Chapter 2
After sometime passed since Chloe Sterling received the news she had been waiting for.
She had graduated from school with first rank in her exams, and now an even bigger chapter of her life was about to begin.
College.
And not just any college.
Chloe had secured admission to Asclepius Royal College of Medicine, one of the most prestigious and renowned medical universities in the country.
She was overjoyed.
To celebrate her achievement, her mother had decided to throw a small party at their home. A few of Chloe's closest friends were invited—and, much to Chloe's excitement, Arthur Kingsley and his brothers, Julian and Alistair, were invited too.
The party was only two days away.
Which meant Chloe had a very serious problem.
She had absolutely nothing to wear.
At least, that's what she thought.
Standing in front of her enormous wardrobe, Chloe pulled out one dress after another, examining each with growing disappointment.
"I've already worn this so many times."
She tossed it onto the bed.
Then she picked up another.
"Too casual."
Another one.
"Way too fancy."
She grabbed a third and immediately shook her head.
"Uncomfortable."
One by one, dresses began piling up on her bed.
Chloe stared at the mess around her in disbelief.
"How is it possible to have an entire wardrobe and still have nothing to wear?"
She crossed her arms and sighed dramatically.
Then, after a moment of deep consideration, she came to the only reasonable conclusion.
"I need a new dress."
Without wasting another second, Chloe marched out of her room and headed downstairs.
"Mom!"
Her mother looked up from what she was doing.
"What happened?"
"Nothing happened," Chloe said, trying to sound completely serious. "I just need to buy a new dress."
Her mother raised an eyebrow.
"A new dress? Don't you already have enough?"
"Enough?" Chloe looked genuinely offended. "Mom, I have nothing to wear!"
Her mother glanced toward the staircase, as if she could somehow see the disaster Chloe had created upstairs.
Then she smiled.
"Fine. If you want a new dress, go shopping. But remember—don't buy unnecessary things."
Chloe immediately nodded.
"Of course!"
Her mother gave her a knowing look.
"Chloe..."
"Okay, okay. I'll try."
Her mother laughed softly.
Chloe rushed upstairs, changed into something comfortable, grabbed her bag and phone, and hurried back down.
"Love you, Mom! I'll be back soon!"
"Don't forget what I said!"
"I won't!"
And with that, Chloe stepped out of the house, completely unaware that this simple shopping trip was about to become the beginning of something she hadn't expected.
For Chloe, it was supposed to be just another ordinary day before her new life began.
But sometimes, the most ordinary days are the ones that change everything.
Chloe finally reached the mall with her friend, and the moment they stepped inside, her eyes widened.
"Wow!" she exclaimed, looking around excitedly. "There are so many beautiful dresses!"
Her friend looked at her and laughed.
"Hey! Why are you just standing there? We don't have all day. Come on, we don't have time to waste!"
"Okay, okay!" Chloe laughed and followed her.
They walked through several stores before finally entering one filled with beautiful dresses in every style imaginable.
Chloe's eyes immediately began searching through the racks.
"This one..." she murmured, pulling out a dress.
She held it against herself, looked at her friend, and grinned.
"I'm trying this one."
A few minutes later, Chloe stepped out of the trial room wearing the dress.
She turned around in front of the mirror and looked at herself.
"How do I look?"
Her friend looked her up and down thoughtfully.
"Hmm... I'll give it a seven out of ten."
"Seven?!" Chloe exclaimed. "Seriously?"
Her friend laughed.
"Okay, okay. Eight."
Chloe rolled her eyes and went back into the trial room.
One dress after another, she tried them on.
Each time she came out, she would strike a little pose and ask,
"Okay, how about this one?"
Her friend would carefully inspect the dress before giving her a rating.
"Eight."
"Six."
"Definitely a nine!"
Chloe laughed at her friend's brutally honest reviews.
She was about to try another dress when a woman's voice suddenly came from behind them.
"Wow! You look so beautiful and cute in that dress!"
Chloe turned around, slightly surprised.
"Really?"
The woman smiled warmly.
"Yes. It suits you so well."
Chloe looked at herself in the mirror again and smiled.
"Thank you so much!"
Then she noticed the woman looking through the dresses nearby.
"You came here to buy a new dress too?"
The woman nodded.
"Yes. I'm looking for something for myself."
Chloe's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Can I suggest one for you?"
The woman smiled.
