Chapter 2
Three days later, the hospital car dropped me off at our estate.
Navigating the doors on crutches was excruciating.
The moment I crossed the threshold, Lily's laughter echoed from the gourmet kitchen.
"Oh, careful, Lily sweetie! Let Aunt Sophia help you frost those," a sweet, melodic voice chimed.
I hobbled into the kitchen.
Sophia was wearing my apron, laughing as another macaron collapsed on the baking tray.
"Mom," Lily’s smile vanished instantly when she saw me.
She rolled her eyes, her young face hardening into disdain.
"Why are you back so early? Aunt Sophia was teaching me how to bake real French macarons."
"Lily, I just underwent major orthopedic surgery," I said, leaning heavily on my crutches, my body aching.
Sophia dropped her spatula and rushed toward me, her eyes wide.
"Oh, Chloe! Thank goodness you’re home!" Sophia gasped, her voice trembling with worry.
"Arthur, quickly! Come out here and help Chloe upstairs!"
Arthur walked in from the garage, his face tightening into a scowl when he saw me.
"She can walk fine, Sophia. Don't coddle her."
Sophia looked at Arthur, her eyes filling with tears.
"Arthur, please don't be harsh. I never wanted to cause friction in your marriage, Chloe. If my presence makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave right now."
"Get out of my kitchen, Sophia," I said, my voice deadpan.
Lily immediately threw herself in front of Sophia like a human shield.
"No! Don't you dare kick her out! Aunt Sophia is nice. She doesn't spend all day locked in an office. I told everyone at school that she's my real mom now, I don't even want your last name anymore!"
My breath hitched in my throat.
Her words hit like a physical blow.
Arthur stepped forward, placing a hand on Sophia’s shoulder.
"Chloe, look at yourself. Sophia brought you groceries and has done nothing but care for this family. And you treat her like a criminal in front of our daughter?"
"Arthur, she is taking over my life," I whispered.
Arthur guided Sophia gently toward the hallway.
"Sophia, honey, take my car and go home. I'll handle this."
Once the front door clicked shut, Arthur turned back to me.
The mask of the polite businessman fell away.
He stepped toward me, his voice a chilling murmur.
"Let's be realistic, Chloe. You eat my food, you live under my roof, and you occupy a lifestyle funded entirely by me. Ever since your father died, you've contributed nothing. If you can't accept Sophia as a part of this family, then maybe you're the one who should leave."
I stared into the eyes of the man I had dimmed my own light for, reached into my coat pocket, and gripped my phone.
"We'll see," I said.