Chapter 2
408words
My dad called.
"Chloe, I heard from Landon that you two... had a little spat?"
Hearing Dad's voice made me want to cry. "Dad, I..."
"You know how good he's been to you. We've seen it all these years."
How good?
He'd chosen me over his wealthy family's approval after graduation, traded a penthouse for a damp basement without a single complaint.
Like when I'd work late into the night, he was in the early stages of starting his business, but he'd always show up downstairs on time, with warm takeout in hand.
He'd never bring his work stress home, always walking through the door with a smile.
Those details, those seemingly ordinary acts of care and protection that seeped into every corner of our life.
His love was real.
But so was the fact that he'd married someone else.
"Chloe? You listening?"
Dad cut in before I could speak.
"Your mother needs bypass surgery next month. The doctor says she must avoid anystress. It's critical. Please, for her sake, keep things calm. Work it out with Landon"
Everything I wanted to say died in my throat.
How could I tell him that his daughter was a mistress?
The call ended.
I couldn't hold it in anymore, squatting on the empty street, sobbing loudly.
Crying for that ten years of seemingly perfect love.
Crying for Mom's life hanging by a thread.
Crying for the luxurious cage Landon had built for me with his decade of affection.
The rain started at some point.
From a fine drizzle to a downpour...
I was soaked, shivering, when an umbrella appeared overhead.
It was Landon.
He pulled me into a tight hug, his hands trembling.
"Come home with me..."
"Chloe, I posted that on my mom's phone just to make you mad. I didn't mean to break up..."
He took my suitcase and bundled me into his car.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it. I'll divorce Summer."
"We'll live our lives together properly."
"Chloe, your dad told me about your mom's situation..."
I stayed silent.
Just staring blankly at him.
The unfamiliar perfume on him, the unfamiliar lipstick shade on his collar...
All traces of another woman.
I closed my eyes, feeling exhausted.
But Landon didn't notice anything off, still rambling about getting the best medical team for my mom.
I leaned my head against the car window.
Too tired to even respond.