"Of course. That would be wonderful."
Chloe immediately began looking through the dresses.
After a moment, she spotted one that she thought would be perfect.
"This one!"
She picked it up and handed it to the woman.
"Try this. I think it would look beautiful on you."
The woman looked at the dress and smiled.
"Well, if you say so."
She walked into the trial room.
A few minutes later, she stepped out.
Chloe's eyes widened.
"Wow!"
She smiled brightly.
"You look gorgeous!"
The woman looked at herself in the mirror, clearly pleased with the choice.
"Oh, thank you so much, dear."
Chloe smiled.
"You're welcome!"
For some reason, Chloe felt strangely happy. She had come to the mall simply to find a dress for her party, but somehow, she had ended up helping a complete stranger find hers too.
The woman looked at Chloe for a moment before smiling curiously.
"By the way, dear, what's your name?"
Chloe smiled.
"I'm Chloe Sterling."
The moment she heard the name, the woman's expression suddenly changed.
"Chloe Sterling?" she repeated, her eyes widening. "The daughter of the famous poet Mercer Sterling?"
Chloe nodded with a small smile.
"Yes."
The woman looked genuinely surprised.
"Oh my... I didn't realize!"
Before Chloe could say anything else, her friend called from a few steps away.
"Chloe! Come on! We have to go!"
"Coming!" Chloe replied.
She turned toward the woman.
"It was really nice meeting you."
"You too, dear."
Chloe and her friend headed toward the billing counter.
After checking out her dresses, Chloe noticed the woman from earlier approaching the same counter.
The manager scanned her purchases and handed her card back after trying it again.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. Your card has been declined."
The woman's smile disappeared.
"Oh..."
She looked embarrassed and slightly worried.
"Okay. It's fine. I'll come back another time."
She started gathering her things.
Chloe noticed her expression and immediately stepped forward.
"Are you here alone?"
The woman nodded.
"Yes."
Chloe looked at the dress she had helped her choose.
Then she smiled.
"I'll pay for it."
The woman immediately shook her head.
"No, dear. It's okay. You don't have to."
"It's my choice," Chloe said with a gentle smile. "Please, let me pay."
The woman hesitated.
"I'll send the money back to you. Just give me your number."
Chloe thought for a moment, then smiled.
"If you really want to give me the money back, then you can come to my home after two days."
The woman looked at her curiously.
"Why?"
"There's a small party at my home."
"A party?"
Chloe's face lit up.
"I got first rank in my exams, and I've also been admitted to Asclepius Royal College of Medicine for my further studies. It's one of the top medical universities, so my mom decided to arrange a small celebration."
The woman's face brightened immediately.
"Oh, congratulations, dear!"
"Thank you so much!" Chloe replied happily.
Chloe quickly took a small piece of paper from her bag and wrote down her address.
"Here. This is my address. You have to come to my party."
She handed the paper to her.
"And..." Chloe pointed toward the dress with a playful smile, "please wear this dress. Only for me."
The woman laughed softly.
"Alright, dear. I'll come."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Chloe smiled and waved goodbye before leaving the store with her friend.
---
After finishing the rest of her shopping, Chloe finally returned home.
She carried several shopping bags upstairs and placed them on her bed.
One by one, she took out her new dresses and carefully arranged them inside her wardrobe.
Then came the jewelry.
She stood in front of the mirror, holding different pieces against herself and imagining how everything would look together.
"Okay... this necklace with this dress."
She placed it aside.
"And these earrings..."
She picked up another pair and smiled.
"Perfect."
After nearly an hour of trying different combinations, Chloe finally stood back and looked at everything she had prepared for the party.
Her dress was ready.
Her jewelry was ready.
Everything was ready.
Or at least, she thought it was.
She had no idea that the woman she had met at the mall would soon become an unexpected part of her life.
Two days later, at the Kingsley residence...
Julian was standing in front of the mirror, fixing his hair for the last time.
"Bro, I'm ready."
Alistair walked out of his room, adjusting his jacket.
"Yeah, I'm ready too. But where's Arthur?"
Julian shrugged.
"I don't know. Let's check his room."
The two brothers walked down the hallway and knocked on Arthur's door.
"Arthur! What are you doing? We're getting late!"
"Come in."
They entered and found Arthur standing near his desk, carefully packing something into a small gift bag.
Alistair raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing?"
"Just packing a small gift for Chloe."
