Novel Xo
We are neighbors
Chapter 44 We are neighbors
DESIRE’S STORE
Chloe twirled around as she stepped into the line of makeup kits. One of the things Desire is well known for is her amazing skin and face products, that helps every woman raise their confidence and help them look flawlessly beautiful. Practically half of the population in LA use Desire’s product. Her popularity ranges from far and near.
Picking up her products of interest, Chloe made her way to the counter to make payment before heading to the next floor to meet with her godmother. If she shopped for the desired products later after the visit, Desire would insist on it being on her tab. Even though Chloe enjoys free gifting, she takes pride in not doing too much. Desire had her eyes glued to the report in her hand when Chloe entered.
“Hey there, godmother.” Chloe cooed with a bright smile on her face.
Raising her head, Desire smiled brightly. “How are you my angel?”
“Very fine, godmother. I see you are busy.” She noted, hugging her before taking a seat.
She sighed. “We also have seasons. The sellers from other states are demanding for an increase in the goods delivered to them.”
“Wow, that’s a good thing. But why don’t you sound enthusiastic?”
“Yes, it is. Only that the manufacturing company can’t seem to cope with the demands, so we need the assistance of more hands especially to the south. A manufacturing company around there would ease the stress here, but as it stands we haven’t found any suitable one.”
“Have you asked my dad? You know his company deals in heavy productions like that.” Chloe suggested.
Desire gasped, smiling. “Oh my, goodness! How did I not think of that? Charles won’t forgive me if he learns that I gave someone else such opportunity. Let me call my assistant to get in touch with him.”
“Will you really give him the project?”
“Of course, darling. I know how hardworking he is, I won’t have to worry about anything if he handles the production on my behalf. All I need is to ask the lab to send him all of the required products. Thanks dear. Just give me a minute to make this call.”
Chloe felt elated at the offer, her father might be able to take care of part of his debts with the job. Everyone knows how handsomely Desire King pays everyone that works with her.
Desire huffed in satisfaction. “Now that is all settled, thank goodness that you came around today. Have you done your shopping?” She asked.
She nodded in response. “Yes, I got the stuffs I needed before coming here. So would you like to eat out with me? I have so many exciting news to tell you.”
“Does it involve, Leo?”
“Of course.” She squealed, prepping herself to talk about their morning rendezvous.
Exhaling slowly, Desire zoned out as she watched Chloe tell about her happy moment with Leo. Most of the time she feels so sorry for the girl who doesn’t mind settling for the least of affection. Chloe received minimal love and attention from her parents because of how busy the both of them always are. They couldn’t even spare much time to be with their only daughter. It was why she had taken it upon herself to always show up for Chloe as much as she can. Things seem to be falling into place, until Chloe fell madly in love with Leo after she finished high school and returned home for college. Desire had noticed the crush but didn’t think it will blossom that hard. Only for Ana to notice and choose to take advantage of her daughter’s affection to keep up with her luxurious life. Chloe can’t decipher between mere care from true love, anyone who pays her a close attention is automatically a lover. It’s no news that Leo isn’t totally into her, but Chloe doesn’t seem to care as long as she has him next to her.
“Are you truly happy?” Desire asked all of a sudden causing her to stop in her rant.
Chloe blinked rapidly, the question was out of the blue and had pulled her of course. “Why would you ask? I am definitely happy.”
“Do you even know what true happiness means, Chloe? It’s almost like you are forcing your way with Leo when you two shouldn’t be anything more than friends.”
“Come on, godmother. Leo obviously cares about me and since he learned to love me over the years, I’m sure he would do so deeply as time goes on.” She insisted.
“I see you have been reading too many romance books. Wake up and smell the damn coffee, Chloe. You are only twenty-three, you should be having fun and traveling with your friends. Visiting places of interest and enjoying life as a young adult while blossoming in your chosen career. Not be married and stuck up with family duties all your life.”
“This isn’t just about me, aunt Desire. My parents financial status solely relies on this union.”
“No, it doesn’t. Your parents can obviously retain the gains of the shares they bought without necessarily pawning you off. They aren’t as broke as you think, you need to think for yourself, Chloe. Please, baby. You don’t have to continue with this marriage. If it’s about the money spent I can definitely pay it all back.”
Chloe sniffed, lowering her head. She intertwined her fingers keeping her eyes on them like they fascinate her. “I can’t leave Leo, aunt. He is like the only shield I possess. I love him so much, I can almost imagine losing my mind if the both of us don’t end up together.”
Desire stood up from where she sat to stand in front of Chloe with half her butt on the table. She reached for her hands. “I have always been your shield long before Leo came into your life. You don’t love him, sweetie. You are obsessed with him and it’s messing with you so bad. You don’t need to be married to him to stay close. At least give it time to be sure about your feelings for him. Don’t just throw your life away, marriage is a lifetime commitment and if divorce does occur it hardly ever remains the same.”
Nodding her head slowly, Chloe held up a weak smile and pat Desire’s hand. “I understand you, godmother. You don’t have to worry about me, I would have this myself. Also it’s barely two weeks to my wedding now. Please be happy for me, this is the right thing for me to do.” She tried to sound convincing.
“Chloe…”
“Please, aunt Desire. I think I will take my leave now. I will eat with you some other time.” Chloe stood up and hurried out before she got stopped halfway.
Flagging down a taxi, she tried to hold back the tears. She doesn’t need anyone to remind her of the clause in her relationship with Leo. It doesn’t matter as long as they both end up together. She knew what she signed up for before getting into it. Wiping the tears that rolled down her face, she help up a smile as usual and it didn’t take long before she got to her apartment building.
She found a familiar face at the front of the elevator waiting to get in. “Mr Zac?”
Zac looked back at the stranger, the face did look familiar and he remembered where they had met, the lady that pushed him to the ground with his groceries.
“You know my name?”
Chloe laughed. “Of course I do. I’m Chloe, I met you at Darby’s fashion house. She made my wedding dress.” She said, entering the elevator when it opened.
Realization dawned on him. “Oh, I have totally forgotten. I remembered you as the person who bumped into me in front of the elevator a week ago.”
“Oh, about that. I’m really sorry. Do you live here?”
He nodded. “Yes, I stay on the fifth floor.”
“Wow, me too.”
“So, we are actually neighbors.” He mused thinning his lips.
She smiled shyly tucking a loose hair behind her ear, “I guess so. And I am sorry for the other day, I was just in a hurry.” She wanted to say something more but the elevator dinged notifying them of their arrival.
Zac smiled politely as he stepped out of the elevator. “Alright, ma’am. See you around.” He said walking away.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
Chloe wanted to call him back and ask why he had pretended to be Sinclair’s father that day they met but she changed her mind, knowing it would be best to not poke nose. Sighing in resolve, she headed to her apartment.