**CHLOE**“Oh, who doesn't know that his middle name is Jack?” Robert announced, walking in.Oh goodness, perfect timing!“You already knew that, didn't you?” He turned to ask me.“I did.” I admitted.I suppressed the smile curling up my lips.“And how do you know that?” Helen asked, turning to Robert. I blinked and turned to Robert too, anticipating his response.“She mentioned it to me earlier, after Jeffrey's funeral. I had asked why he didn't include his middle name on the marriage certificate.” Robert said.He's so good at lying, I almost believe him.“Isn't that right, Chloe?” He asked me.“Yes, it is.” Phew... I ran a hand down my already smooth dress. That was close.“Hmm, why didn't you say something sooner?” Helen asked me.“You saw she was choking, and you kept on asking her weird questions,” Robert retorted.“Robert!” Helen called out.“No lies told. I mean, they're married, bold of you to assume she doesn't know his middle name.” Robert pulled out a chair.Helen leaned b
**CHLOE**"Oh, brother,” Robert muttered, taking a step back. “I was just trying to put her in her place.”“And what place is that?” He growled, his brows furrowing into a dark line. “I know her type; I'm sure she’s only here for the money. You should divor…”“I can handle my business myself, I don't need you to interfere.” Jeffrey barked, cutting Robert off.“You can leave now,” he added with finality.Robert seemed to have more to say, but Jeffrey's final tone left no room for argument. He stormed out after throwing a stern look in my direction.When Robert was out of sight, Jeffrey turned to me and asked, "Is he bothering you?”“No.. Not at all.” I replied with a shaky voice.“Are you sure?” he probed.“I’m sure.” I insisted, forcing a smile.“Okay, good. Because Robert can be a bit...” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Let's just say Robert has a certain... approach.” Yeah, of course, a certain approach indeed."Mmmmh,” I mumbled, and then left.**JEFFREY**Richard walked in
**CHLOE**“How typical.” Laura scoffed. “Just a phone is getting this much excitement from you?” “What do you expect?" Rachel laughed. "She’s never seen a phone like this in her life.”Rachel took a drag of her cigarette and breathed the smoke in my direction. I coughed. Lily sneered at them and asked, “Why do you keep bothering her?” Then she turned to me, “Let's go, Chloe.”“Aww, isn't that the brave sister?” Laura cooed.“What’s wrong with you, Rachel?” Helen scolded, appearing from the swimming pool in a blue swimsuit. “Don't the two of you have anything better to do?” Helen snapped at Rachel and Laura.“Go on inside,” Helen said to Lily and me. Lily sucked her teeth before pulling me away.My heart was as heavy as lead. I sank onto my bed as soon as I got into my bedroom. “Ugh, those girls,” Lily clenched her fists as she paced the length of the bed. “Don't let them spoil your mood. You know what they say about birds of a feather...” she paused and dropped her gaze to me. An
**JEFFREY**“Come by the house at noon. You'll be accompanying my wife for some shopping,” I said to Cilia over the phone.“Okay, sir,” she responded, and then I hung up.Walking downstairs to my study, I passed Chloe's room. The door was slightly ajar. Reaching out to shut it properly, I overheard her sister say, “So, how big was it?”How big was what? Grasping the doorknob, the realization struck me. They were talking about me.I pushed the door open, and they didn't even notice me. I saw Chloe blush, sliding her hand down from below her elbow pit. “Like this,” she whispered.Was she describing my …? I swallowed hard. There's no way it's that big.“That big?” Her sister gasped. Ugh, really? These ladies…So much for not having her glasses on. I thought she was supposed to be sweet and innocent. I finally cleared my throat, and they turned to look at me, startled.“Hi.. Hi.. how.. long have you been here?” she stuttered.“Long enough,” I replied flatly.They shouldn't think I was
**CHLOE**I tore my gaze from Robert and hurried into the car. George drove off.Surely Robert wouldn't make a big deal out of it? It was just a peck.Jeffrey and I were married, after all. Wasn't it normal for married couples to peck each other?My cheeks burned, and I pressed my palms against them and smiled.I will definitely not do anything reckless with Jeffrey.Cilia seemed to have noticed my smile. “Mrs. Blakes, you seem to be in a good mood.” She extended a box to me, “Here are some sandwiches. Mary packed them especially for you.” "Oh, Mary is so thoughtful," I replied with a smile.“She understands how tiring shopping can be.” Cilia added.“Have some too.” I offered a double-decker sandwich to George.“Oh, you really shouldn't have bothered, ma'am,” he said, but he took it anyway. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Blakes.” We arrived at the boutique, a practically empty haven. As we stepped out of the car, the staff greeted us warmly.“How much time do we have before they reopen t
**CHLOE**I felt a rush of heat throughout my body, and then I immediately leaned back to pull away from the kiss. It was very quiet in my head. What just happened?He kissed me!“What's wrong?” He asked softly before planting another kiss on my collar bone. This man…I'm no slut,Laura is expecting his child.Let's not even talk about Robert.“Uhm, I'm just tired.” I lied.He tried to move closer, but I placed my palm on his chest and stopped him.He raised a brow. “You said we agreed to wait until after marriage before consummating our relationship, which I doubt I agreed to. What's happening now?” He seemed angry.“I need some time to process everything that's been happening…” I stuttered.“Sure, you do.” He scoffed. “Don't you think that should be my line, though? I found myself married to a woman that I don't remember, nor do I understand.”“We're in the same boat, remember? I feel like I married a stranger too. After all, you hid your…”“My wealth?” He snapped, cutting me off.
**CHLOE**Who's this silly guy?I scoffed. “What are you talking about?”He dropped the vase of flowers back on the drawer. “I saw you kiss my brother; I've come to collect mine.” “That was just a peck!” I snapped.“I want mine too.” He demanded, and then he marched to where I was sitting on the bed.He leaned forward and tried to force a kiss on me. I pushed him away with my palms."Stop, Robert, what's wrong with you?” I cried.I got up from bed and ran to a corner of my room.“If I can't have you, then no one else will!” He barked.He still marched towards me, and I instinctively kneed him in the balls.“Bitch!” he let out painfully, and he fell to the ground."Sorry, I didn't mean to…” I apologized, panicking.“Fuck you!” He groaned. He was still on the floor.Did I hit him that hard?I wasn't going to help him up. I was too scared to even go close to him.My chest hammered against my ribs. What should I do? This man is a fucking beast.I looked at him again on the floor; he was
**CHLOE**I sat up immediately. “What happened to Dad?” I asked Lily anxiously.“Robert had him arrested and beaten up. I think you should just come home.” She replied.My goodness, Robert again!“I will. I hope it's not serious, though. And how's Dad holding up?” “He's holding up well; he has received treatment already," she responded. "But... you know, I won't be able to look after him because of work.” “I understand. Take care of dad till I come.” "Sure," she murmured, and then I hung up.My heart sank. Poor dad; Robert keeps taking it out on him.“What happened?” Jeffrey asked, concern etched on his face.“Uh… it’s my dad,” I replied, trying to steady my voice.“Is he ill?” He inquired, concerned.No, it's your fucking brother who's out for me and my family.“Yes, he is.” I lied.“Is he on meds?” He asked.“Yes, he is,” I said, standing up. “I need to go see him.” “I’ll have them get my jet ready,” he said, pulling out his phone.I would have refused, but it's Dad's health we'