Alistair gave him a mischievous grin.
"Wait... I thought we're going to a birthday party?"
Arthur looked at him and smirked.
"Yes, I know. But we're going to her house for the first time. It'll look bad if we show up without a gift."
Julian nodded in agreement.
"He's right."
Alistair raised both hands.
"Okay, okay! I was just kidding."
Arthur finished packing the gift and picked up his keys.
"Let's go."
The three brothers headed downstairs.
Just as they were about to leave, their mother's voice came from behind them.
"Where are you three going, Kingsley brothers?"
They all turned around.
Julian proudly straightened his jacket.
"Your beloved Kingsley sons are going to a friend's party, Mom."
Their mother smiled.
"A friend's party?"
"Yes."
Alistair suddenly looked at her carefully.
"By the way, Mom... are you going somewhere too?"
Their mother was dressed rather elegantly that day.
She smiled mysteriously.
"I have to go somewhere."
The three brothers exchanged looks.
Then, almost simultaneously, they said,
"You look so pretty today!"
"Mom, are you going on a date with Dad?"
Their mother burst out laughing.
"Ha! Ha! Very funny."
Arthur crossed his arms, pretending to be serious.
"Mom, if you don't want to tell us, it's okay. We're not going to force you."
Julian nodded dramatically.
"Yes, Mom. It's completely fine."
Alistair added,
"You enjoy your... mysterious outing."
The three brothers started laughing.
Their mother shook her head, walked toward Arthur, and gently pinched his ear.
"Don't be so over-smart in front of your mother, young man."
"Aah! Mom!" Arthur complained, holding his ear. "It hurts!"
Julian and Alistair immediately took a few steps backward.
"Mom! We didn't make fun of you!" Julian said quickly.
"Yeah!" Alistair added. "Please don't pinch our ears. They're very delicate!"
"Please show some pity on us!"
Their mother laughed.
"Alright, alright. I'm already late, so I'll let you three go today."
She pointed at them playfully.
"But I'll catch you later."
With that, she walked away.
The moment she disappeared, Julian burst out laughing.
"Oh, my dear brother..." he teased. "Did it hurt that much?"
Arthur slowly turned toward him, still rubbing his ear.
"Do you want to find out?"
Julian's smile disappeared instantly.
"Ah—no! Absolutely not. I don't want to find out. Leave me alone!"
Alistair shook his head, laughing.
"Guys, we're already late. Can we go now?"
Julian and Arthur exchanged a glance.
"Fine," they said together.
The three brothers finally stepped outside and got into the car.
Arthur took the driver's seat, Julian sat beside him, and Alistair settled into the back.
As the car pulled away from the Kingsley residence, none of them knew that tonight's little celebration at the Sterling house was going to be far more memorable than they expected.
At Chloe's home, everything was ready for the party.
Chloe was making one final check when she suddenly remembered something.
"Mom!"
Her mother looked at her.
"What happened?"
"Mom, today I invited a lady I met at the mall."
Her mother looked confused.
"A lady? Who is she? What's her name?"
Chloe froze.
Her eyes widened.
"Oh my God..."
"What?"
"I forgot to ask her name!"
Her mother immediately facepalmed.
"Chloe! If she comes, ask her name first, dumbo!"
"Yeah, okay, Mom," Chloe said, laughing awkwardly.
She glanced at herself in the mirror.
"Okay, I'm going for a little touch-up."
Her mother nodded.
"Okay. Come back quickly."
"I will!"
Chloe hurried upstairs.
---
A little while later, all the guests had arrived.
The house was filled with laughter and conversation, but Chloe kept glancing toward the entrance.
She was waiting for one particular person.
Will she come?
Chloe looked toward the door again.
I think she will.
Then another thought crossed her mind.
But what if she doesn't come? What will I do?
She shook her head.
It's fine. She'll definitely come.
And just as she finished that thought, the front door opened.
A beautiful woman stepped into the hall.
Chloe's face immediately lit up.
"It's her!"
Without wasting a second, Chloe ran toward her excitedly.
"Hey! Congratulations again, dear!" the woman said warmly. "I wish you get everything you want and that all your dreams come true."
Chloe smiled brightly.
"Thank you so much for the wishes! And thank you for coming here for me."
She looked at the woman's dress.
"And you're wearing the dress!"
The woman smiled.
"I really liked it. You were right—it suits me."
