The chains of the past that bind us

Chapter 11: Chloe

Alessandria's POV:

It's nice to be back here and out of the hospital. I was worried that they were going to be walking on eggshells around me, but everything is back to normal. Even though Chloe is acting like a bodyguard around me, and not letting Cole or Liam overwhelm me. I am very lucky to be surrounded by people like her in my life.

"So, Alessandria how is your body feeling?" Chloe asks while picking up my right arm and inspecting it.

"I'm feeling a lot better thanks to you Chloe. Thank you for helping me out. Especially with those two over there." Chloe has put Liam and Cole in something like a time out period away from me. Even though i do know she is doing it for my wellbeing, I think that she's also doing it so have some time to Cole for herself.

"Of course. They know that if they bother you, I will kill them." She replies while glaring at the boys by the kitchen. I will admit Chloe reminds me a lot of what my mother used to be like. I don't like talking about her too much, but she cared for me a lot just like Chloe does. They are both kindhearted. I think that is why I was drawn to Chloe when I first met her.

"So, Chloe how is the wedding planning going?" I ask. I know that she has been aching to talk to someone about it. Even though she does have Klarissa, we all know that woman is like a brick wall. Its either her way or the highway and there is not an in between. There is Cole, but men do not understand what the big deal is about planning a wedding. That's why I am here to help her. Even though it was unexpected to hear that I'd be her maid of honor, I still want to support and help her in any way that I can.

"Oh yes right! So, Cole agreed to the colors so that is great! I have also made a reservation to look at the wedding venue next month on May 13th. Now all that needs to be done is catering, the flower arrangements, finding out the rest of my bridesmaids, guest list, bridesmaids dresses, wedding dress, and the list goes on!" Jesus, she says it like it is not a lot to do.

"Well let's focus on one thing at a time and we will figure the rest out as we go." She suddenly hugs me.

"For today, let's enjoy the last day here." As she nods and calls the boys over, we have a fun night of games and swimming in the pool. A few hours go by, and Chloe has fallen asleep on Cole's lap.

"Alessandria, do you mind if we talk for a second?" Liam asks while grabbing my hand. As i follow him outside, he quickly embraces me.

"W-What's with all the hugs I am receiving today?" I asked. He is so quiet today. I suppose that I did worry him as well. I was so focused on Chloe and Cole, that I almost forgot to acknowledge how Liam has been feeling about all of this.

"I know that I said this already, but I am really glad that you're alright. I really am sorry that I wasn't there for you." I pat his head gently.

"It's alright Liam. It isn't your fault for what happened to me." He kisses me and then embraces me once again.

"I promise you that I will not let anyone else to hurt you ever again." Liam is such an unexpected sweetheart.

"I'm not as fragile as you think Liam. It wasn't your fault for what happened to me either." I lean my head against his. "So please don't worry so much about me okay?" He kisses me once again.

"I really do love you." He chuckled. Sometimes I feel badly because I can tell that he loves me. I just can't be with anyone until I figure out my own feelings. I've always seen Liam as a good friend, but I've never thought of him more than that.

"I know, now it's getting breezy out here, so let's go back inside." I smile at him and grab his hand. When we walk back into the house, Cole glares at Liam.

"So you two decided to come back in huh? I guess Alessandria had to console the baby." Cole rolls his eyes.

"Be nice." I snap back.

"Who are you calling a baby?"

"There was only one other person out there with Alessandria. So you connect the dots dumbass." Then he lunges towards Cole, and I grab him by the back of his collar.

"W-Why are you stopping me!?! You heard what he just said to me." Liam turns his head to ask me.

"You both are being ridiculous so shut up and sit down!" I shout at both of them.

"Y-Yes ma'am..." They both mumble. Geez they are both like little kids. They are more alike than they realize. Then Chloe leans up from Cole's lap while rubbing her eyes.

"I'm guessing you slept well?" Cole asks.

