiere. How do you feel about that?"
Grace, being a pro, took the mic and said with sparkling eyes, "If you ask like that, my husband will be upset! Besides, Mr. Devereux has someone he loves, and causing unnecessary misunderstandings wouldn't be good."
The host apologized over and over.
But Charlotte, sitting below, knew it was on purpose.
She knew this host.
He was a newbie in the hosting world, trying to make a name for himself; but he shouldn't mess with other's privacy.
Charlotte couldn't stand seeing Chloe sad or Grace embarrassed, so she sent a message on Facebook to Jenna.
Jenna got the hint right away. This host wouldn't be invited to any decent events anymore.
Charlotte handled it all smoothly.
But when she turned her head, she saw Chloe leaving with her phone. She thought Chloe was upset about what had just happened and didn't care, only glancing at Andrew.
After a bit, Andrew also went out.
In the long hotel corridor, Chloe was holding her dress, talking on the phone.
The call was from the Hawkins Mansion.
Natalie had a fever and was really uncomfortable, crying for her.
Chloe's voice was low, "I'll be back soon! Has the doctor seen her?"
The servant said the doctor had been there.
Chloe felt relieved and hung up the phone.
She was about to turn back and tell Maurice that Natalie was sick and she wasn't in the mood for fun, but as soon as she turned around, she saw Andrew standing behind her, not knowing how long he had been there.
"Is Natalie sick?" he asked softly.
Chloe nodded.
Andrew looked at her and said softly, "I want to go see her. Is that okay?"
After all, she still had Maurice by her side.
If she wanted Maurice to take her back, the vibe would be too awkward and might make her uncomfortable.
Chloe hesitated a bit.
She said, "You drive then!"
Andrew's gaze deepened. If it weren't for Natalie's illness, his heart would have been stirred.
They went downstairs and hopped into the car.
Andrew fired up the engine, and Chloe made a call to Maurice, her tone super gentle, "Natalie's got a fever, I'm heading back! No need; he's coming too!"
Andrew was driving, ears perked up.
The "he" she mentioned was Andrew.
Perhaps because the Hughes Family were the hosts, or maybe Maurice felt the situation was too touchy, he chose not to join.
After Chloe hung up the phone, Andrew casually asked, "Will this cause you any trouble?"
Chloe sat beside him.
She was still in her evening gown, looking all beautiful and elegant, now turning her head to stare out the window.
She said softly, "If I said yes, would you stop showing up?"
Andrew's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. At the red light, he slowly stopped the car and turned to her.
Chloe, in a huff, avoided his gaze.
He couldn't help but speak gently, "Why are you mad at me again?"
Chloe fiddled with her nails, "Not really."
Andrew quietly gazed at her, his eyes filled with tenderness. After a long while, he said, "Is it because of Grace? If you're unhappy, I won't see her anymore! She's just an old friend, there's nothing between us anymore!"
Chloe's eyes reddened slightly. She suppressed her voice, "Andrew, stop saying these suggestive things! Grace and Celeste have nothing to do with me. Even if there's something to handle, it's your business! And I want to start over. How many times do I have to say it?"
"I know! I won't say it again." Andrew remained gentle.
Chloe felt very tired.
It shouldn't be like this, at least not between her and Andrew now.
She refused to speak further.
Andrew was still concerned about Natalie's illness, putting emotional matters aside for now.
They hurried to the Hawkins Mansion.
In the luxurious hall, Patrick, in his pajamas, was gently rocking his beloved granddaughter.
His face was full of concern.
Laura, holding a bottle, was also anxious.
Seeing Andrew and Chloe return, Patrick immediately handed Natalie to Andrew and scolded them, "You parents just enjoy yourselves. Even Gavin takes better care of her than you do!"
Andrew held the child in his arms.
He pressed his forehead against Natalie's, kissed her, and said nothing in return.
Patrick hugged Laura and went upstairs to sleep.
Andrew gently soothed Natalie, who was still feverish and uncomfortable, snuggling in Andrew's arms and humming in her sweet childlike voice.
