Forver Mine

Season 01, Chapter 04

Season 01, Chapter 04

After walking Mia to her door, I turn to head home. The night is cool, and the calm gives me goosebumps. The streets are silent, punctuated only by the occasional sound of a distant car.

As I walk, lost in thought, two older men suddenly emerge from the shadows and block my path. Before I can react, one of them grabs me by the collar while the other punches me hard in the stomach. The pain is intense and knocks the wind out of me.

Ethan: What the… why…

I don’t have time to finish my sentence before another punch lands on my face, knocking me to the ground. I try to defend myself, but they are too strong and too many. They pummel me without saying a word, their faces cold and determined.

The minutes stretch out, and I lie there, curled up to protect myself as best I can. Finally, they stop as suddenly as they started. One of the men looks at me with disdain before saying in a cold voice:

Man: This is to teach you not to meddle in other people’s business.

They walk away, leaving me lying in the street. Silence returns, heavy and oppressive. I lie there, the pain spreading through my body. My mind is clouded with confusion and anxiety. Why did they attack me? They didn’t search me or steal anything. It makes no sense. A thought creeps into my mind: “Is it because of Mia? But why?”

I struggle to get up, each movement eliciting a groan of pain. I make an effort to stand, leaning against a wall to keep from falling. I realize I’m close to Chloé’s place. So I push myself to go to her, seeking comfort and help.

The few steps to her apartment feel like an eternity, but I manage to make it. I finally reach her door and knock weakly. After a few seconds, the door opens, and Chloé appears with a book in hand, her eyes widening in surprise when she sees me in this state.

Chloé: Ethan! My God, what happened to you?

I try to respond, but the words fail me. I almost collapse into her arms, and she holds me up, helping me inside and onto the couch.

Chloé: Sit down, I’ll get something to treat you.

She quickly returns with a first aid kit and begins to clean my wounds with gentle, precise movements.

Chloé: Who did this to you?

Ethan: I… I don’t know. Two guys. They didn’t rob me, just beat me up. I think it might be connected to Mia.

Chloé: Mia? What happened with her?

I recount the evening, Mia’s threats about my IDs, the night at the bar, and the attack on the way back. Chloé listens attentively, her eyes hardening with each detail.

Chloé: That’s awful. You shouldn’t be alone tonight. Stay here, I’ll make you something to eat and you can rest.

I’m too exhausted to refuse. Chloé’s hospitality is a balm for my bruised body and spirit. While she prepares a simple meal, I let myself sink into the couch, trying to process what just happened.

Ethan: Thank you, Chloé. For everything.

Chloé: It’s alright, Ethan. No one deserves what happened to you.

Chloé finishes cooking and serves me a bowl of hot, comforting soup with pieces of chicken and vegetables. The steam rises gently from the bowl, and the aroma reminds me of how hungry I am despite the pain. I take a spoonful, ready to eat, but Chloé stops me gently.

Chloé: Wait, let me feed you. You don’t need to exert yourself.

She sits next to me and begins to feed me small spoonfuls, her movements gentle and caring. I remain calm, appreciating her attentiveness and the warmth of the soup.

After I finish eating, Chloé stands up and prepares a bath for me. She returns and helps me to my feet, guiding me to the bathroom. Taking the bath is difficult, each movement reminding me of the blows I received, but the hot water soothes my aching muscles.

Chloé: Take your time, Ethan. I’ll find some comfortable clothes for you.

After the bath, she gives me one of her sweaters and a pair of track pants. I dress carefully, appreciating the feel of clean clothes against my skin, like putting on new clothes. But in reality, I felt joy inside me from feeling Chloé’s scent on my skin. I return to the living room and lie down on the couch, feeling slightly better.

Ethan: Thank you, Chloé. For everything.

Chloé: It’s normal, Ethan. Get some rest now.

I fall asleep quickly on the couch, exhausted. Chloé settles on the couch opposite mine, keeping watch over me. Later in the night, I wake up and see her shifting uncomfortably in her sleep.

Ethan: Chloé? You can go sleep in your bed. You’ll be more comfortable. I’ll be fine here.

Chloé: No, Ethan. I can’t leave you alone here. I want to make sure you’re alright.

Ethan: (after a moment of thought) Then, come and sleep with me in the bed. You’ll be more comfortable, and I won’t be alone. I’ll be near you, and you can keep an eye on me. And I on you.

Chloé hesitates, her cheeks taking on a slight pink hue, with a hidden smile that shows.

Chloé: I can’t, Ethan. I sleep in light, transparent, and short clothes. I’m almost naked. I don’t wear a bra or panties. I like to sleep comfortably, lightly… It’s not right, out of respect for you.

Ethan: Chloé, you’ve been so attentive and caring with me tonight. I respect you, and I understand. But you need to take care of yourself too. And tomorrow, you shouldn’t go to work sleepy or with aches in your body.