"I'm so glad!" Chloe said.
Then Chloe suddenly remembered something.
"By the way..." she paused. "I forgot to ask you something that day."
The woman looked at her.
"What?"
"What's your name?"
Before the woman could answer, a familiar voice came from behind them.
"She's my mom."
Chloe turned around.
Arthur stood there with Julian and Alistair.
His mother also turned around.
"Arthur? What are you three doing here?"
Arthur smiled.
"She invited us, Mom."
Chloe stared at them in complete shock.
"What?!"
Arthur looked amused.
"Absolutely true."
Chloe looked between Arthur and the woman.
"Wait... you two know each other?"
Julian and Alistair exchanged surprised looks too.
"Yeah," Julian said. "We want to know that too."
Their mother smiled.
"She met me at the mall."
She pointed toward the dress she was wearing.
"She helped me choose this dress."
Chloe quickly corrected her.
"Actually, you complimented my dress first! That's how we started talking."
Arthur looked completely confused.
"But how did you get invited here, Mom?"
His mother explained everything.
"That day, my card was declined because I'd reached my card limit. Chloe offered to pay for my dress."
Arthur looked at Chloe.
"And then?"
"She told me that if I wanted to return the money, I had to come to her party."
Alistair suddenly nodded knowingly.
"Ohhh! Now I understand everything."
He grinned.
"So, Mom... you're not actually going on a date with Dad?"
His mother immediately reached over and pinched his ear.
"So you want another punishment?"
"Ouch! Okay, okay! Sorry!" Alistair said, quickly pulling away. "My tongue slipped!"
Julian burst out laughing.
Arthur shook his head.
"You both already know each other, but even so, let me introduce you properly."
He gestured toward his mother.
"She's my mom, Eleanor Kingsley."
Then he turned toward Chloe.
"And Mom, this is Chloe Sterling."
Eleanor smiled warmly.
"Don't be so formal with me, dear."
She looked around the room.
"By the way, where's your mother? I'd love to meet her."
"She's right over there. I'll take you to her."
Chloe gently took Eleanor toward her mother.
After introducing them, Chloe returned to the three Kingsley brothers.
She smiled awkwardly.
"I'm sorry. I really didn't know she was your mom. And I didn't even ask her name!"
Julian laughed.
"It's completely fine."
Then he smiled proudly.
"Besides, my mom is very sweet. Everyone loves her."
Chloe nodded immediately.
"You're one hundred percent right. She's so kind and lovely."
Arthur smiled at Chloe.
"Now that you've met my mom... don't you want to show us your house?"
"Why not?" Chloe smiled. "Follow me, guys."
She led the three brothers through the house, pointing out different rooms and telling them little things about the place along the way.
After a few minutes, they finally reached the hallway outside Chloe's room.
Suddenly, Chloe stopped.
"Oh! By the way, there's a gaming room too."
Julian's eyes immediately lit up.
"Really?!"
Chloe laughed.
"Yes. It was specially designed for my brother."
Alistair looked at Julian.
"A gaming room?"
Julian was already excited.
"Can we see it?"
"Of course!" Chloe said. "You can even play there if you want."
That was all they needed to hear.
Julian and Alistair immediately ran toward the gaming room.
"Wait for me!" Alistair shouted.
Chloe laughed as she watched them disappear down the hallway.
Then she turned around and noticed Arthur was still standing there.
"You don't want to go with them?"
Arthur casually shook his head.
"No."
Chloe raised an eyebrow.
"No?"
He looked at her.
"I kind of want to see your room."
Chloe froze.
"Wh...what?"
Arthur smiled slightly.
"Your room."
"But... why?"
"Why not?"
Chloe suddenly became awkward.
"There's nothing special to see."
Arthur shrugged.
"Still, I want to see it."
Chloe stared at him for a moment, unsure what to say.
Then she sighed.
"Fine."
She opened the door to her room.
"Come in."
Arthur stepped inside.
And the moment he entered, his eyes slowly moved around the room.
Chloe suddenly felt self-conscious.
She had no idea why.
It was just her room.
So why did having Arthur Kingsley standing inside it suddenly feel so strange?
Arthur entered Chloe's room and looked around.
"What do you think?" Chloe asked, watching his reaction.
"It's nice," he said.
Then he looked around once more and smiled slightly.
"Actually... really nice."
Chloe smiled. "I designed most of it myself."
