Chapter 54 Stay Away from Brayden
Chloe had been in the hospital for three days, and when Friday came, she was ready to be discharged. Donovan picked her up from the hospital, insisting she take the rest of the day off because a dress would be delivered soon. Fragrant Grass Styling had sent over an afternoon gown complete with accessories, pearl earrings, and a pearl hairpin to match.
After changing upstairs, Chloe emerged in a blush-colored cocktail dress that was simply cut but exquisitely made, perfectly complementing her fair skin and vibrant personality. "Do I look good?" she asked, standing at the top of the staircase, looking down at Donovan, who was seated on the living room couch.
Donovan looked up and saw Chloe, who resembled a radiant pearl shining under the soft sunlight, reminiscent of the dawn and morning skies. A surge of warmth shot through him, a feeling he remembered from six years ago when a girl had taken his hand. Yet, holding Paisley's hand had never ignited the same spark. He returned to his book and coolly replied, "You look beautiful."
Unfazed by her own beauty, Chloe was more at ease in sweatshirts and jeans, and the formality of the dress felt restrictive. She let out a sigh of impatience, perceiving Donovan's comment as half-hearted, but she figured it didn't matter - after all, they were merely married by agreement. his opinion on her beauty carried little weight. She even thought asking for his validation was unnecessary.
"The dress seems a bit loose," commented the tailor from Fragrant Grass Styling.
"Oh, I've been sick recently, must have lost some weight," Chloe responded.
"I thought as much. The size Mr. Blake provided couldn't be wrong. Let me take the dress in a bit for you. it'll be just a few stitches," said the tailor.
Chloe retreated to the bedroom, curious about who Donovan might be meeting, suspecting it was someone she didn't know. Because of this social engagement, she had rescheduled her visit to see her mother for Sunday.
On a Saturday evening at the Golden International Hotel, Chloe met with a man Donovan had arranged to see. The man, likely in his fifties, greeted Donovan with extreme humility. Almost bowing, he repeated, "Good evening, Mr. Blake. Good evening."
Donovan simply responded. He did not mention the guest's last name. Chloe did not recognize this man either.
"This is my wife, Chloe," Donovan introduced, and Chloe courteously nodded.
The man began praising Chloe's beauty and elegance as soon as they sat down. Then, the two men delved into business matters, leaving no room for Chloe to interject.
She quietly helped herself to the food on the table with her fork.
Donovan turned the conversation toward the man's son, "Why hasn't he arrived yet?"
"Oh, he said he's a bit tied up and will be coming later tonight."
"Caught up with a girlfriend?" Donovan joked.
"Oh no, not at all. He runs his own accounting firm, called Mid-South Accountants. Very busy man, no girlfriend yet. If you know of a suitable young lady, Mr. Blake, don't forget to introduce her to my son."
The man spoke to Donovan with a sweat on his brow, as though speaking with Donovan was a nerve-wracking ordeal.
"Of course," assured Donovan.
Chloe thought, 'Mid-South Accountants. That's the most renowned accounting firm in Maple Valley, and it's his son's?'
"My wife is also studying for her CPA," Donovan steered the conversation towards Chloe.
"Oh, is that so? A bright future ahead. How many exams have you passed?" Brayden's father inquired.
"Three," Donovan answered for Chloe.
"Very impressive," Mr. Perez complimented.
Mr. Perez's phone rang, and he answered, confirming a room number—it seemed his son was about to arrive.
"The young prince makes his entrance?" Donovan asked with a smile.
His lips curled slightly upward. An air of ease and composure, the mark of a distinguished man.
"Yes, he should be walking in any moment," Mr. Perez replied.
Shortly after, there was a knock on the door, and someone entered.
"Dad." the newcomer began, addressing the earlier guest.
Chloe, in the middle of her meal, suddenly froze with a fork in her hand, silent and still.
Brayden clearly noticed Chloe.
"Chloe?" he said, evidently surprised.
Their eyes locked.
"Brayden, do you know Mrs. Landry?" Brayden's father asked.
Seeing Donovan by Chloe's side, Brayden said, "Ah, Chloe... yes... she was a student of mine in a CPA prep course."
Brayden sat next to his father, looking extremely awkward.
Chloe's hand remained still, now trembling.
She suddenly realized why Donovan had brought her here - to embarrass both her and Brayden.
But why had Donovan chosen today of all days?
Chloe tried to eat, but her meal was tasteless.
There had been nothing between her and Brayden, but Donovan's actions had made it seem otherwise.
Donovan was using the dinner to warn Chloe to stay away from Brayden.
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