Chloé: Alright, Ethan. But I’ll put on something more appropriate. You never cease to surprise me; even in your state, you always consider my comfort.

She disappears into her room and returns wearing more covering pajamas. She lies down next to me on the two-seater couch near the large windows overlooking the city, ensuring she leaves enough space between us. I feel her comforting presence beside me.

Ethan: Thank you, Chloé. Good night.

Chloé: Good night, Ethan.

The next morning, I wake up with my body still sore but my heart a bit lighter. As I open my eyes, I see Chloé asleep next to me, her features relaxed and peaceful. A smile forms on my lips. I try to get up discreetly from the couch, but the pain in my muscles makes me grimace, and the movement wakes Chloé. Our eyes meet, and she smiles at me with a tenderness that warms my heart.

Chloé: Good morning, sweetheart.

Ethan: Good morning, Chloé. How did you sleep?

She gets up at the same time as me, but instead of letting me go, she pulls me back down and starts covering me with soft, warm kisses. I laugh softly, enjoying this moment of tenderness despite the physical pain.

Chloé: You need to rest more, but first, I’ll get ready for work.

She goes to shower while I stay there, waiting as she asked. I hear the water running and the sensation of her tenderness continues to soothe me. After a while, Chloé returns, dressed and made up, ready for the day.

Chloé: Come on, I’ll take you home so you can change.

We leave her apartment and head to mine. Once we arrive, she accompanies me to my room and sits, waiting while I take a quick shower. I choose clean and comfortable clothes for work. Chloé looks at me with an encouraging smile when I return.

Chloé: Are you ready? Let’s go.

She drives me to the café, and as we enter, I immediately feel the curious gazes of my colleagues. They exchange knowing smiles and whispered jokes. Even Mr. Lim, my boss, doesn’t miss the arrival of Chloé at my side.

Mr. Lim: Ethan, you’re late.

Chloé: Please excuse him. And take care of him for me, he had a rough night.

Chloé gives me one last smile before heading to her work. I feel the insistent looks of my colleagues.

Lucas: So, did you sleep well at Miss Chloé’s? Last night, I stopped by to see if you were home, and you weren’t there.

Mr. Lim: Ethan, there’s an urgent delivery for you.

Ethan: Sorry, Lucas. We’ll talk about it tonight, okay?

Lucas: Okay, but I’m looking forward to hearing the details.

After my delivery, despite my sore body, I quickly return to the café to see what needs to be done next. I spend more than an hour serving customers, trying to stay focused despite the fatigue and persistent pain. Towards the end of this period, I receive an order from Miss Chloé. Without wasting time, I head to her office. Upon arrival, I find Lily, who seems troubled by an issue in an area I’m well-versed in thanks to my studies at the campus. With a little time and effort, I manage to help her solve her problem, visibly relieving her.

Lily: Thank you so much, Ethan. You really saved me.

Ethan: No problem, Lily. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate.

I then continue to Chloé’s office. I find her immersed in her files, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration. Upon seeing me, she looks up, and a smile softens her features.

Chloé: Ah, Ethan, you’re here. Please, have a seat.

Sure, here’s the translation:

I sit down, curious to know what she wants to share with me. She takes a deep breath before she starts speaking.

Chloé: I’d like to talk to you about Ryan, my husband. Ryan SATO is the CEO of the large company SATO Global Enterprise. He is very influential, I can’t hide that from you. You see.

She tells me about their meeting, how they got to know each other and got married. She talks about the charismatic and ambitious man he is, but also about the less glamorous aspects of their relationship.

Chloé: Our marriage hasn’t been easy. At the beginning, everything was fine, but over time, things changed. Ryan became distant, absorbed in his work, and… he started treating me differently, coldly and sometimes aggressively. I can’t continue like this. That’s why I want a divorce.

She pauses, searching for the right words.

Chloé: We had twin girls together, but nature or God, should I say, took one from us. The second one was at my mother’s for the holidays, but now she will continue her studies there. She is my priority, and I want what’s best for her. It’s a difficult decision, but I think it’s the best thing for both of us. And you, Ethan? What will you do after campus?

I talk to her about my dreams and what I want to become. I explain that what I’m doing on campus is a long-standing passion, something I’ve always wanted to pursue since childhood.

Ethan: I’ve always dreamed of working in this field. It’s something I’m deeply passionate about, and I see myself making a career out of it. I really hope to succeed and make a difference.

Chloé: That’s wonderful, Ethan. I truly believe in you and your potential. You have the determination and the heart to succeed, I have no doubt about it.

Her words comfort me and strengthen my determination to pursue my dreams despite the challenges.

To be continued…

Forever mine, author Saint Daniel.