**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**“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

**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**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**He looked shocked; it seems he wasn't expecting my reply. Well, that makes two of us; I wasn't expecting it either.“They came to the house?” He asked, his brow furrowed and his lips pursed in concern.“Well… No… It seems he went out late at night and was attacked.” I stuttered.“Have you reported this to the cops?” He asked.Phew… “Yes, Lily has.” I lied. “They'll let us know when they find something.” I added quickly to prevent him from firing more questions at me.“Good. I'll get them to hasten up with the investigation.” He offered.“No,” I blurted out, and he raised his brows, surprised. That came out too fast.I quickly walked over to him and held his hands. “I mean, I don't want you to bother about it. The investigation would be smooth, and if it's not, I'll be sure to ask for your help,” I said softly.“Alright, that's fine.” He agreed, and I disengaged my hands from his.I went to the kitchen to make Dad's soup. When I was done, I took it to his room. “Dad!” I call