Chapter 49: Ben's Best Birthday

Chloe appears cautious as she steps inside, scanning her environment. I spot my dad taking a look around the apartment and my mom still cooking in the kitchen.

When my dad finds Chloe by the door, he silently inquires about her with a jerk of his head in her direction.

“She is Chloe, Denzel’s sister.” My dad’s face turns sour, but he doesn’t express his thoughts about her.

I turn to Chloe. “Ben is not here at the moment, but he’ll be back soon with Denzel when it’s time to cut the cake.”

She nods silently. Something about her mood and actions just doesn’t sit right with me. She appears really perplexed for some reason.

“Would you like to hide the gift?” I point at the gift box in her hand.

It’s like my words jerk her awake from her thoughts and she clumsily hands over the gift. After setting it along with others, I pay heed to Chloe.

“Is everything okay with you?” She seems to have been living in a daze ever since she came into the apartment.

Her fingers fidget with the hem of her to