Gavin hovered nearby, anxiously pacing.
Andrew gently comforted Natalie.
He looked up at Chloe and said softly, "You should go change out of your gown. You can soothe her to sleep later."
Chloe gently checked on Natalie.
Fortunately, it wasn't too serious.
She went upstairs to change, while Andrew held Natalie.
Natalie woke up a bit.
Recognizing her father, she looked at him with big eyes.
Andrew couldn't help but kiss her.
Gavin pouted.
Andrew sat on the sofa, letting Gavin sit beside him. Reluctantly, Gavin sat down. Andrew asked softly, "You have school tomorrow; why aren't you asleep?"
Gavin propped his chin, "Tomorrow's Sunday."
Andrew wanted to say that even on Sundays, he should go to bed early, but he hadn't seen Gavin for two days, so he didn't insist. He handed the bottle to him, "Make some milk for Natalie: two scoops of formula and 60 milliliters of water."
Gavin took the bottle and dashed off.
He suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at Andrew.
In the bright light of the crystal chandelier, the man in a black and white suit looked as handsome as ever, sitting at home soothing Natalie. Was he not going to leave?
Gavin frowned slightly.
After a long while, he asked in a small voice, "You're not leaving, right?"
Andrew looked up sharply.
He gazed at Gavin with a complex expression. Gavin's voice was even softer, "If you don't leave, I'll call you dad."
Andrew spoke softly, "Gavin, I'm not leaving!"
Gavin sniffed and went to make the formula.
When he returned, his eyes and nose were red. Andrew felt very sorry for him.
While feeding Natalie, Gavin stayed close to him.
At this moment, Chloe came downstairs and saw this scene. She watched quietly for a couple of seconds.
Natalie, in Andrew's arms, was holding the small bottle, slowly drinking.
She looked like she was about to fall asleep.
Chloe walked over and said softly, "She really likes you."
Andrew smiled faintly.
He reached out and touched Gavin's head, suddenly making a request, "Can I sleep with Gavin tonight?"
Chloe hesitated.
Technically, Andrew staying here was not unusual, but she had someone else now!
Gavin's eyes dimmed, and he slowly got up.
"I'm going to bed!" he said, then patted Natalie. He left, looking dejected.
Andrew couldn't bear it and was about to speak when Chloe said, "You can stay with him."
Late at night, Chloe suppressed her emotions, "Andrew, whose fault is this?"
"Mine!" Andrew choked slightly.
He had missed almost every stage of Gavin's growth. The only warmth he had given him was their monthly meetings back then.
Andrew patted Natalie's hair, staying until the little one fell asleep.
He couldn't enter Chloe's bedroom.
After Natalie's fever subsided a bit, he went to Gavin's room.
The boy was stubborn. Andrew lay beside him, fully clothed, gently stroking his head, and said softly, "I won't leave anymore!"
Gavin turned over and rested his little head on Andrew's chest.
"I don't want to call anyone else dad." Even if Maurice was considerate to mom and good to him and Natalie, he could see that mom wasn't happy; sometimes she even crying at night.
The wedding drama at the Devereux Mansion in Copenhegan was indelible in Gavin's mind.
He hated himself for being too young, unable to do anything!
Andrew held Gavin, feeling extremely sad, gently patting his back.
He said softly, "I'll come to see you and Natalie often from now on."
Gavin didn't respond.
He clung to Andrew like a little monkey. It had been too long since he had slept with this man.
Andrew's heart felt heavy.
He gently took off his jacket, unbuckled his belt, and placed Gavin on his abdomen.
Gavin complained, "You're so cold! I'm warmer than you!"
Andrew wanted to move away.
But Gavin clung to him, mumbling in his sleep, "I'll warm you up, then you'll be warm."
Andrew looked down.
His face pressed against his, and after a long time, he said softly, "Silly boy!"
Early in the morning, Andrew got up.
He kissed his son, dressed neatly, and knocked on Chloe's door.
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