Chapter 2
537words
The receptionist eyed my disheveled appearance with barely concealed disdain. "Do you have an appointment?"
"Mr. Nolan is expecting me. I'm Chloe," I said, ignoring her judgmental gaze, focused only on getting to Nolan as quickly as possible.
After a quick call, I was escorted to the executive suite on the top floor. When the door swung open, I froze in my tracks.
Nolan sat behind a massive mahogany desk, looking more mature and imposing than five years ago, his expression as cold as winter. Beside him stood an elegant, sophisticated woman—Emma.
Emma, Nolan's first love and the shadow that had always loomed over our marriage.
"Chloe, it's been ages," Emma approached with a practiced smile, triumph gleaming in her eyes. "I hear you've hit rock bottom?"
I swallowed my rage and looked directly at Nolan. "I'm here to see Nolan. It's personal."
"There's nothing personal between us anymore," Nolan said coldly. "Emma is my fiancée. We have no secrets."
The word hit me like a slap. So after our divorce five years ago, he'd run straight back to Emma.
"You said you need money?" Nolan cut to the chase, his tone businesslike. "How much?"
"$30,000," I said quietly. "My son is sick. The hospital requires a deposit."
"Your son?" Nolan's lip curled. "Divorced only five years, how old is this kid?"
"Four," I answered, my heart hammering against my ribs.
Nolan's eyes turned to ice. "Four? Well, you certainly didn't waste any time after the divorce."
His sarcasm cut deep. If only he knew I discovered my pregnancy after our divorce. If only he knew Owen was his son...
"Nolan, I'm just asking for a loan. I'll pay back every penny," I fought back tears. "If you're not willing to help, just say so and I'll go."
"Leave?" Nolan laughed, the sound devoid of humor. "You think I'd let you walk away that easily? After five years, we should at least catch up."
Nolan's tone carried an unmistakable edge that sent ice crawling down my spine.
"Nolan, don't be like this," Emma said with feigned concern, though her eyes gleamed with malicious delight. "Chloe came for her child's sake. We should help."
"Help?" Nolan scoffed. "Why should I help her? When she walked out, she made it damn clear she never wanted anything from me again."
"That's water under the bridge," Emma said softly. "What matters now is saving the child."
I watched Emma's performance with disgust. On the surface, she appeared compassionate, but she was actually showcasing her supposed kindness to Nolan while highlighting my desperation.
"What exactly is wrong with your son?" Nolan suddenly asked.
"Leukemia," I forced the word out. "He needs a bone marrow transplant."
Something flashed across Nolan's face before his cold mask returned. "What about the kid's father? Why isn't he stepping up?"
That question pierced my heart like a sword. I avoided his gaze. "He's... gone."
"What, dead?" Nolan's tone was mocking.
"As good as," I bit out, fighting back tears.
