Chloe took a deep breath, trying to control the annoyance still lingering in her heart.
“Don’t waste time! Quickly take me to your parents’ house. And don’t keep talking along the way. I need to rest.”
Edward wanted to laugh, but because he was already threatened, he abandoned the idea and chose to drive his car immediately, taking his wife to her parents’ home.
Throughout the journey, Edward occasionally glanced at Chloe, noticing how she still looked sulky. She was probably very annoyed because her day off had been disrupted.
Trying to coax her, Edward stopped the car for a moment at a supermarket they passed. He got out and returned a few minutes later with a large bowl of ice cream, handing it to Chloe.
“For you,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t know your taste. But as far as I remember, everyone, whether male or female, young or old, likes ice cream. I hope, after eating it, you’ll feel much better.”
Chloe took the bowl of ice cream from Edward without saying a word in response. She simply started to enjoy it in silence.
Oh my.
Why was he so good at improving a woman’s mood?
Chloe continued to eat the ice cream in her hands while mumbling to herself.
“Be careful, Chloe. It’ll be doomsday if you end up falling in love with him.”
Driving for about 15 minutes, Edward and Chloe arrived at Alexander’s residence. Not only them, but Richard, Kenzi, and other friends also accompanied them. They were always invited to liven up such gatherings.
“Chloe…” Liliana welcomed her daughter-in-law joyfully. She hugged Chloe briefly and then led her straight to the back area of the house where she had prepared a seat. “You stay here. Let Edward and his friends handle the cooking.”
“Mom, I’m your child, not Chloe,” Edward protested when he was in the backyard. “Why do you treat her so specially?” He crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“Because Chloe is very special.” Alexander from inside the house chimed in. He approached and playfully punched his one and only son’s arm, causing him to groan. “Your mother and I are tired of loving such a mischievous child like you. Besides, we’ve never had a daughter in our lives. So, let Chloe feel that love now.”
Liliana beamed widely, her gaze shifting to Chloe, who had been silent all this while.
“If Edward hurts you, don’t hesitate to report it to me and your father, dear. Let us be the ones to punish him.”
Chloe smiled awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable with the special treatment she was receiving.
“Don’t worry, Ma. So far, Edward has treated me well.”
Edward smiled satisfactorily, pleased that his wife defended him in front of his parents.
“Mom and Dad heard it themselves, right? You also know I could never hurt a woman, especially my own wife.”
“Lovely talker!” Liliana responded. “Alright then, go join your friends, so Mama, Papa, and Chloe can wait here.”
Edward agreed. He immediately joined his friends, starting to grill all the barbecue ingredients they had prepared.
Meanwhile, Chloe felt her headache throbbing more intensely. Perhaps it was the effect of not getting enough sleep last night. Liliana noticed the change in her daughter-in-law’s demeanor and immediately spoke up.
“What’s wrong, dear? Are you okay?”
Chloe nodded slowly, “I have a headache. Probably due to lack of sleep last night.”
“Oh God,” Liliana panicked. The middle-aged woman turned to her husband. “Pa, should we take Chloe to the hospital?”
“I’m fine, Ma,” Chloe interrupted. “I probably just need to take some painkillers or something.”
Liliana immediately got up from her seat. “Let me get the medicine for you then.”
Chloe shook her head, “Let me get it myself. I’ll go to the restroom too. Just tell me where the medicine box is.”
Liliana sat back down and started explaining the location of the medicine box in their house. “You can go straight to the dining area. The medicine box is on the right side, not far from the fridge.”
Chloe nodded and walked away. When she reached the dining area, she unintentionally crossed paths with Sisilia.
“Aunt, can you tell me where the medicine cabinet is?”
Sisilia turned to find Chloe standing right next to her, and she stuttered, “A-are you looking for something?”
“Yes, I need some painkillers.”
Sisilia immediately walked to the medicine box, opened it, and quickly handed over what was requested. “Here is the medicine you need,” she said, gesturing with her right hand. “Over there, you can find some drinks.” She pointed to the left side of the dining area.
“Thank you for your help.”
Just as Chloe took a step away, Sisilia called out to her again.
“Ma’am…” she called softly, causing Chloe to turn around. “I apologize, but is your name Chloe?”
Chloe smiled politely, “Yes. My name is Chloe Hazel Arley. Nice to meet you, Aunt.”
Sisilia nodded and gestured for Chloe to continue her way. As soon as she disappeared from her sight, Sisilia unconsciously sat down on a dining chair.
“She’s really the Chloe I’ve been searching for all this time.”