Chloe finally understood that Brayden wasn't just a coincidental friend request or a scammer. He was someone Jacob introduced her to as a wealthy heir. However, Brayden was very polite and talented, someone Chloe looked up to.
"Now it'll be so much easier to ask Brayden for help with Economic Law," Chloe said smiling.
"Sure, I'll get you some problem sets to work on in a few days. Economic Law is the easiest. You just need to memorize the basics to pass. Put a bit more effort into your next book. Once you have the certification, everything else will be easier," Brayden said while editing Chloe's contact information on WhatsApp.
"Chloe, you've made it permanent at New East Group. I haven't celebrated for you yet! I heard the turnover rate at New East Group is very high. You're really exceptional," Jacob interjected, trying to impress Brayden with his sister's achievement.
"Yeah," Chloe responded disinterestedly, then turned her head to look out the window.
Brayden didn't reply, leaving Jacob feeling incredibly awkward.
Upon arriving in front of the dormitory building, Chloe got out of the car. She was checking her phone as she walked, and the people around her quickly steered clear of her path, likely because, in their minds, Chloe was already Donovan's girl and potentially the future first lady of New East International Group. But for now, no one dared to mess with her.
Before she could even open the door to her dorm, Chloe received a text from Donovan on WhatsApp: "Come back to Samuel's house at ten tomorrow morning. I'll pick you up from the dorm."
Chloe's heart suddenly started racing, surprised that she'd see Donovan again so soon.
Closing her phone, she started packing her bags.
"Chloe, are you dating Mr. Blake?" Sofia suddenly nudged Chloe, lowering her voice and winking gossipingly.
"No." Chloe hesitated for a moment but truthfully answered her friend, "We just slept together."
Sofia gasped, "I didn't see that coming. You snagged Donovan just like that."
"It was nothing, just a one-time thing." And it was an accident for Chloe, although Donovan might have thought she did it on purpose.
"So what's your status now?"
"It's just how it is. Oh, and I won't be here tomorrow night. I have to go out."
"Where to? You're not spending a romantic evening with Mr. Blake, are you?"
"No, it's something else."
"Still say you're not dating!"
"It's definitely not that." Chloe paused, realizing that even though she didn't see Donovan often, she sometimes missed him, and while that might be caused by circumstances, like Donovan rescuing her from the center of a scandal, she still didn't feel like they were dating. Dating people had endless conversations, and they didn't – their time together was quiet.
"All right, stop pretending. I know the company doesn't allow office romances but don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Just remember to promote me to PR Director when you become the boss's wife," Sofia wished for nothing more than that.
Chloe remained silent.
The next day, Chloe, luggage in tow, climbed into Donovan's car.
His car was parked right at the front entrance of the apartment complex, and with people constantly coming and going, everyone saw her. Now, Chloe's secret was surely out.
After she got in, Donovan merely glanced at her, and the car started moving.
"Mr. Blake, why did you park your car by the apartment? Now everyone at the company will know," Chloe remarked, remembering previous agreements about keeping their liaison secret.
"Don't they already know?" Donovan replied, "Instead of letting ugly rumors spread, it's better they know now. This way, we avoid sneaking around later. And if your boyfriend ever finds out, I will compensate."
Chloe clenched at her clothes, frustrated by his obsession with money. "What if he doesn't want compensation?" Her voice had an edge to it, hinting at her unhappiness.
Donovan laughed mockingly. "Turn down money?"
She looked down, silent. AfterAfter all, money was her reason for marrying him.
There was no room for Chloe to argue. Donovan knew how to play his cards. Like that day of the health checkup when he purposefully drove up in the Mercedes, instantly silencing all her gossiping colleagues.
Donovan was ruthless.
"You're taking a day off with James Turner's permission. We'll come back on Monday," he commanded, seeing Chloe stay quiet.
"A day off?" The very thought irritated Chloe now, especially remembering James Turner's peculiar glances.
"Is that a problem?" Donovan tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at her.
"No, thank you, Mr. Blake," Chloe responded, swiftly pulling out her phone to message James Turner on WhatsApp.
"I need to take tomorrow off," she typed, anxiety seeping through her as she recalled James's displeasure at her previous leave, and now, on a busy Monday, she was planning to take another day—almost like shirking her duties.
"Okay, you can take the day off. I'll have someone cover your work. Talk to me when you get back if there's an issue," James replied, a change in tone that was so different from before it almost gave Chloe goosebumps. He must have caught wind of her affair with Donovan.
At Samuel's house, Chloe made sure to cheer him up as usual. He was in such high spirits, hardly appearing to be someone battling lung cancer. The evening came, and Chloe went to take a shower.
Her phone, left on the bed, began to chirp with incoming messages. Donovan, engrossed in his book, paid no attention at first.
But then, the phone buzzed incessantly, and annoyance crept into Donovan's expression as he glanced at it, spotting 15 new messages from someone named Brayden.
Donovan frowned.
Just then, Chloe emerged from the bathroom, drying her hair. "Did you meet up with your boyfriend yesterday?" he inquired.
"Boyfriend? No." Chloe had always been truthful about the length and terms of their arranged marriage, leaving no room for lies.
She contemplated whether to reveal the truth to Donovan.
Shortly thereafter, Chloe found herself pinned beneath Donovan as they went to bed.