Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe’s Pov I caught Alistair’s gaze as he casually shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. Glancing over at my mother, I couldn’t help but mirror his grin. Anxious thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered how she might react upon learning about my background. I couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether she would embrace me or regard me with the same disdain as the rest of Alistair's family. Would she too label me a pauper and chastise Alistair for the supposed error of welcoming me into the family? "You're even more beautiful in person," she complimented, and I felt my cheeks flush as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. It was evident that someone had briefed her about me, and I had a strong suspicion that it was Alistair. The thought that he found me beautiful sent a thrill through me. "Thank you," I managed to say once I found my voice, gently pulling away from the embrace and tucking a few strands of hair behind my ears. "You look great as well," I complimented, earning a
Chloe:The sun hung high in the sky, casting its bright light over the city below. I had a hood pulled over my head as I walked out of the house, carefully kicking the house keys under the doormat. They jingled softly before falling silent again.Outside, the world was blanketed in white, as snowflakes had taken over the city, even coating the trees. I trudged through the thick snow, and once I reached the road, I let out a sigh. Despite my warm boots, the cold still managed to seep into my bones.My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the caller ID, letting out another sigh. It was my boss from work, probably calling to inform me that I was fired for being late. But honestly, who cared at this point? I had already sent him a text saying I wouldn't be available today. My mom was sick, and I was going to visit her. In a few weeks, she would be undergoing surgery, and that weighed heavily on my mind as I furrowed my brow, flagging down a cab."Where to, miss?" the cab driver asked, offering
The frosty air penetrated deep into my bones as I instinctively rubbed my arms, desperately seeking even the faintest hint of warmth. Digging into my purse, I retrieved a lip balm, my lifeline against the biting cold.I was never one to embrace heavy makeup. In fact, I prided myself on a natural look. If you had to label me, I was the "all-natural" type. However, today was an exception. I realized that, in order to make this work, I needed to step up my game. As a result, my makeup consisted of just mascara, an eye pencil, and a light dusting of foundation on my face.I had heeded Kate's advice and visited the boutique to update my wardrobe. There was no way I was going to attend the party looking like my fashion inspiration came from a five-year-old. My brown hair was neatly pulled back into a bun, with a few strands allowed to frame either side of my face."Here," Kate said, capturing my attention as she handed me a black mask. "Put this on."I accepted the mask from her with a deli
Just who did he think he was? I pondered, finding it increasingly difficult to swallow the realization that I was on the verge of falling for him. All I needed now was to locate Kate and make a hasty exit. I had had enough. Navigating through the crowd, I eventually spotted Kate. She giggled at something her admirer had whispered, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ears. As much as I longed to leave, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t want to spoil her evening. A vibration from my phone broke my concentration. Retrieving it from my purse, I noticed a missed call with my boss’s name displayed on the caller ID. I knew he would likely try calling again, but I also understood that I wouldn’t be able to answer it. “Hi, gorgeous,” a deep voice purred from behind me. When I turned to face the source of the voice, I felt a wave of disgust wash over me as his eyes roamed over my body, accompanied by a lecherous smirk on his lips. “Let go of me!” I demanded, forcefully pulling
ALISTAIR:A smirk played on my lips as her cheeks reddened with embarrassment. Even though she couldn't bring herself to admit it, I sensed a hint of relief in her. As I wrapped the coat around her, I gently released my hold on her waist, but she remained still.I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her unexpected reaction. I had anticipated a punch coming my way, but it never came. Instead, her gaze bore into mine, as if trying to peer into my soul. Initially, she appeared lost, but suddenly, anger replaced her confusion, and before I could react...*Slap!*A sharp sting coursed through me from the impact of her slap. As I looked at her, all I could think was how remarkably bold and audacious she was. It wasn't annoyance that I felt; on the contrary, I was intrigued and fascinated. Throughout my life, I had been treated like royalty, and almost everyone had feared me, doing everything to stay on my good side. Yet, this stranger was an exception."What was that for?" I complained, but s