"How did you know? W-Was I snoring!?!" She starts to freak out. Cole points down at his lap, and we all realize she was drooling. Her face turns beet red and she shoves a pillow in her face.

"I-I'm so sorry! That's so embarrassing! I can't believe I did that to you!" Cole grabs her hands and smiles at her.

"It's fine, I'm just glad you slept well." He reassures her. I almost forgot what a flirt Cole is. I mean it should've been obvious from how he treats me, but I always assumed he was just trying to get on my nerves. It's not like Cole actually loves me or wants me.

"Hey I have a question." Liam asks.

"What's your question?" I reply.

"It's actually a question for Chloe." A question for Chloe? I wonder what that could be. "You mentioned that you and Cole are engaged right?"

"Yes. What about it?"

"How does a nice girl like you attract such a devil? Did he manipulate you or something?" Liam asks.

"You idiot.." I mumbles then I step on his foot.

"f**k Alessandria! That s**t hurts! What did I do wrong?"

"You deserved it. That's not something that you just say like that!" I glare at him and then Chloe starts laughing.

"Okay now I'm really confused." Liam scratches his head. I mean I don't blame him for asking but seriously he shouldn't have asked like that.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to Chloe. He's just an idiot." I shake my head.

"A-Alessandria...don't call me an i***t!" He pleads with me while I cross my legs and turn away from him.

"That I also agree with. He's a major dumbass." Cole agrees. We both nod together, and Liam looks like he just got shot with an emotional arrow.

"How cruel..." He mumbles while Chloe laughs harder.

"What are you laughing at!?! Fine I just won't ask anything anymore." He pouts.

"No, no it's not that. It's just that I didn't know that you'd be interested to know how Cole and I met." She replies while wiping a tear from her eye.

"Well I'm more interested in how this asshole got such an angel like you." Then Chloe blushes slightly and then clears her throat.

"Stop accusing me of doing something so vulgar!" Cole shouts.

"Alright alright you two. I'll tell you, I just need both of you to calm down!" Chloe glares at both of them. Seriously I don't know who's scarier me or her. She really is like an identical copy of my mother.

*Flashback to 2 years ago"

Chloe's POV:

Today is the day I will be meeting my future husband! I've been looking forward to meeting my soulmate for as long as I can remember. I'm so nervous to finally be here! Even so, when my mother showed me a picture of this man, my heart immediately skipped a beat. I've never seen someone so charming.

Normally someone with so many tattoos on his arms would be seen as disgraceful, but I don't see it that way. It's like all of his tattoos tell a story about him. I absolutely love him. I think my mother only wants me to marry him to join our two families and companies.

You see my name is Chloe Vespertarian, and we are one of the wealthiest families around nowadays. Our company is about pushing out the latest news, and the spiciest secrets with our magazine, Heat Wave. My mother has always told me it's my duty to marry someone just as good as us, and to succeed the line. That's why I'm here today, but I can't wait to finally meet him.

The meeting was set up at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. When we arrive, we meet Klarissa at the beginning entrance, but I don't see her son with her.

"Good morning Mrs and Ms.Vespertarian, I'm so glad that you could make it. Please come in, we have rented out the garden center today, so there will be no one else but us here." She guides us inside of the building corridor.

"Chloe it's so nice to finally meet you. Your mother has told me a great deal about you. My name is Klarissa, but you can just call me mom!" Klarissa gives me a warm smile.

"Oh hello. I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Chloe Vespertarian. It's a pleasure to meet you." I give her a slight bow.

"You see my darling daughter is such a blessing and a delight to be around." My mother replies.

"So, I'm supposed to be meeting your son for this marriage agreement, but where is he?" I ask while looking around the room.

"Oh my son must be running late, he should be arriving soon." She replied. I'm kind of disappointed, I don't want to be rude, but the person I was really looking forward to seeing today was him.

"Well mother do you both mind if I look around the garden until he arrives?"

"Normally it'd be considered as rude to go anywhere, while waiting on your fiancé candidate." My mother glares at me. It's not like he's even here! What if he doesn't come?

