Chapter 10
1333 Words
Riley was taken aback by the sudden gesture, but she couldn’t help smiling.
“Hi, Chloe. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“Thank you for coming.” The nanny who was sitting next to Chloe on the table spoke. “I’m Aria. Nice to meet you.”
Riley shook the nanny’s hand and then sat down at the tea table.
“This is my friend, Britney. I hope it’s okay that she’s here.”
Chloe looked up at Britney, who waved awkwardly.
“Of course, she can stay,” Chloe said, taking a seat. “I was so excited to see you. You were very brave that day. Everyone says so.”
“Yeah, well, I just did what needed to be done. You know, it was the right thing to do.”
“Yes. And that’s why I wanted to give you something. You were very kind to me and my daddy.”
She stood up from the table and walked over to a shelf where she took down a stuffed toy and a drawing.
“These are for you. I made it myself.”
“You’re so sweet.” Riley took the drawing and stuffed toy, smiling. “Thank you.”
Chloe giggled, a blush coloring her cheeks. “Do you want some tea?”
Riley grinned. “Sure.”
“Yay!”
Aria poured tea into three cups and handed one to Riley, and then one to Britney.
“So, how are you feeling?”
“Better,” Chloe said, her lips pouting. “My arm hurts a little, but the doctor said it’s normal and will go away soon. Daddy told me if I’m a good girl and do as he says, he will buy me a pony.”
“Wow, that sounds awesome.” Riley grinned, thinking she was being sarcastic, but apparently, the girl was serious.
“I know. Isn’t he the best daddy ever?”
Riley smiled. “Yes, he is.”
“Anyway, thank you for coming,” Chloe said. “I’m glad you could make it. I hope you enjoy the tea.”
“Me too,” Riley said, lifting the cup to her lips.
“What’s that?” Britney suddenly asked, pointing to a painting hanging on the wall.
“That’s me,” Chloe said proudly.
Riley looked up at the painting and saw a picture of a small girl holding hands with a tall man and a beautiful woman. They were standing next to each other, smiling.
“Wow. You look just like your mom,” Britney said.
Chloe nodded. “Yes. Daddy says so too. But I hope when I grow up, I look like Daddy more. He’s more handsome, don’t you think?”
Riley and Britney laughed.
“I’m sure you’ll look like both of them,” Aria said.
“Really?”
“Yes. I’m sure you’ll have your mom’s face and your dad’s eyes.”
“I hope so,” Chloe said, her cheeks pink with excitement.
They finished their tea, and Chloe showed Riley and Britney around the manor. They talked about different topics, like school, hobbies, and favorite colors. It was nice, and Riley could almost forget why she was here in the first place. Almost.
The visit didn’t last long. They stayed for less than an hour, and then it was time to go. Chloe had her piano classes and she never missed them.
Chloe was sad when the time to leave came closer, and so was Riley. She had enjoyed talking with the little girl and playing with her. She wished they could have spent more time together.
“You’re going to visit me again, aren’t you?” Chloe asked, hugging Riley’s waist tightly, and looking up at her with adorable puppy eyes.
“Of course,” Riley promised, returning the hug.
Though she wondered why she was lying to the little girl. There was no way she was coming to this place ever again. It was a one-time thing. Sebastian Harrison only wanted to make his daughter happy. And now that Chloe was happy and had got what she might have made his life hell for, he wouldn’t want to do anything with her. Their verbal contract was done and over with.
“Thank you, Ms Collins.” Aria said as she stood behind Chloe, a gentle smile on her face. “You’ve made Chloe really happy.”
“Thanks.” Riley shrugged. “It’s no problem.”
“I mean it.” Aria stepped closer, lowering her voice. “This is the first time Chloe has opened up to anyone outside the family. I think she really likes you. She wouldn’t stop talking about you. If there’s anything you want, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m sure Mr Harrison would be happy to help.”
“That’s nice of you,” Riley said, feeling uncomfortable. “But really, there’s no need. I’m happy if Chloe’s happy.”
Aria nodded. “If you say so. But remember, if you need anything, just ask.”
“Okay.” Riley gave her a small smile. “Thanks.”
Aria stepped back, and Riley turned to Chloe. “I’ll see you later, Chloe. Have fun at school.”
“Bye, Riley. Bye, Britney.”
Riley ruffled the little girl’s hair, and they both headed toward the exit.
As they were walking down the hallway, Britney looked disappointed. “That was short.”
“It was supposed to be,” Riley replied. “It’s not a social call.”
“Yeah, but I thought we could have chatted a little more. Maybe hang out a little longer until Mr Harrison returns. He made a deal with us and now he’s nowhere to be seen.”
“You know it’s a lost cause, Brit.” Riley sighed, feeling exhausted and ready to go home and take a nap. “He has no reason to meet us. He’s a busy man, and we’re just nobodies. You expected too much from him.”
“I didn’t,” Britney said defensively. “But he should at least show his face and make an appearance. We made his darling daughter happy, didn’t we? He should be grateful.”
“It’s not our job to teach him how to act,” Riley said, rolling her eyes.
“It should be,” Britney argued.
Riley sighed, too tired to argue anymore. “Whatever. Let’s just get out of here. We did what he wanted us to do, and now we can forget this ever happened. It’s best for all of us.”
Britney frowned, but she didn’t say anything.
Once they reached their car, Mrs Green once again appeared in the driveway and offered them a ride, which they politely declined. Riley thanked her and got into the car, followed by Britney.
However, Britney barely started the car when five sleek black cars drove into the property and parked right in front of them.
Riley looked out the window and saw four men dressed in suits getting out of the lead car and heading toward the house.
“What the hell…?”
“Hey, aren’t those bodyguards?” Britney asked, leaning closer to the window. “Look, there’s a woman inside the car. I think I have seen her somewhere.”
Riley looked out the window and saw a familiar face getting out of the third car, dressed in a pantsuit and sunglasses. She was none other than Jane Robinson, the Mayor. She looked so different from up close, so much more pretty.
Riley watched the mayor as she approached the entrance and stopped as if waiting for someone.
After a few seconds of wait, another man stepped out of the same car Mayor Robinson came from.
He was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. He was wearing a black suit and tie, and looked very professional.
Riley could not mistake him for anyone else.
He was Sebastian Harrison.
- Writer
