Chapter 449 Have You Missed Me All These Years?
Andrew wanted to turn around, but Chloe wouldn't let him. She clung to him so tightly that her nails dug into his skin. Her whole body was shaking.
At that moment, Andrew felt like crying. He'd been through so much and had grown numb to most things, but seeing Chloe, the girl he cared about, crying so hard, it broke him.
"Chloe!" His voice wavered.
Chloe didn't respond. She pressed her face against his back. Andrew was thinner than before, but still better than when he was sick.
After a while, she whispered, "Does it still hurt?"
"It doesn't hurt anymore." Andrew finally turned around and saw Chloe's tear-streaked face. For the first time, he realized that making up didn't always mean happiness; it could also mean heartbreak.
Andrew gently touched her face, looking at her deeply. He hadn't looked at her like this in ages. Her warm skin was so close, within reach, and it was his.
"Andrew," Chloe called out, her voice trembling.
He couldn't resist; he lowered his head and kissed her. Their passion was intense, leaving them breathless and overwhelmed. They stumbled, leaning against the kitchen counter, sharing kiss after kiss. In the end, they didn't get it on. She leaned on his shoulder, silently crying, and Andrew stroked her long hair.
After a long time, he gently said, "You must be hungry. Let me finish cooking for you."
"Okay," she replied softly, her eyes red.
Andrew patted her shoulder lightly. "Go wash up in the bathroom. The food will be ready soon."
Chloe reluctantly left. She went to the master bedroom's bathroom, turned on the faucet, and splashed her face to calm down. Her eyes were slightly red, and her face was flushed.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw her reflection with reddened eyes and flushed cheeks.
Chloe was in a daze. She hadn't blushed in a long time, and only Andrew could make her feel this way. Over the years, they'd been through so much, and still, only he could truly stir her emotions.
She had tried to let him go, dated different people, and even thought about starting a new life. But what did it matter? Frederick said that because she liked him, she couldn't let go. Now that she was back with him, her whole heart seemed to come alive again.
"Dinner's ready, come eat!" Andrew's voice was gentle.
She responded. As she walked out, she found him standing at the bedroom door. She lowered her head, wanting to walk past him, but he stopped her.
He pinned her against the door, lowering his voice, "Your face is so red! It's beautiful!"
Chloe couldn't take it. She gently pushed him, "Don't sweet-talk me like that." With slightly red eyes, she added, "I don't want to rush things."
They were both adults and didn't need to spell it out. He knew she didn't want to rush into a physical relationship. Andrew had enough grace to respect that. He smiled and ruffled her hair.
Andrew's cooking was good, and he had made her favorite dishes. Chloe ate quite a lot. After she finished eating, she regretted it, touching her belly, "Gaining weight won't look good on camera!"
Andrew made her some fruit tea and brought it to her, "Just this once! I'll make you a salad in the morning!"
"You really know your stuff." Chloe sipped the fruit tea.
In a house with warm yellow lighting and exquisite decor, cooled by the air conditioning in the summer, and having enjoyed a delicious meal, Chloe's mood improved.
They both wanted to make up for lost time.
But they hadn't really talked much in the past couple of years. With their age difference and different social circles, they didn't have much in common anymore.
After a few awkward words, Chloe smiled and said softly, "Next time you see Grace, apologize for me. I was a bit out of line."
Andrew pinched her cheek, "It was my fault. I'll apologize to her."
Then, they just stared at each other, not knowing what to say next.
Back when their romance was hot and heavy, they couldn't wait to get intimate and didn't talk much. But now, things felt different, almost distant.
As the night went on, Andrew asked her to stay, "Sleep here. I want to talk to you."
Chloe didn't play coy. They'd been married before, and sharing a bed to talk wasn't a big deal.
While Andrew cleaned up, she took a shower. When he brought a bathrobe to the bathroom, she was leaning against the window, making a phone call. Laura answered.
Chloe's voice was soft. After a few words, she hung up and met Andrew's gaze.
She suddenly felt a bit uneasy, like it was her first time sleeping with a man. She awkwardly tugged at her crimson silk bathrobe.