Arthur's eyes wandered around the room. There was a shelf filled with books, photographs, little decorations, and a few trophies.
He walked toward it and picked up one of the trophies carefully.
"First rank?"
Chloe nodded. "Yeah."
"I knew you were smart," Arthur said, looking at her. "But I didn't know you were this serious about studying."
Chloe smiled proudly. "I'm going to become a doctor."
Arthur looked at her for a moment before giving a sincere smile.
"I don't doubt it."
His attention then shifted to a framed photograph on the shelf.
It was a childhood picture of Chloe.
Arthur picked it up carefully.
Chloe suddenly rushed toward him.
"That's nothing special!"
Arthur caught the frame before it could slip and looked at her, slightly surprised.
"Calm down. I'm not going to laugh. It's just your childhood photo."
Chloe nodded, but she still looked embarrassed.
"You don't have to see it. Give it to me."
She reached for the frame, but Arthur gently stopped her hand.
"I'm not going to see it."
Chloe became silent for a moment.
Her eyes slowly met Arthur's.
Oh God...
His eyes are so beautiful.
She couldn't look away.
They were deep, calm, and somehow impossible to ignore. Her gaze unintentionally drifted across his face.
Why is he looking so charming today?
Her heart suddenly began beating faster.
Chloe, what are you even thinking?!
Arthur tilted his head slightly, noticing her unusual silence.
"Why is your heartbeat beating so fast?"
Chloe immediately snapped back to reality.
"Huh?"
"Are you okay?"
Her cheeks warmed instantly.
"Y-Yes! I'm perfectly fine!"
Before Arthur could say anything else—
"CHLOE!"
Julian's excited voice echoed from the hallway.
Chloe turned toward the door.
Julian appeared with a huge grin on his face.
"YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!"
Alistair followed behind him, shaking his head.
"Julian, calm down."
"I can't! Arthur missed it!"
"You're acting like a five-year-old."
Chloe laughed.
"Come on. Let's go before Julian destroys everything."
"I would never!" Julian protested.
Alistair raised an eyebrow.
"He absolutely would."
Chloe laughed again as the four of them headed toward the gaming room.
Julian stood at the doorway, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Chloe, you have to come! We found something even better!"
Chloe raised an eyebrow. "You already saw the gaming room. What could possibly be better?"
Julian exchanged a look with Alistair.
"That's exactly why you need to come."
Alistair sighed. "Don't listen to him. He's been planning this for the last five minutes."
"Because I have an amazing idea!" Julian defended himself.
Chloe looked at Arthur.
Arthur simply shrugged. "You might as well see what he's planning."
"Fine," Chloe said, laughing. "Lead the way."
Julian immediately turned around and hurried down the hallway.
"Julian, don't run!" Chloe called after him.
"I'm not running!"
Alistair looked at Chloe.
"He is definitely running."
Chloe laughed and followed them.
When they reached the gaming room, Julian was already standing beside the large gaming setup with a mischievous smile.
"Okay, hear me out."
Alistair crossed his arms. "That sentence never ends well."
Julian ignored him.
"We should have a gaming competition tonight."
Chloe blinked. "Tonight?"
"Why not?" Julian grinned. "It's your party. And now that we've seen your gaming room, we can't just leave without using it."
Chloe looked at Arthur and Alistair.
Arthur smiled. "I'm in."
Alistair shook his head, but a small smile appeared on his face.
"Fine. But don't blame me when Julian starts making excuses after losing."
"Excuses?" Julian looked offended. "I don't lose."
Chloe laughed.
"Alright then. Let's see if you're actually as good as you claim."
Julian pointed at her dramatically.
"Challenge accepted."
Julian immediately took the controller.
"Alright, everyone. One rule—no cheating."
Alistair looked at him. "You're the one who needs that rule."
"Excuse me?"
Chloe laughed and picked up another controller.
"So, what's the game?"
Julian grinned. "A racing game."
Arthur leaned against the back of the sofa. "You sure you want to challenge us?"
Chloe glanced at him. "Why? Are you good?"
Arthur gave her a small smile.
"Good enough."
"That's a very confident answer."
"You'll find out."
Julian quickly started the game.
"Three... two... one!"
The race began.
Chloe concentrated on the screen, gripping the controller tightly.
"Come on, come on!"
Julian was laughing. "You're not catching me!"
"Don't celebrate too early," Alistair said.
