Chloe took a moment to center herself, then walked toward the wardrobe. She leaned in close to the heavy oak doors and whispered, her voice a soothing balm. "Liam Jr., it’s Chloe. I'm..."
Auntie? Mother? Stepmother?
The titles felt heavy and premature. She caught herself and pivoted. "Liam Jr., do you remember me? We met last night. I held you, remember?"
Silence.
"Liam Jr., I’m staying here tonight, but I don't know anyone else in this big house. Could you come out and keep me company?"
Still nothing.
Chloe didn't let the rejection sting. Instead, she adopted a tiny, pathetic tremble in her voice. "I just got here and I’m so lost. Your daddy was just being so mean to me. Sniff... Poor me! What am I going to do? Sob..."
Xavier: "..."
He watched her with an expression that bordered