"It's quite alright. It'll give me some time to call him and see where he is." Klarissa smiles at me again. She so sweet! I give her a big hug.

"Oh thank you so much! I'll be back soon!" I try to run out the door when my mother tugs at my arm.

"Ladies do not run Chloe."

"R-Right. Sorry mother." I walk out of the room and take a deep breath. I love my mother, but ever since my father has been sick in the hospital, she's been putting the weight of the company on herself. It's been hard because she has been more short tempered and cruel to me. I remember when we would just have fun and not have to worry about all these duties. I shake my head and slap my face with both of my hands. I shouldn't be thinking of this right now!

As I walk through the garden, I notice so many flowers in bloom. I'm not normally allowed to be out this long by myself. Since my father was in an accident, he's been in a coma, and my mother has been paranoid that something will happen to me. So, I'm not allowed to go outside without an escort most of the time, but since I'm at this marriage agreement meeting, I don't need one today.

The water looks so pretty, and I just want to dip my feet in for just a little bit. It's not like anyone else would catch me right? I quickly take off my heels and dip my toe in. The sun is so bright today, and it's so hot that the cool water feels so good on my feet. I pick up my dress slightly, and place both of my feet into the water.

Standing in the water and taking in the sun, it just feels so good, I almost forgot what I was here to do. My mind is so clear, and I feel so calm.

"Are you the girl I'm supposed to meeting for this marriage meeting?" That question startles me so much that I lose my balance, and this person catches me. Then we both fall into the flowers behind us.

"O-Oh my god! I'm so sorry! Are you al-" My words suddenly escape me, when I turn around and finally see his face. It's him. The guy I was supposed to meet today...is holding me in his arms! I quickly get up and extend my hand to him.

"I-I'm so sorry for making us fall like that! Are you alright?" He grabs my hand and gets up.

"I'm completely fine, I should be asking you that." He says while brushing the dirt off of his pants.

"S-So you're...the guy I'm supposed to be meeting today?" I just cannot seem to take my eyes off of him. His dark brown hair, hazel eyes that turn green when the sunlight hits them, and those delicious tattoos that he's hiding under his white button down shirt.

"Yes, my name is Cole Andrews, and you must be Chloe?"

"S-So you know my name?"

"Yes it was in the report when our mothers sent each other's information to us. Did you not read it?" He asks and I just feel so embarrassed. I was so wrapped around his looks, I didn't pay attention to anything else!

"R-Right! Of course I did! Well maybe...I missed it slightly." Suddenly he starts to laugh.

"T-That's not funny!" I glare at him.

"I just find you interesting that's all. You're different than what I imagined you to be."

"Oh yea, and what did you imagine me to be?" I ask and then he leans in closer. The suspension is killing me, is he going to kiss me!?! I close my eyes in anticipation for the kiss.

"A spoiled brat." That was like an arrow straight to the heart.

"I-I'm not a brat!"

"Hey isn't that what you normally see in the movies at these things?" He chuckles.

"W-Well I'm not a brat!" I pout and then he pats my head gently.

"I know you aren't now, and I find that very refreshing. I can say with certainty, it's very nice to meet you Chloe." His warm gentle smile is making my heart pound like crazy right now! "What were you doing out here anyways? Shouldn't you be inside with the thirsty mothers?"

"Nothing! I was just taking a walk!"

"In the pond?" He points down to my wet feet.

"I got caught..." I hang my head down low.

"So why did you stick your feet in the pond anyways?" Well I guess there's no use in trying to lie, especially since he's already caught me.

"Well it's so beautiful out here, but there it's also very hot, so well...I wanted to take a break."

"So you did that, by sticking your feet in the water? I'm sorry but I don't get it." He leans his head to the side in confusion.

"Try it."

"What if someone catches us?" He asked and I pick up my dress slightly.

"W-What are doing?" He shouts as I dip my feet back into the water.

