Silence stretched between them for more than 30 seconds.
Only after Emma called her name again did Chloe slowly open her eyes.
She took a deep breath. When she spoke, her voice was calm and empty, devoid of emotion.
"I understand. Colton is still young. He needs a father, so Wesley can keep being his dad."
"You... really mean that?" Emma asked cautiously. "Chloe, are you angry?"
"No." Chloe shook her head. "But I do have one request, Grandma. Please tell Colton that I'm not his mother. From now on, he can call me Aunt Chloe."
"Well..." Emma hesitated before letting out a long sigh.
"Chloe, don't worry. I know how important the title of 'Mom' is to you. I'm not so old that I can't understand that. Wesley kept Colton from you for five years. That was terribly unfair."
Chloe had no de
