Chapter 9

After the exchange, Andrew and Stephen escorted Helen to their table, right next to Chloe's.

Both guys were falling over themselves to dish up Helen's plate, their eyes practically glowing with adoration.

Melissa watched the whole thing, fuming so much she practically destroyed her steak, but Chloe was the picture of serenity. Melissa bit her tongue, maintaining her composure and staying silent.

The guys wrapped up dinner and took off soon after.

Chloe said her goodbyes to Melissa and headed home.

Andrew and Stephen did not come back that night, but Chloe did not mind. She was too busy getting her bags packed.

In the morning, the sound of footsteps told her Andrew and Stephen had finally arrived.

It was a moving day, after all.

However, what they did not know was that their new home, their future, would not include her.

The racket outside got louder, probably the sound of moving boxes, but Chloe ignored it all. Once she had her bags ready, her phone rang. It was Felicia.

Felicia's soft voice came through the moment Chloe answered.

"Chloe, when's your flight? We'll come to pick you up."

Chloe flicked through her phone to check her flight details and murmured, "Looks like I'll land around seven tonight."

Just then, the door swung open. She glanced over her shoulder to see Andrew and Stephen in the doorway.

Stephen asked offhandedly, "Who were you talking to?"

"Nobody."

She ended the call with a frosty tone that left Andrew and Stephen taken aback.

Ever since Helen had come into the picture, Chloe had been giving them the silent treatment.

Andrew had convinced himself there was no need to justify anything, but Chloe's recent aloofness kept nagging at him, stirring up a sense of panic he could not shake off.

Without thinking, he blurted out, "Chloe, Helen's situation is different. She's had it rough, growing up in a family that's barely scraping by. That's why I can't help but lend her a hand. There's nothing more to it."

Stephen added, "Exactly, we just feel bad for Helen. Plus, you were the one who introduced her to us, remember? Why would you be jealous?"

Chloe's face was a mask of serenity. "Why are you even telling me this?"

In perfect sync, they both insisted, "Because it matters to you!"

They had been inseparable since they were kids, so in tune with each other that they could read Chloe's thoughts with a single word, anticipate her needs with a simple gesture.

How could they not sense that she cared?

However, lately, it was like she was a stranger to them.

Chloe's gaze was indifferent and detached, as if she were looking at two strangers. "Why should I care? You said she's just a friend, right? I'm your friend too, so what's there for me to worry about?"

That left them speechless, scrambling for a response.

Andrew had been quiet for what felt like forever, but he finally broke the silence. "Chloe, you know I've never wanted just to be friends."

Stephen's face was a storm of emotions. "After all these years, Chloe, do you really see me as just a friend?"

Chloe knew exactly what they meant. They both had crushes on her and wanted to be more than friends.

However, if their idea of liking her meant ganging up with Helen to pick on her, she wanted none of it.

Chloe nodded. "Yes, we're going to be something else."

Just like that, they were not even friends anymore.

Something else like strangers.

Her words were loaded, and Andrew's heart pounded with a sudden unease. He was about to say something when the driver walked in, ready to help with Chloe's bags.

Chloe waved the driver off. "You guys go on, I'll handle my stuff."

Stephen was visibly annoyed. "You've got so much stuff. How will you manage? Come on, don't be mad. I'm sorry, okay?"

Chloe stood her ground. "I really don't need help. Go help Helen. She's all alone, a girl, all delicate and fragile, can't lift a finger without help. She needs you guys more."

Andrew caught the edge in her voice and frowned. Right on cue, Helen's call came through.

"Andrew, Stephen, can you guys help me out? It's all my fault, I'm such a klutz, I can't do anything right."

Her voice was a mix of self-pity and vulnerability, and it filled the room.

The guys exchanged a look, then glanced at Chloe, who was clearly not looking for their help. They made up their minds and left her to it.

Andrew ended the call and turned to Chloe. "Helen's in over her head, I've got to go lend a hand."

Stephen grabbed his car keys. "Count me in."

On the brink of departure, Andrew could not shake off his concern and looked back. "Chloe, I get that you're not up for a chat right now, but I've booked us a spot at a restaurant. Once we're done with the move, we'll grab a bite and I'll fill you in about Helen. I promise."

Chloe did not even get a chance to reply before he dashed out the door. She watched them go, a bitter smile flickering on her face.

An explanation? Later?

Too bad there was no 'later' for them.

After all the stunts Andrew and Stephen had pulled lately, Chloe doubted any explanation would cut it.

Her phone buzzed with a new taunt from Helen.

[Oops, looks like I've got Andrew and Stephen ditching you again. Guess it's the four of us from now on. Take good care of me, will you?]

Chloe's lips twisted into a wry smile as she tapped out her comeback.

[Nothing's more important than the three of you having a blast. Count me out.]

The second her message shot off, she blocked Helen on all fronts, followed by Andrew, and Stephen last.

She wiped them clean off her list, erasing them from her world for good.

Finally, she hoisted her suitcase, left the house brimming with memories behind, and walked away without a backward glance.