For the next few days, Hyson had pushed himself to study the character he was about to play. He was so deeply engrossed in his own study that he even had no time to go and annoy Raelle.
However, as soon as he found some time after the script reading, he chose to go and find his best friend whom he hadn't seen in days. Needless to say, there was something missing in his life these days. All because he couldn't annoy Raelle.
Since he had the access to enter Raelle's office building, he didn't need to inform her beforehand. While walking over to Raelle's office, he took a turn and thought of saying 'hi' to his dedicated fan.
He lifted his hand and was about to knock on the glass door which was slightly ajar. But before he could knock on the door, he heard Cloe's displeased voice, "Yes, I can hear you, mother. I understand that your hospital expenses are getting bigger. I'll send more money this month."
"That's good," came the voice of a middle-aged woman.
Since Cloe had the phone on speakerphone, the voice could be heard by Hyson as well who couldn't help frowning. He didn't want to eavesdrop and that's why he turned to leave but before he could, the door was pulled open and Cloe stared at him with a pleasant surprise.
Before she could open her mouth to greet him, her mother's voice rang out from the phone she held in her hand, "Your aunt wants to talk to you."
Cloe silently groaned and Hyson couldn't help chuckling at her reaction. She looked so fed up.
'I'll go now,' mouthed Hyson to tell her that he was gonna leave now. He didn't want to disturb her phone call at all.
Cloe however, didn't allow him to leave as she shook her head and whispered, "Please stay. I need someone to stop me from committing a murder."
Hyson raised his brow inquisitively. He was puzzled at what she meant but soon he got the answer when the voice of a different woman came from the speaker of her phone, "Cloe! How are you? It seems you're doing really well. I just saw the new car you gifted your father. It looks quite expensive." There was a touch of sourness in the woman's voice that could be perceived by anyone. "It seems your boss treats you really well. I saw the photo of the gift your boss gave you on your birthday. I didn't know employers treated their employees so well. Your uncle is always complaining about how badly his boss treats him."
Cloe could hear what she was trying to suggest. It made her lips twitch and she closed her eyes briefly before gritting out, "My boss is a woman, Aunt. I don't have an affair with her. She is genuinely a nice person and that's only why she treats me so well." Cloe inwardly cursed herself for actually uploading the photo of the gift that Raelle gave her on her birthday on her social media. These relatives had quite some imagination.
"Oh..." responded the woman. "Then you're really fortunate."
"I also think so," replied Cloe.
She heard the cry of a baby from the phone before the woman said, "Your sister's baby is so cute. That reminded me... When are you getting married?"
"I knew it was coming," whispered Cloe to Hyson as she covered the phone's receiver and made a fist as if she wished to punch someone right now.
Her aunt clearly didn't think it was inappropriate to talk about this as she continued on her own rhythm, "Hear me out. You're already reaching your thirties. If you wait any longer, it'll get difficult to get married in the future. Your sister is younger than you and is already married. She is so happy with her family. Especially now that a new member is added. You should also strive for your happiness."
Cloe was sick of hearing how happy her sister was after getting married. It had been going on for years now. And she was genuinely tired now. She could see that Hyson didn't want to hear all of this but she didn't want him to leave either. She knew she'd do something crazy if there was no one to hold her back.
And it was best to have Hyson. At least, seeing him her anger could decrease like magic.
Hyson leaned close to her ear and said, "You really aren't going to say anything? Your silence is only gonna make her audacity grow."
Cloe gave him a smile and took a deep breath, "Since we are getting so personal here... Aunt, why don't you tell me how you're marriage is working out for you?"
Hyson widened his eyes at her and it seemed the woman on the call was also taken aback as her voice grew sharp, "What do you mean?"
"Since you're claiming that marriage is happiness, then I'd like to know how happy your married life is? From what I know, every other day you have an argument with your husband and come to stay with him at your brother's house. Just because my parents don't tell me that doesn't mean I don't know how many days of the month you spend at my house."
"Is this something you should be saying to me? Did you forget to respect your elders now that you're successful?"
"If elders have self-respect, they shouldn't forget that younger generation also has some self-respect. I don't need you to constantly remind me that my life is unfulfilled just because I haven't gotten married. That was your goal, that was my sister's goal. I'm happy to see that you both got what you wanted. But since I never questioned your goals, you shouldn't question mine." She took a deep breath and went on, "Give my mom the message that I'll send her money. She doesn't need to remind me again."
After that, she didn't even wait for an answer before hanging up the phone. She stared at Hyson's face who was staring at her hand that was wrapped around his wrist and holding him back from leaving.
"That was personal," said Hyson. "You should have let me leave first."
"I don't think it was personal," replied Cloe.
"Your relationship with your family..." Hyson hesitated a little before adding, "It seems a little strained."
Cloe scoffed, "It's not little. And there is nothing new about that either. My dear mother thinks that I'm a credit card. Since she raised me, I owe it to her to take care of all her needs." She shook her head, "This is why I often feel envious of my boss. Her bond with her family is precious. At least, it isn't a relationship of giving and taking."
"A little reminder that your boss doesn't have parents," said Hyson. "Unlike you. At least, your parents raised you. Honestly speaking, there is nothing enviable about Raelle's life. Nothing at all. And you've figured it out as well."
Cloe offered him a smile before asking, "I'm sorry you had to hear all of that. I just didn't want to be alone. Whenever I get a call from home, I feel suffocated. That is why I held you back. I know it was selfish of me, I'm really sorry."
"It's alright," Hyson shrugged his shoulders. "I just got to see a new side of the world. I should say thanks for the enlightenment. I suddenly feel even more respect for my mum."
"When did you come? And why so suddenly?"
"Oh, I came to see my best friend. I have to travel around the country for the shooting of my movie. So, I thought to meet my Ellie before leaving her. I have to make sure she doesn't forget me while I'm gone."
Cloe chuckled at his words, "I don't think Chief can forget you."
Hyson smiled in reply and recalled something, "Next time, be careful of what you post on your social media."
Cloe sighed out, "You're right. I didn't think that my relatives would actually have such a rich imagination. They actually assumed that I have something going on with Chief? No matter how beautiful she is, she isn't my cup of tea! I'm never posting anything on social media again."
"No, that's wrong," said Hyson. "Next time, just block your relatives before posting anything."
"Ohhh... Smart! Why didn't I think of this?"
Hyson talked with her for a while before asking, "What is my best friend up to?"
Cloe checked the time before saying, "Ah! It's lunch hour! I need to bring her lunch."
"Alright then! Since she is free, I'll just go to her now," said Hyson before he waved her goodbye and took a turn towards Raelle's office. When he reached the office, as always, he only knocked once and pushed open the door without a care. And as per usual, he even took of his jacket and threw it at her head saying, "Yo, bestie! What's up? Did you miss me?"
The source of this c𝓸ntent is fr𝒆e(w)𝒆bnovel