Chapter 18 Family Harmony Brings Prosperity
Chloe guessed that Donovan wanted to make sure Samuel wasn't alone in Pearl Peak City, which is why he was planning to have Samuel move in with them. If Samuel were to come, it would only make sense to have the wedding photo displayed in the home.
So, if Samuel was coming, did that mean: 'She'd also be moving into Donovan's place?'
On Saturday, going to the address Donovan had given her, Chloe arrived at a grand photography studio.
Donovan was already there.
Chloe slipped into a wedding gown that fit perfectly. She couldn't help but recall that single look he had given her. Just one glance, and he had her size etched in his mind, his judgment incredibly precise.
When Chloe emerged, Donovan's gaze seemingly brushed over her dismissively. Phrases like blossoming beauty, graceful figure, and lovely features would all suit Chloe perfectly. The pearl necklace draped over her collarbone, enhancing the youthful beauty of her springtime years.
Seeing Chloe in the white wedding gown, Donovan's mind was filled with the phrase: 'To hold your hand and grow old with you.'
But Donovan's attention didn't linger on Chloe for long. he turned to speak with the photographer. Whatever the photographer said seemed not to penetrate Donovan's thoughts.
Chloe caught sight of Donovan decked out in a sharp black suit, his handsome aura so intense it almost demanded one to look away.
Under normal circumstances, a full day would scarcely be enough to shoot a collection of wedding photos. However, they wrapped up everything within an hour.
After changing out of the wedding attire, Chloe, with a bag slung over her shoulder and in high spirits, approached Donovan. "Mr. Blake, once the wedding photos are ready, could you send me a picture?" she asked eagerly.
Donovan, in the midst of rolling up his sleeves and with an expressionless face, responded, "Are you looking forward to it?"
"Absolutely," Chloe's eyes sparkled.
"Don't worry, you'll see them one day. No need to go back to Samuel's today. You can make your own plans, and I'll let you know when to go," Donovan instructed, all business.
Chloe covered up her eagerness to see Donovan, smiling as she said, "That's perfect. I recently enrolled in a CPA prep course online—they've asked me to stop by to confirm my registration in person, so I'll take care of that."
Without a word, Donovan got into his car and drove away.
Chloe, feeling both embarrassed and disappointed, realized how her attempts to conceal her true feelings had only made them more pronounced. She rambled on, and he hadn't responded to a single word. The embarrassment lingered.
It looked like it would be some time before she saw him again.
That afternoon, Chloe headed to the "Fook Building" to sign up for the CPA prep course.
She had always been a strong student, having passed her first four exams through self-study. However, work had become demanding, so she decided to invest in a prep course she found online, especially since the instructors here were renowned accountants of their day.
The class started at three in the afternoon. A young, handsome man walked to the front of the class, prompting a chorus of impressed murmurs from the women, all struck by the teacher's good looks.
He wrote 'Brayden Perez' on the blackboard and said, "That's my name. You can call me Brayden. Let's begin our class."
Chloe frowned slightly. Brayden? Could this be a coincidence?
Brayden had passed all four sections of the CPA exam on his first try, becoming somewhat of a legend that year for his clear explanations and accurate predictions on test questions.
Chloe respected him as a teacher and believed even more in the serendipity of their meeting. It seemed too unlikely for him to be the same man who had added her on WhatsApp without knowing her beforehand.
After class, Chloe walked out of the "Fook Building" to find Jacob waiting for her in his car curbside.
"What are you doing here?" Chloe asked.
"My dear sister can afford to take courses now? Did you come for some money? And I've heard from the doctor that you're looking to hire a nurse for mom?" Jacob leaned out of the car, probing for answers.
On a previous visit to the hospital, Dr. Johnson happened to mention to Jacob about hiring a caregiver for their mother. Jacob had thought to himself, 'Where is Chloe getting the money?'
"I got a permanent position," Chloe tried to deflect.
"Hit the jackpot, did you? When are you taking me out for dinner?"
Chloe didn't want to talk with Jacob and was about to leave when she heard him switch his tone to a sycophantic "Mr. Perez, your car is ready."
Chloe turned around and saw Brayden.
"Chloe?" Brayden recognized her as they had just met in class.
"You know Chloe?" Jacob asked, eyes darting between the two.
"Nice to see you, Brayden." Chloe bowed respectfully to Brayden.
"Chloe, come with us," Brayden invited her into the car.
"Yeah, Mr. Perez invited you, so cut the air and hurry up," Jacob said before pushing Chloe into the vehicle.
Chloe and Brayden both settled into the back seat.
"Mr. Perez, have you added Chloe on WhatsApp?" Jacob bubbled with excitement from the driver's seat.
"I sent a request once, but Chloe did not accept. I thought she had the same name as someone else in class, but I didn't dare to assume. Should I add you now, Chloe?"
"Yes." Chloe took out her phone, and Brayden added her on WhatsApp.
His WhatsApp name was just his real name, so Chloe didn't feel the need to make any additional notes.
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