Andrew's voice was gentle, "It looks really nice."
Chloe's face turned red.
He smiled and went into the bathroom, and soon the sound of running water filled the room.
Chloe thought about sitting on the sofa to wait but decided to sit on the bed instead. In the end, she felt she was being silly. After all, it was just sharing a bed.
In a fit of pique with herself, she lay down on the bed. She hugged a pillow, her face lightly rubbing against it, still feeling a bit shy.
Andrew, carrying the scent of water, got into bed, his body slightly cool. She shivered from the cold and fell into his arms, looking up to ask, "Did you take a cold shower?"
Andrew casually replied, "Yeah."
Chloe, worried about his health, wasn't too happy.
Andrew gently held her hand under the covers and pulled her close, whispering, "It's fine. As long as I watch my diet, there won't be any problems." If he wasn't confident about his condition, he wouldn't have come back.
Chloe didn't say anything.
After a long time, when he thought she didn't want to talk anymore, she reached out and turned off the light.
Then, she rested her face on his shoulder. Her voice was very soft and gentle, "Actually, if you want to, I won't refuse. Just don't take cold showers."
Andrew didn't respond. He gently stroked her waist. Slowly, his hand warmed up.
Both of them breathed lightly, afraid the other would notice their thoughts, but such things couldn't be controlled. Soon, their breathing became rapid. Finally, Andrew couldn't resist and cupped the back of her head. While kissing her, he started to untie her bathrobe with one hand.
"Andrew!" Chloe's voice was like a kitten's, as she looked up at him.
Andrew responded with a hum. He took a box from the bedside table, placed it aside, and eagerly kissed her again.
The moonlight was soft, casting shadows on the wall. Their bodies entwined, accompanied by the sounds of their passion. The night grew even more enticing.
Afterward, it was already three in the morning. She rested her head on his pale shoulder, her black hair spread across his body.
After intimacy, their relationship took a big step forward.
Chloe gently stroked his warm skin, her voice soft, "Did you miss me during those two years?"
"Of course I did! I missed you every day! I also missed Gavin and the baby you were carrying."
Andrew lowered his head, "Did you miss me?"
Chloe shifted her head, "I did! Sometimes I thought good things, sometimes bad, but I always thought about you."
Andrew kissed her on the forehead. "Do you have any plans tomorrow? If you're free, come with me to see Adeline. Later, I'll visit your parents at your place."
Chloe smiled softly. "Do you still dare to go?"
Andrew looked at her in the dark and said deliberately, "Why wouldn't I? Not only do I dare to go, but I also dare to sleep in the same bed with you and make you beg for mercy."
Chloe gave him a sidelong glance. After a while, she suddenly said, "Let's talk about it later."
Even though they were lying in the same bed, she didn't want to trouble her parents with such a big decision again.
Andrew didn't push her. He just said, "Go to sleep. If you don't, we'll go another round!"
Chloe thought he was shameless; no one acted like this.
Andrew pressed his high nose against hers and whispered, "I'm in great shape!"
"Shameless!"
The next day, Chloe had a busy schedule. She and Andrew agreed to visit Adeline over the weekend. Andrew drove her to the set, and as she got out of the car, he quietly watched her.
Chloe was annoyed. As she unbuckled her seatbelt, she said, "That's enough! I can't be with you all the time. Don't you have a company to run?"
Andrew held her hand and gently rubbed it.
This time, Chloe was different.
He smiled faintly, "I'll pick you up tonight?"
Chloe thought for a moment and said, "No need! I'll have the driver take me. My car is still at Frederick's place."
Andrew said, "I'll have someone bring your car to the set."
That arrangement was fine, so she didn't object.
Andrew wanted to spend more time with her, but Chloe didn't want that, so they agreed on the weekend. She got out of the car and left.
Andrew drove to the company. As soon as he walked in, Nathan was all smiles, cautiously asking, "Did you spend the night with Gregory and the others?"
He noticed that Andrew had changed his shirt.
Andrew took off his jacket, placed it on the sofa, and then sat down, leaning back. He looked up at Nathan and softly said, "I was with Chloe, staying at the house on Broadway."
