Chapter 09 The Turning Point
657 Words
With all the force she could muster, the slap against Chloe's cheek resonated with a sharp c***k, leaving behind a vivid red mark that throbbed with pain.
Clutching her face, Chloe stared at Simon, shock and betrayal etched in every contour of her expression.
"My mother's life is in danger. And you still defend her?" she demanded, her voice a blend of anger and despair.
Simon's voice rose to a thunderous pitch, "Enough of this madness! How is your mother's illness Mia's fault? I've had enough of you and your insane family!
"On my way here, Mia told me everything. Your mother shamelessly approached her, spouting crazed accusations. Has she lost her mind? If there's a problem, she should come to me.
"Chloe, I know I haven't been there for you. You're upset, but dragging Mia into this mess is just unfair."
As his last words hung in the air, the light above the operating room blinked off. Only half an hour had passed since Mary was wheeled inside.
A sense of dread washed over Chloe, immobilizing her, while Simon maintained his indifferent facade.
"Drop the pretense. I wasn't born yesterday. Your mother can't possibly die."
Mia, on the other hand, appeared slightly uneasy. Clutching her abdomen, she shot Simon a feeble glance.
"Simon, the pain is back. I need to see the doctor."
His face filled with concern, Simon supported her, never once looking back.
They had barely left when a fatigued doctor emerged from the operating room, a solemn shake of his head directed at Chloe.
Following him, a nurse pushed Mary's lifeless body on a gurney.
Chloe's world shattered. As if watching a horror film in slow motion, she staggered forward, collapsing onto her mother's still form before emitting a primal wail.
"Mom!"
But Mary's lips remained forever sealed.
The night descended, smothering the hospital in Chloe's aching sorrow.
At Mary's funeral, Chloe was a silent sentinel. Alone, clutching her mother's ashes, she retreated into memory.
Images of her mother's loving smiles and tender moments replayed vividly, tears flowing anew.
Her phone buzzed abruptly. A reminder notification, exactly 15 days had passed.
She owed Simon nothing more.
Summoning a cab, Chloe returned to the house she shared with Simon. Her entry startled him.
"What are you doing here?"
As Simon spoke, Mia sauntered out of the bedroom, wearing Chloe's nightgown as if it were her own.
"Welcome back! A heads-up would've been nice. If you plan to stay, the guest room's all yours."
Simon scolded Mia, "Go back to bed! Who told you to come out?"
Chloe watched the scene, her gaze icy, her silence profound.
She turned to the closet and methodically packed her belongings.
Assuming it was a mere tantrum, Simon muttered defensively.
"Mia's still recovering from the hospital. She'll stay a few days. Let's not make it a big deal."
With a bitter humorless smile, Chloe noted Simon's obliviousness to her mother's death, unmoved by his lame excuses.
Noticing Chloe continued to pack, Simon's brow furrowed.
"Still going on about it? About to storm off to guilt-trip me?"
Chloe sidestepped his jab, offering a simple fib.
"You got it wrong. I just want to visit my parents for a few days."
His irritation tempered into a softer tone.
"Probably a good idea. You'll stop bothering Mia."
From the bedroom, Mia's voice punctured the air, "This nightgown's so tight, it's hurting me. Could you loosen it?"
A blush crept over Simon's face. He turned sheepishly to Chloe.
"Mia doesn't think things through. I'll go help."
With that, Simon disappeared into the bedroom.
Watching him vanish, Chloe found a laugh bubbling up unexpectedly.
Once her packing was complete, she placed a "Divorce Agreement" on the table and left without a word.
Mia's theatrically exaggerated cries rang out intermittently, loud, artificial, unmistakably for Chloe's benefit.
Without a glance back, Chloe strode through the villa's door.
"Simon, from now on, we owe each other nothing."
- Writer
