Chapter 113
Chloe cried, seemingly exhausting all her strength. On the way back to the Miller family, she fell asleep early. Even in her sleep, she unconsciously shed tears and sobbed softly.
When the car reached the gates of the Miller Family Mansion, Chloe awoke.
She seemed to have finally emerged from a long nightmare and asked Howard, "When did you buy that villa? It must have taken you a lot of effort, right?"
That Remy had been a difficult person to deal with.
Last time, she couldn't even get him to budge.
"That's not important. What matters is that you need to recover as soon as possible."
Chloe lowered her gaze, feeling unsettled.
She had lost her composure that afternoon, actually embracing Howard like that.
The recent series of blows had made her lose her mind.
At that moment of being held, she surprisingly didn't feel so afraid anymore.
"A miscarriage is serious business. You should rest well in Riverton for this week. The Brown family house isn't habitable yet—I've ordered renovations."
At the mention of the miscarriage, Chloe's heart ached again.
"Okay."
Howard had specifically asked the family chef to prepare various nourishing soups to replenish her blood and energy. In her bedroom, Chloe discovered a photo album.
She wasn't sure when Howard had made it.
The album was filled with photos of her.
Pictures of her with Edward, photos of her holding trophies, and snapshots of her with Anais.
In those photos, she looked so happy, her smile so radiant.
Chloe flipped through the album page by page. When she came across a letter with familiar handwriting, her vision blurred with tears. She opened the letter.
It was from Anais.
Perhaps because her emotions had been so unstable, no one had told her about it.
The letter contained Anais's familiar handwriting.
[Chloe, my dear child, don't grieve my departure. I never imagined that after marrying someone you loved, you would still be so unhappy.
I always thought that since you and Arthur were childhood sweethearts, he would take care of you and protect you no matter what.
But I was wrong. That day, I learned everything.
I'm sorry. I've grown old and confused, not realizing how much you've suffered in your marriage.
Nor did I know that Arthur had a child with Avery just to secure his position as heir.
I understand why you kept these sorrows from me—you were afraid I was too old to handle it.
That day, seeing you argue with him because I gave up a signing opportunity, my heart ached.
Chloe, the reason I've stayed alive was to uncover the truth about your father Edward's death.
Edward was a wonderful person, and you were the person he loved most in this world. I couldn't bear to restrict you because of my existence.
I am old now, with few days left to live, but you, Chloe—you have a long road ahead.
Silly child, always remember, no matter what happens, I will always love you.
Also, don't forget to uncover the truth about Edward's death.
But I want you to be free, not bound by hatred.
Chloe, I'm gone now. Don't be sad for me. Seeing you and Adeline still as close as you were as children makes me happy.
My Chloe, you've suffered too much over the years. Heaven won't let you cry forever. Remember what I'm about to say: no matter what happens, live well. I know your nature, which is why I hope you break free from your final shackles and find the freedom you desire.]
Howard had been standing at the doorway watching her, though she hadn't noticed.
When Chloe looked up, their eyes met. Her vision clouded with tears that fell drop by drop.
Like a fragile, wilting flower—so vulnerable, yet so beautiful.
She fought back a sob.
"When did Grandmother write this letter to me?"
"Ms. Taylor and I found it when we were burying her. You were in a bad state then. I was afraid it would upset you, so I kept it, waiting for the right moment to give it to you."
Howard walked over and sat opposite her, his gaze falling on the album in her hands.
"Chlo, I put these photos together for you. Meeting someone as terrible as Arthur wasn't your fault. You don't need to drown in regret and self-blame."
"Ms. Taylor and I are both waiting for you to pull yourself together."
Even though he had been dying to find someone to beat Arthur to a pulp these past few days, what good would that do?
Chloe wouldn't feel better because of it.
No matter how heartbroken he felt, some journeys Chloe had to walk alone.
Chloe hugged the album and slowly wiped away her tears.
"I'm sorry for worrying you all."
Perhaps these events had been too painful, making her want to shut herself away as protection. But avoiding problems solved nothing. Even with everything that had happened, she was still Arthur's wife.
Just thinking about their still-valid marriage made her nauseous.
Once, she had walked into the marriage hall with him without hesitation. At the moment they truly wed, she never imagined that one day she would hate Arthur so much, that she would so strongly reject the existence of this marriage.
How ironic.
She had been crushed, yet the main culprit behind it all wouldn't suffer any consequences.
Anais was right. She needed to break free from her shackles.
"Howard, just five days."
Chloe looked at him with determination. "Just five days, and I'll pull myself together."
"Okay."
Howard looked at her, his heart a mixture of emotions.
By the third day in Riverton, Fallon occasionally invited Chloe to tend to the flowers and plants together. Although Howard hadn't told her anything, she had picked up on some clues.
That noon, Fallon again invited Chloe to the greenhouse.
"Ms. Brown," she handed over some pastries, "These are flower cakes I made especially. Try them and see if they suit your taste."
Chloe was flattered by these exquisite treats. Over the past few days, she could feel that Fallon had been very kind to her. But under normal circumstances, a family like the Millers wouldn't react this way when Howard brought a woman home.
"They're delicious." Chloe took a distracted bite.
"Ms. Brown, you look much better these past few days. When you first arrived, I was quite startled. Are you feeling better physically now?"
"I'm fine now."
"Ms. Brown, forgive my bluntness. I shouldn't interfere, but I am Howard's mother. Howard specially cares for you, so I hope things work out well between you two."
"I'm a mother too. When Howard went missing back then, I nearly lost my mind. Every night, I could hear him crying for me, calling 'Mom.' Those days were truly unbearable. But you're still young. After losing a child, you'll have other chances. Don't ruin your health because of this."
"My dear, you must stay strong."