Chapter 4 Icy Betrayal
681 Words
Chloe's demeanor hardened, her face forming an impenetrable shield of ice with each passing second.
Incredibly, Simon had devalued their wedding rings into mere trinkets for mindless flirts.
While she had teetered on the edge in the ICU, Simon had insisted on marriage, indifferent to her fate.
His once-revered gesture of buying the rings now felt nothing short of mockery.
Yet, Chloe had no time to wallow. She approached the payment counter briskly, eager to focus on her mother's tests.
As she waited, Simon appeared from the emergency room, his arm supporting another woman.
Gravely injured, the woman received immediate medical instructions for admission.
Coincidentally, Mark arrived to escort Chloe and accidentally collided with the woman.
"What in blazes, you doddering fool! Watch where you're going!"
Despite her pallor, the woman's voice cut through the air with venom.
Simon, having settled the payments, rushed to her side.
"What happened?"
The woman seized the chance to twist reality.
"He did it on purpose. You must rectify this!"
Upon seeing Mark, Simon froze momentarily.
"Simon, what brings you here? Chloe said you were tied up with work. Everything alright?"
Chloe, having just retrieved the medication, sprinted toward them upon seeing the ruckus, instinctively shielding her father.
She instantly recognized the woman. It was Mia Stone.
Last night's overheard call prompted her morning inquiries. Simon's recent escapades at nightclubs, where Mia was his favored chanteuse, were revealed.
Chloe, undistracted by trivial confrontations, urged her father.
"Dad, let's move. Mom's awaiting her tests."
Yet Mia persisted, blocking their retreat.
"No departure until justice is served!"
"He dared to assault me," she declared, directing her demand at Simon. "He needs to be put in his place!"
Chloe found the accusation absurd.
But to her astonishment, Simon obstructed her.
"Your father owes her an apology."
"Why? Merely on her word? My father's incapable of that!" Chloe retorted fiercely.
Mark quickly explained, "Simon, it's a misunderstanding. I brushed against her accidentally."
Simon remained unmoved.
"No apology, no exit."
Chloe's stare was icy.
"Explain your dedication to her."
Simon replied unflinchingly, his expression unreadable.
"We're friends. Mia's unwell, so I assisted her. Your father's at fault, Chloe. He must apologize."
Chloe's laughter was sharp and cutting.
"Just friends? Shall we consult the ER about your ‘friend's' ailment?"
Simon's color rose at the challenge.
"Why do you persist in this unreasonable defense of your father?
"I understand your suspicions, Chloe.
But with Mia, I maintain only friendship. I wouldn't stoop as low as your father!"
Chloe slapped Simon, words halted midstream by the sting of her hand.
"Speak of my father like that again, and it won't end here!"
Her voice wavered with unspent emotion, the first serious c***k in their marriage.
Mark interjected gently.
"Chloe didn't intend harm. Let's resolve this peacefully for everyone's sake. If it necessitates an apology, then so be it."
With dignity, Mark bowed slightly to Mia.
"I'm sorry for any distress caused. It was my," his voice faltered, hands twisting his clothes with tension, "my error in judgment. I apologize."
The sight of her father's humble submission roused an ache within Chloe's heart.
She clutched her father's arm.
"Why must you apologize to her? I'll have the security footage reviewed to clear your name and reveal her deception!"
Mia glanced at Simon with a satisfied smirk.
"Look, Simon, she's stubborn!
"She's indulged by you. Without correction, they'll disgrace the Grays in time.
"Make him kneel if you must!"
Despite Mia's demands, Chloe remained steadfast. Her father was still Simon's elder. He wouldn't tolerate such disrespect.
With resolve, Chloe set off to the security office to unveil the truth and confront Mia's lies.
She felt a sudden grip on her wrist. Simon's face dark, anger seething beneath the surface.
"You're not going anywhere."
Chloe's frustration spilled over in quiet defiance.
"My dad apologized. What more do you need? Are you scared of the truth the footage will show?"
Simon's reply was detached, frigid as the air between them.
"Mia's right. You've grown too headstrong under my shelter. I demand your father kneel and apologize."
- Writer
