Chapter 416 Calling Her Aunt Chloe
After politely declining the meeting invitation from Stellar Corp, Chloe immersed herself in writing papers, preparing lectures, and teaching her students. Life was busy but fulfilling. She was also gearing up to apply for a national research grant. With the successful completion of the project, a promotion to associate professor seemed imminent, and it would also boost the standing of her graduate students.
Yet, recently, as she browsed through Kenneth's old books, memories from the past resurfaced. She found herself missing him terribly.
After eating at Pearl Peak City University's cafeteria, she decided to walk to Kenneth's place to help with digestion. It wasn't far from the university.
She dressed casually in a long dress that highlighted her elegance. Her tall figure carried it well, and her thick hair was tied into a simple braid over her chest, giving her a sophisticated look.
As Chloe stood at Kenneth's doorstep, she reminisced about the first time she and Donovan came here years ago. They had prepared a pasta meal for Kenneth and engaged in deep academic discussions. The memory felt like a warm embrace, and she wondered what it would be like to revisit those moments.
She stood there for a long time, hoping someone inside would come out and say, "Chloe, why are you back?" But she knew that was wishful thinking.
Just as she was about to leave, the door opened. Chloe was surprised and then scared, thinking someone might have broken in. A well-dressed boy named Francis appeared, staring at her.
They were both stunned.
"Who are you looking for?" Francis asked.
"I..." Chloe thought, 'Has someone else moved in?'
"Francis, who are you talking to?" a familiar voice called out.
The door was ajar, fully open from the inside, allowing the breeze to gently stir Chloe's hair and the fabric of her dress. She squinted slightly against the sudden movement.
Both Donovan and Chloe saw each other.
She never expected to see Donovan like this. Her heart skipped a beat. Donovan stared at her with a complex expression. She remembered he had just said "Francis."
She thought, 'So, this is my son, Francis. He has grown so much and looksadorable.'
She squatted down, holding Francis' arms but didn't know what to say.
"Call her Aunt Chloe," Donovan said with a hint of sarcasm. That snapped Chloe back to reality. Her heart ached with guilt towards Francis and disappointment in Donovan.
In these past years, Chloe had missed out on Francis' growth. She hadn't been involved in his daily life or his diet; she didn't even know what he looked like. Her focus had been solely on her own development.
"Dad, she's so young. How can I call her Aunt?" Francis looked up at Donovan with wide eyes. Donovan's gaze was intense, almost devouring Chloe.
Whether called "Auntie" or "Sister," every word seemed to twist Chloe's heart with pain. She was his mother.
Chloe's hands rested on Francis' shoulders, but words failed her. She didn't want to cry in front of him; shedding tears would make the three years of separation feel even more like a failure.
"Aunt Chloe, Jeffery is taking us out to eat. We're leaving now. Are you here to see Dad?" Francis asked.
"Oh, no, I just came to the wrong door. Goodbye." With that, Chloe reluctantly turned and left.
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