Arthur remained unusually quiet.
A few seconds later, he smoothly overtook both Julian and Alistair.
Julian stared at the screen.
"WHAT?!"
Alistair laughed. "I told you not to celebrate early."
Chloe looked at Arthur in disbelief.
"You were hiding this?"
Arthur shrugged. "You never asked."
"Oh, now I definitely have to beat you."
Arthur looked at her.
"Try."
Chloe narrowed her eyes playfully.
"Challenge accepted."
The race continued, and this time Chloe wasn't paying attention to anyone else.
She was determined to win.
Julian leaned toward Alistair and whispered, "I think we accidentally started something."
Alistair smiled.
"Definitely."
The race became unexpectedly intense.
Chloe was only a few seconds behind Arthur.
"Come on!" she muttered, leaning closer to the screen.
Arthur glanced at her for a second. "You're getting better."
"Don't distract me."
"I'm not."
"You are!"
Julian burst out laughing. "She's actually taking this seriously!"
"Shut up, Julian!" Chloe and Arthur said at the same time.
Everyone went silent for a second.
Then Alistair started laughing.
"Okay... that was perfectly timed."
Chloe shook her head, trying not to laugh.
The final lap began.
Julian and Alistair were already far behind, arguing over who had caused them to lose.
Meanwhile, Chloe and Arthur were neck and neck.
"You're not winning," Arthur said calmly.
"Watch me."
Chloe made a sharp turn and moved ahead.
Arthur's eyes widened slightly.
"Oh."
Chloe smiled triumphantly.
"I told you."
A few seconds later, the finish line appeared.
Chloe crossed it first.
"YES!"
She jumped up from the sofa, raising her hands in victory.
"I WON!"
Julian stared at the screen.
"No way!"
Alistair laughed. "Looks like someone finally beat Arthur."
Arthur put down his controller and smiled.
"Well played."
Chloe looked at him proudly.
"So... who's the better player now?"
Arthur smiled.
"You are."
Chloe grinned.
"Finally, someone admits it."
Just then, Chloe's mother appeared at the doorway.
"There you all are! I've been looking everywhere for you."
Chloe turned around.
"Mom?"
Her mother smiled. "Everyone's waiting downstairs. The food is ready."
Julian immediately stood up.
"Food?"
Alistair laughed. "Of course. That's the only thing that can make you leave a gaming room."
Julian was already heading toward the door.
"Come on!"
Chloe laughed and followed them downstairs.
Arthur walked beside her, while Julian and Alistair hurried ahead.
As Chloe reached the stairs, she glanced at Arthur for a moment.
She quickly looked away when she realized he had noticed.
Why do I keep getting nervous around him?
She shook the thought away and followed everyone toward the party.
As Chloe reached the stairs, her heel suddenly slipped slightly.
"Careful."
Before she could lose her balance, Arthur quickly reached out and steadied her.
Chloe looked at him.
"You wear heels. Be careful."
Chloe gave him a small, confident smile.
"I have practice. You don't have to worry about me."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"Is that so?"
"Of course."
She turned back toward the stairs and started walking again.
One step.
Two steps.
Then she completely forgot about the next one.
Her foot missed the step, and before she could stumble, Arthur caught her hand and gently pulled her closer, steadying her.
"I know you have practice," he said, looking at her, "but you still have to be careful."
Chloe froze for a second.
She looked at their hands, then at him.
"Y-Yeah... I know."
She quickly cleared her throat and straightened herself.
"I'm fine."
Arthur released her hand.
Chloe took a breath and continued down the stairs, suddenly very interested in looking anywhere except at him.
Arthur followed a few steps behind, a small smirk appearing on his face.
What is happening to me?
Why is he always so kind and gentle with me?
Oh God... why am I getting embarrassed over every little thing?
Chloe shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away.
By the time she reached the ground floor, she was already busy greeting the guests and making sure everyone had what they needed.
Arthur watched her for a moment before Julian called him from across the room.
"Bro!"
Arthur turned.
Alistair was standing beside Julian, looking around the house curiously.
"What?" Arthur asked.
"I want to see the whole house," Alistair said. "But we only managed to reach the first floor because of Julian."
Julian looked offended.
"Why are you blaming me?"
"Because you dragged us straight to the gaming room."
"Because it was important!"
Arthur laughed.
"It's fine. You can see the rest next time."
