Chloe looked visibly anxious and irritable while she was at one of the bakeries she frequently visited. Together with her assistant, Samuel, she spent time discussing work-related matters as well as personal issues she had been experiencing lately.
This time, they were discussing the upcoming wedding, which would take place in two days. It was something that made Chloe feel frustrated and upset.
“Oh my God, Samuel, do I have to marry that man? Is there still a chance for me to back out?” she asked in frustration. She seemed like a person on the verge of losing her mind.
“Madam… calm down a bit. You will be fine. Remember your purpose for doing all of this.”
Chloe took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to release the frustration building up in her chest. She had to be patient, as Samuel suggested. How could her plan be realized if she gave up before anything even started?
“Edward even challenged me to fall in love within three months. That man is truly insane!” Chloe vented her frustration.
“And are you afraid?” Samuel immediately seized the opportunity to tease her, with a mocking tone in his words.
“What? Are you crazy? Why should I be afraid? There’s no way I could fall in love with that damn man! The man who clearly caused Nathalie to lose her life.”
Samuel shook his head rhythmically. It seemed that a great grudge still lingered in Chloe’s heart.
“But, Madam,” Samuel interjected, “I’m afraid that Mr. Edward might not be the one responsible for Nathalie’s death. I’m afraid that all this time-”
“I’m sure, Sam!” Chloe interrupted. “All the evidence points to those bastards! I’m absolutely certain that Edward had a relationship with Nathalie in the past. I even suspect that he’s the reason my sister left home and chose to live alone in an apartment.”
Samuel shook his head again. “Not until we find Nathalie’s diary. Somehow, I believe that we’ll find the answers we’re looking for there. I truly believe in this.”
Chloe sighed in frustration. She had asked Samuel to find her sister’s diary, but somehow, it was incredibly difficult to find. Until now, they lacked clues to get hold of that important book.
“But still, I’m sure that Edward is the mastermind behind all of this.”
“But, Madam…” Samuel spoke again. “If Mr. Edward had a previous relationship with Miss Nathalie, is there a possibility that he also knew you?”
Chloe shrugged dramatically. “I don’t know. You know how Nathalie was. She didn’t like to talk about her background or where she came from. My sister was strange, Sam. Besides, you saw it yourself, right? When we searched Nathalie’s apartment, she never displayed a single family photo. It was the same at home. Father even forbade the maids from displaying Nathalie’s photos after her death. Whenever mentioned, he always asked not to discuss anything related to Nathalie. People even forgot that Dylan Arley had another child besides me.”
Now, it was Samuel’s turn to sigh deeply. He admitted that Nathalie’s case was giving him a headache.
“For God’s sake, this case is truly complicated, Madam. I’m just afraid that we might have been chasing the wrong person all this time.”
Chloe took a sip of her green tea until it was finished. After a moment, she responded to Samuel’s words.
“No need to be afraid, Sam. I’m confident in what I’m doing.” She then got up, preparing to leave. “It’s time for me to go home. Father can look for me if I come home too late. We’ll continue this conversation tomorrow at the office.”
Samuel also got up from his seat. “I should accompany you, Madam.”
Chloe shook her head. “No need. I’ll drive myself. I’ll be fine, Sam.”
As she walked out and headed towards her car, Chloe accidentally bumped into a man. The man didn’t hesitate to approach and address her.
“You’re Chloe Hazel, right? Mr. Dylan’s daughter?”
Chloe nodded politely, offering a faint smile before responding. “Yes, that’s correct. I’m Chloe Hazel. But sorry, have we met before?”
The man shook his head. “It seems we haven’t. But I’ve seen your photos in the headline news,” he replied, extending his hand in greeting. “I’m Richard. Edward Martin’s friend and your future husband.”
Chloe nodded understandingly. So, the man in front of her was Edward’s friend.
“Oh, my goodness. I apologize for not knowing you well.”
“No worries,” Richard replied casually. “I understand since we haven’t met before. I was quite surprised when I heard that Edward suddenly decided to marry you. Just to be sure, your marriage isn’t for any ulterior motives, right?”
Chloe nearly raised both her eyebrows. She was certain that there was an underlying meaning in Richard’s words. That’s why she immediately responded.
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing,” Richard said, shaking his head. “Just consider me being very concerned about my friend. I hope you’re marrying Edward for the right reasons. Because, honestly, I won’t forgive anyone who dares to disturb my family or my friends.”
Richard smiled broadly and then excused himself, leaving Chloe slightly bewildered and surprised by his actions. She couldn’t help but wonder if Richard had a sixth sense, sensing that something was wrong with his friend. Or maybe, he had overheard what Chloe and Samuel were discussing earlier.