Vernon returned home around seven in the evening. The moment he unlocked the penthouse door, he could smell a sweet scent from the kitchen.
He kicked his shoes and dropped his briefcase. He rushed to the kitchen because he couldn't wait to hug his beloved woman from behind and kiss his cute daughter. It was a great reward after a long day at work or facing that bastard Vincent.
He saw Chloe was busy setting up food on the dining table. She was wearing her pink apron as always, and her hair was tied in a ponytail.
Vernon's face brightened instantly. He pounced on her and hugged her from behind suddenly, which shocked Chloe, "Ah—Eh?!"
Vernon wrapped his arms around Chloe's waist to stop her from struggling too much, "I'm home, my love," he said before kissing her cheek from behind.
Chloe stopped struggling after knowing it was Vernon, but she said nothing, which was weird.
Because Chloe would usually greet him sweetly, even kiss him on the cheek in response.
So, Vernon asked, "Chloe? Is there anything wrong?"
Chloe said nothing but pointed at two people sitting across the table. Vernon lifted his head and saw Diamond and Mackie staring at them. Vernon didn't realize those two's present at first because he had tunnel vision when it was about Chloe.
Whenever he saw his beloved woman, everything around him would be blurred except the clear figure of Chloe.
"Ah, damn it," Vernon cursed in a low voice before releasing his embrace. He sat on the dining chair and tried to act normal despite the sudden PDA he had done with Chloe just now.
"Welcome back, Uncle!" Mackie smiled wide. She wasn't all that surprised by Uncle and Mommy's affection. In fact, she liked it when her Uncle hugged her Mommy because Mommy always looked happy whenever her Uncle embraced her.
Diamond had a teasing grin on her face and said, "Whew, it must be nice to be a pair of lovebirds."
Chloe lowered her head even more because she was blushing so hard right now, while Vernon clicked his tongue annoyedly, "Why are you here, Diamond?"
Diamond shrugged, "I'm just visiting. I asked Chloe if I can eat dinner here, and she said she's happy to have me."
"You know you can always eat outside, right? Do you need me to raise your salary so you won't disturb a family's dinner time?"
"Vernon!" Chloe reprimanded him. "Don't be rude to our guests. Diamond accompanied Mackie while I'm busy baking cakes. Besides, it's nice to have a guest to eat with us, right?"
"Hmph," Vernon snorted. He truly did not enjoy the presence of someone else during his family time. In his head, his true family would always be Chloe, Mackie, and their future children, so he felt like there was a thorn in his eyes when he saw Diamond.
Diamond didn't seem to mind at all. After all, she was already used to her boss and his crazy antics.
They ate dinner in peace, well, somewhat.
Because Vernon kept on giving Diamond an unpleasant look as if he couldn't wait to kick Diamond out of the penthouse, and Chloe had to apologize many times because Vernon was not even trying to hide his disdain.
Diamond found it very amusing nonetheless. She got to watch the relationship dynamic of her boss and her best friend while eating some very good homemade food. What's not to love?.
It was no wonder that Vernon never protested any of Chloe's homemade food.
They finished dinner around seven-thirty, and Diamond was the first one to break the silence, "Well, I better get going. I don't want to disturb the family time here."
"Should've done that sooner," Vernon said.
"Vernon!" Chloe yelled again, and Vernon only rolled his eyes because Chloe didn't share the same sentiment as him.
"I'm so sorry about him, Diamond. Let me escort you out," Chloe said.
Diamond chuckled and patted Mackie's head, "We can play again later, Mackie."
"Un! Sure! Thank you for playing with me, Diamond!"
Chloe escorted Diamond out of the penthouse, but before Diamond left, she muttered, "The Child Protection Service will come in a week. I've prepared the apartment that you will use with your nephews. Just make sure that you don't look too nervous, and you should allow those boys to do what they usually do, such as playing around and having fun with Mackie."
"Thank you so much, Diamond. I'm sorry I can't meet you in the office these days. You know, I'm still in hiding. I can't even do grocery shopping anymore."
Diamond smiled and hugged her homegirl, "It's fine, Chloe. I know that things are just not in your favor right now. Just stay like this until Mr. Phoenix Gray finishes his job to take down that bastard for you."
"… Do you think that Vernon can do it?" Chloe asked.
Diamond knew that Chloe would forever have doubt in her heart. She had been abused for way too long that her first instinct would always surrender, or else Vincent would hurt her.
So all Diamond could do was to assure her, "The company has grown at such a crazy pace, and we're branching out on many businesses as well. He is putting everything on full throttle so he can be on par with Vincent. He's doing his best, and I know he will succeed."
"Trust him, Chloe," Diamond said.
"… I will try," Chloe replied.
Diamond smiled at her, "Don't forget to give me a video call during Christmas. I'll be with my family, they said they want to see your face in a video at least."
Chloe chuckled, "Sure, I will call you later. Bye, Diamond."
"Bye, best friend!"
Chloe went back to the penthouse after Diamond entered the elevator. She saw that Mackie and Vernon were eating the cakes together while watching some cartoons, which they usually did whenever Chloe made cakes or pies for them.
Chloe chuckled and sat right between them. Their eyes were still glued on the TV but instinctively fed Chloe.
It was truly a picture of a happy family.
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