"Come on. You were wondering how me being in the pond, counts as taking a break, so come find out. Unless you're scared?"

"Alright game on." He smirks while taking off his socks and shoes. He rolls up his black dress pants to his knees and dips his feet in.

"Now close your eyes and take a deep breath in."

"How is this supposed prove your p-" I interrupt him by shoving my hand over his mouth.

"No talking. Just be quiet and breathe." As silence takes over us, the breeze brushes past us, and I hear him take a deep breath. A few minutes of silence goes by, and then I open my eyes. "Now how do you feel?"

"Relaxed." He slightly opens my eyes and looks over at me.

"Well we should start to head back to our mothers before they come looking for us. I know your mother was wondering where you were earlier." Suddenly his smile fades, and his facial expression turns cold.

"She always has to keep tabs on me. It's not like I wanted to come here anyways." That comment was more like a knife. I was so happy to come here today, but I guess he wasn't excited. "Let's go." The quickly shakes the water off of his feet, and puts back on his socks and shoes.

"Right..." Then I shake the water off my feet and put my heels back on, as he rolls his dress pants back down. The silence between becomes so thick. I just don't know how to respond to his last comment.

When we brush past the flowers, I stop to look at the flowers. There are so many beautiful ones, I can't choose my favorite.

"Chloe? Is there something wrong?" He's asked while walking towards me.

"These flowers are so beautiful. This one is called a Flame Azalea. It is like an original Azalea, but it's a fiery red/orange color. Bumblebees are very much attracted to this flower. Oh and this one is called the bleeding heart. Do you know why?"

"Because it looks like a heart?" He asks. He's so unsure of his answer so I chuckle a bit.

"Yes Cole. It looks like a heart. The interesting thing is that their roots can help decrease sprains and bruises."

"Wow you know a lot about flowers."

"Well since my father's been in a coma, I've needed to put my focus towards something else. So I decided to study flowers such as these, but also to find my person." I turn to him and give him a gentle smile.

"Your person? Is that why you agreed to this marriage meeting?"

"Well...yea. Isn't that why you agreed to this?" Then he grows silent once again.

"Well no not exactly. It was more like I was forced." He scratches his head and avoids looking at me.

"Do you mind if I ask why you didn't want to come?"

"...I'd prefer not to talk about it too much, but I had to leave someone I cared about a lot to be here."

"A girl...?" He nods at me. I see that's why he didn't want to come. I guess he cared about her a lot.

"I don't want to force you to marry me but..." I hug him tightly. "I hope I'm not being too forward, but ever since I saw you, I wanted to be yours. Even if you don't love me the way I love you. Even if you're in love with someone else, I still want to be yours. Would you consider, trying to love me?"

"I don't want to promise you anything Chloe because you seem like a nice girl. I'm just not sure if I can fall in love with anyone else." Then I lean over and kiss him gently.

"Let me try." Then he smiles at me and grabs my hand.

"Alright I'll try. Now let's head back inside before our mothers freak out."

*End of Flashback*

Alessandria's POV:

"That's pretty much it." Chloe chuckled.

"That was somewhat romantic...very unexpected." Liam replied.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean!?!" Cole shouts.

"Alessandria are you alright? You've been very quiet over there." She asks. I cannot seem to give her an answer. I didn't know that Cole wasn't happy about the marriage with Chloe. I always thought he was excited to marry someone of his social status, and that he would be happy to take over his father's company full time.

"O-Oh yes I'm fine. I'm just a bit hungry that's all. Hey I heard about this place that has a five star restaurant and they also have a dance floor too. We should totally go!" Suddenly Chloe's eyes light up and she grabs my hands.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea! Let's go get ready!" Then she quickly drags me upstairs before I could say anything. I guess I got out of that conversation pretty quickly. I never expected Chloe to have been in love with him that much. That just makes me feel worse about what I've been doing behind her back. I have to stop this. I have to tell Cole tonight that we can't do that anymore.