“No.”
He was silent for a moment, his fingers drumming on the polished desk.
“The company doesn’t interfere in its employees’ personal lives, but you’re a director, Chloe. You represent the company.”
He paused.
“There are rumors that Alex stood you up and you married a stranger out of spite.”
I bit my lip, saying nothing.
“I trust you’re not that reckless,” he continued, looking me in the eye. “But these rumors are bad for our image, especially with the Blue Sky Group account on the line. I need your assurance that your personal life will not affect your work.”
“I promise,” I said, meeting his gaze. “I will give the Blue Sky pitch everything I have. My personal life won’t be an issue.”
He nodded, his expression softening slightly.
“Good. You’re one of my best directors. I’d hate to see your career derailed by this.”
He picked up a file.
“That’s all. And Chloe… congratulations.”
Back at my desk, I took a deep breath and dove back into work. At 11:30, Leo’s text came through.
“I’m downstairs.”
I gathered my things and went down. His SUV was parked in its usual spot. I got in.
“Nervous?” he asked, starting the car.
“A little,” I admitted, fastening my seat belt.
“My mom’s a very kind person. Just a little chatty after being sick for so long,” he said, trying to ease the tension.
“Does she know the real story?”
“She knows it was a whirlwind romance. I told her I fell for you at first sight and had to chase you for a long time before you agreed.”
“Thanks,” I said, looking out the window.
The hospital wasn’t far. The scent of antiseptic filled the air. The hallways were quiet enough to hear our own footsteps. Leo stopped in front of a room, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.
“Mom, we’re here.”
A frail woman was propped up against pillows in the bed. Sickness had worn her down, but you could still see the elegance she once possessed. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.
“Hello,” I said, stepping forward and placing the bouquet of flowers I’d bought on the nightstand. “I’m Chloe.”
“Call me Mom,” she said, taking my hand.
Her grip was surprisingly firm. Her smile was warm.
“You two got married so fast, you didn’t even give me a chance to prepare.”
I glanced at Leo. He gave a slight nod.
“Mom,” I said softly.
“Yes, good girl. Come sit.”
She held on to my hand, looking me up and down.
“So beautiful. Even prettier than in the pictures.”
“Pictures?”
I looked at Leo, confused. He cleared his throat.
“I, uh, showed Mom a picture of you before.”
“Yes, yes. Leo showed me your picture ages ago,” his mom chirped. “Said you were a wonderful girl and he was going to marry you no matter what.”
She patted my hand.
“Now I can rest easy. Finally get to see my boy settle down.”
Her eyes grew misty.
“Mom, you need to focus on getting better,” Leo said gently.
“I know this sickness won’t get better,” she said, wiping her eyes. “My only wish was to see Leo find a home. Now that’s taken care of.”
She sighed.
“All that’s left is grandbabies.”
My heart skipped a beat. Leo smoothly interjected.
“Mom, Chloe has to get back to work this afternoon. We should probably go grab some lunch.”
“Oh, yes, of course. You two go on,” she said quickly. “Chloe, dear, come over for dinner this weekend. I’ll make you my specialty.”
“Okay. Thank you, Mom.”
As we left the room, we ran into the attending physician in the hallway.
“Dr. Evans, how’s she doing?” Leo asked.
Dr. Evans adjusted his glasses.
“Not great, I’m afraid. The cancer is spreading. I’d recommend starting another round of chemo as soon as possible.”
Leo’s expression hardened.
“What are the odds?”
