Chapter 119
Chapter 119
lan looked down at Clint, who was clinging to his leg and calling him “Dad,” and his face instantly turned
stormy.
He hadn’t expected Chloe to cross the line like this, actually bringing Andrea and Clint into his home.
Arthur sucked in a nervous breath at the sight of the kid.
He hopped behind Chloe like a startled monkey, pointed at Clint, and blurted out, “Chloe, is this the weird kid your husband had with that freak?”
Chloe shot Mr. Logan a sharp warning look. “Don’t talk nonsense. My husband’s kid’s not ugly at all.
Patrick couldn’t hold it and snorted with laughter.
Andrea held back her frustration, giving Arthur a murderous glare but staying silent.
She nervously checked Ian’s face, then stepped forward and said, “Ian, Mrs. Hamilton asked us over. Hope we’re not bothering you.”
Ian shoved Clint aside, then shot Andrea a piercing, icy glare that flickered across his face.
He turned, grabbed Chloe’s arm, dragging her to the corner, his voice edged with tension. “Chloe, what exactly are you trying to do?”
Chloe let out a little cough. “Come on, it’s just Andrea and Clint. Don’t act like it’s a big deal.
Ian stared Chloe down, refusing to look away for a second, eyes dark and unreadable.
He enunciated every word, his voice low and dangerous. “So, this is the ‘surprise‘ you were talking about?”
Chloe nodded seriously. “Come on, you’ve always had to tiptoe around, worried Edward might catch you sneaking off to see them. Well, I’m Clint’s godmother now. Your kid can walk right up and call you ‘Dad‘ without anyone freaking out about it. No more secrets, no more being afraid someone will overhear.”
Ian’s face was so dark it looked like a thundercloud.
He caught the disbelief flickering in Chloe’s eyes,
He said, “Chloe, do you even realize what you’re doing?”
Chloe patiently reassured him, “Ian, come on–it’s not like Clint hasn’t called you ‘Dad‘ before. If people start asking questions, just tell them he’s my godson. Seriously, just let them think it’s all my idea. No one’s going to blame you.”
Ian snapped, his anger barely contained, “Chloe, I never intended to acknowledge this kid, and I absolutely won’t let anyone know he’s got anything to do with me!”
Chloe let out a sigh.
Chapter 19
She tiptoed up and whispered in his ear, Relax, you don’t have to be so paranoid. I had Andres and line move upstairs so you two could nieet up whenever you want. Even if you’re up there every day, nobody’s going to notice.”
Jan’s chest heaved with anger, his face stormy as he shoved Chloe away.
Chloe glanced back at everyone, then sauntered right up to lan like she couldn’t care less.
She leaned in close, her voice low and steady. “Relax, if anything happens, I’ll take the heat. You just beep being happy. I’ll play the villain if I have to.”
lan shoved Chloe away again.
He nearly ground out the words through clenched teeth, “Chloe, you sure are generous!”
Chloe couldn’t help but smirk.
It wasn’t about being generous.
She was just letting it all go.
Ian looked ready to throw everyone out, but Chloe squared her shoulders, her voice serious. “lan, if I can’t even invite friends over in my own house, then I’ll take them out for dinner instead.”
They stared each other down–Chloe steady and unflinching, while Ian looked like he was one second away from bursting.
Arthur snarked, “Chloe, are you guys seriously a couple?”
Chloe and Ian shot each other a look, both suddenly silent.
Patrick gave Arthur a meaningful look, then glanced over at Andrea and Clint. “Come on, Mr. Hamilton- those two are your real little family.”
Jan stood there, eyes closed, taking a deep breath.
Chloe quickly sent Andrea a look.
Andrea leaned down and whispered something to Clint.
Clint rubbed his belly and called out, “Godmother, I’m hungry”
“Come on, let’s eat!” Chloe chimed in.
Chloe quickly ushered everyone into the dining room.
Seeing Ian still rooted to the spot, Chloe strolled over and looped her arm through his. “Hey, everyone’s already here–let’s just eat first, okay? If you’ve got a problem, we’ll talk it over tonight, just the two of us.
Ian gave her a look full of doubt. “Really? You mean it?”
19:05 Fri
Chapter 119
Chloe gently placed lan’s hand over her heart. “I promise–I’m being honest with you
Arthur piped up. “The kid’s starving over here–are we actually going to eat or just keep talking?
Patrick said, “You guys can deal with your grown–up stuff later. The kid’s here, so how about you show a little hospitality?”
lan let his gaze sweep over those two troublemakers at the dining room entrance, feeling even more suffocated inside.
Chloe coaxed, tugged, and half–dragged Ian into the dining room, refusing to take no for an answer.
No matter what, she was hell–bent on making sure Ian admitted in front of everyone that Clint was really his kid–his ‘Dad‘ and all.
Once everyone had gathered, Chloe stood up and raised her glass.
She said, “Since we’re all neighbors now, let’s see each other more often! Cheers to new beginnings!”
Everyone joined in the toast, glasses clinking, but Ian just sat rigidly, gripping his glass so hard it looked like it might shatter–his face perfectly blank.
Chloe lifted Ian’s glass for him, coaxing softly, “Come on, honey, be a sport, will you?”
That one word-“honey“-was like a magic spell. Ian looked like he was powerless to resist and took the glass. almost on autopilot.
After everyone finished their first drink, Chloe laughed, “I’ve officially made Clint my godson. We’re practically family now, so let’s see each other more often!”
As soon as Chloe finished, she shot Andrea a quick look.
Andrea stood up, poured Clint some juice, and urged him, “Clint, go ahead, call them godmother and godfather!”
Chloe quickly corrected him, “Just call me godmother–no need to change what you call my husband.”
Clint called out cheerfully, “Godmother!”
Chloe responded right away, “That apartment upstairs? Treat it as a little welcome gift from your godmother?”
Andrea nudged her son, and the little guy chirped innocently, “Dad!”
Ian sat there, his expression unreadable, but his hand clamped down on Chloe’s wrist in silence.
Chloe winced, feeling the pain shoot through her wrist, and looked down at him.
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