Nathan was shocked. After a moment, he poured Andrew a drink, probing, "Then you must have had a rough night! Chloe can be quite heavy when she's drunk."
"Drunk? Not at all! We made up!"
Nathan's eyes widened. It took him a while to recover.
Andrew seemed a bit lost in thought. He said, "I can't let her be sad again this time."
He could feel that Chloe wasn't the same as before. Maybe it was the estrangement, or maybe she had matured. They weren't as close as they used to be.
Nathan stammered, "How did she suddenly change her mind?"
Andrew smiled, "It was probably Frederick who talked to her!" He asked Nathan, "Are there any projects that would allow us to provide Vertex Innovations Group with a better profit margin, which might also free up more time for Frederick to spend with Charlotte and the kids?"
Nathan laughed. "I'll find one right away. If I can't, I'll create one!"
Andrew felt completely relaxed. Just then, a call came in, inviting him to play golf. Normally, Andrew wouldn't necessarily go to such social events. But today, he was in a great mood and wanted to unwind, so he agreed immediately.
Seeing his expression, Nathan guessed that last night was extraordinary, so he joked, "You must be tired from last night. You should rest today."
"I'm not tired at all!"
Nathan was envious and jealous.
For the three days leading up to the weekend, Andrew didn't get to see Chloe. She had her career and no longer waited for him all day.
Andrew's company was also busy, so he couldn't be with her all the time. It wasn't until Friday that he had time to pick her and the kids up.
By the time he arrived at Hawkins Mansion, it was already seven in the evening. The sky was adorned with the last streaks of crimson clouds, creating a magnificent and beautiful scene.
Hawkins Mansion was lively, with the Hawkins siblings all at home, and several kids running around.
As soon as Andrew got out of the car, he smelled the aroma of food.
Lola hugged his leg, "Andrew!"
Andrew patted her little head and then picked her up. Lola knew how to seek attention.
Andrew indulged her now, so this was her time to bond with Andrew, and she didn't want to waste it!
Andrew didn't know what the little girl was thinking.
At the door, there was a small table and chairs set up, and Gavin was sitting there! Lola climbed down from Andrew's arms and said in a crisp voice, "Gavin, I brought Andrew back to you!"
Andrew couldn't help but laugh. Lola ran off. Gavin looked up at Andrew and called out softly. Andrew walked over, squatted beside him, and patted his head, "Silly boy, waiting for me here?"
Gavin was quite proud. He said awkwardly, "No, it's just that the light is better here."
Andrew didn't expose him. He checked his son's homework, and Gavin stared at him intently. After a while, he suddenly asked, "Did you and Mom make up?"
Andrew casually replied, "Yeah."
Then he asked Gavin, "Do you want to make up with me?"
Gavin's face turned red, and he didn't want to say anything.
Andrew didn't push him. He picked up both Gavin and the chair and carried them into the living room, saying, "Don't read there anymore. The lighting is poor, and it's hot."
Patrick was sitting and drinking water when he heard this. He chuckled, "Andrew, you really know how to care for kids!" He clicked his tongue, "Impressive! You used to work on rockets, and now you're so responsible for your family. It's really touching!"
Laura nudged her husband.
Andrew, ever the gentleman, handed over a gift and said humbly, "I've done many things poorly, and I will correct them one by one. I hope you can give me a chance."
Patrick wasn't unreasonable. Andrew just needed a little reminder. If he drove Andrew away, Chloe would cry again!
He invited Andrew to sit down and called to the maid, "Go upstairs and tell Frederick and the others to come down for dinner. It's really something; once they get together, they can't be separated!"
Laura chimed in, "Charlotte and Chloe went shopping and bought a lot of clothes and jewelry. They just want Frederick to take a look! Aren't you happy that the kids get along so well?"
Andrew felt a pang in his heart. Weren't they busy? Didn't they have no time to meet? He felt a bit jealous but didn't say anything! Just as he was thinking, they came down from upstairs.
Frederick was in the lead, with Charlotte and Chloe walking side by side. Chloe was clinging to Charlotte's arm.
Patrick said, "Andrew is here!"