"Next time?" Alistair repeated with a grin. "Deal."
He looked around again.
"Actually, I heard there's a room specially designed for Chloe."
Arthur's expression immediately changed.
He stared at Alistair.
"How do you know that?"
Alistair tried to hide his smile.
"Actually..."
He paused dramatically.
"I heard it from her friends."
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
"Her friends?"
"Yeah." Alistair shrugged. "They were talking casually, and I happened to hear them."
Arthur stared at him for a moment.
"You 'happened' to hear them?"
Alistair nodded innocently.
"I was listening carefully instead of getting bored."
Arthur couldn't hold back his laughter.
"You really are an interesting guy, Alistair."
Alistair immediately frowned.
"Why do you say it like that? You're making me shy."
Arthur laughed harder.
"It sounds like I'm talking to a girl."
"Exactly!"
Arthur shook his head, still laughing.
"I'm just giving you some training. When you finally get a girlfriend, you'll have to face this kind of teasing."
Alistair's face turned slightly embarrassed.
"Stop it, brother. It's not funny."
Arthur grinned.
"Your reaction makes it funnier."
"Arthur!"
Julian, who had been listening to them, burst out laughing.
"Now I definitely want to see Alistair with a girlfriend."
Alistair groaned.
"Why did I even mention the room?"
Alistair glanced toward Chloe, who was busy talking to one of her guests.
"Actually, now I'm even more curious about that room."
Julian immediately joined in.
"Same. If it's specially designed for Chloe, it must be something impressive."
Arthur looked between them.
"You two aren't seriously planning to sneak upstairs again, are you?"
Julian smiled innocently.
"Of course not."
Alistair nodded. "Definitely not."
Arthur stared at them.
"You're both terrible liars."
Before either of them could reply, Chloe walked over.
"What are you three talking about?"
Julian quickly shook his head.
"Nothing."
Chloe looked suspiciously at him.
"That 'nothing' sounded suspicious."
Alistair laughed.
"We were just talking about your house."
"Oh?" Chloe asked.
Alistair nodded. "I heard you have a room specially designed for you."
Chloe's eyes widened.
"You heard about that?"
"Your friends mentioned it."
Chloe laughed softly.
"Yes, I do have one. But it's nothing that exciting."
Julian looked at Arthur.
"See? She said it's not exciting. That means it definitely is."
Arthur shook his head.
"That's not what she said."
Chloe laughed.
"You guys are impossible."
Alistair smiled.
"Can we see it?"
Chloe looked toward the guests and then back at them.
"Maybe later. I still have to attend to everyone."
Julian sighed dramatically.
"Fine."
Chloe smiled.
"Don't worry. I'll show you."
Julian's face immediately brightened.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
He nodded proudly.
"Good. I'll remember that."
Arthur quietly watched Chloe as she turned back toward the guests.
She caught his gaze for a brief moment.
Their eyes met.
Chloe immediately looked away.
Arthur's lips curved into a faint smile.
Alistair noticed it.
He looked at Arthur, then at Chloe, and raised an eyebrow.
Arthur noticed.
"Don't."
Alistair grinned.
"I didn't say anything."
"You were about to."
"I swear, brother, you're getting very good at reading my mind."
Arthur gave him a warning look.
Alistair simply laughed.
"Okay, okay. I'll behave."
Julian looked between them.
"What are you two whispering about?"
"Nothing," Alistair said quickly.
Julian frowned.
"Why does everyone keep saying that today?"
After a while, Chloe finally finished greeting the guests and returned to the three brothers.
"Okay," she said. "I'm free now."
Julian immediately looked up.
"Does that mean...?"
Chloe laughed. "Yes. I'll show you the room."
Julian nearly jumped from his seat.
"Finally!"
Alistair shook his head. "You act like you've been waiting for hours."
"I have!"
Arthur laughed quietly.
"Come on, then."
They followed Chloe toward the staircase.
"This room is actually one of my favorite places in the house," Chloe explained as they walked. "My parents had it designed for me when I was younger."
"What exactly is inside?" Alistair asked.
"You'll see."
Julian leaned toward Arthur.
"Why does she sound so mysterious?"
Arthur smirked.
"Maybe because you're asking too many questions."
They reached the upper floor, and Chloe stopped in front of a door.
She turned around.
"Ready?"
Julian nodded immediately.
"Open it!"
Chloe rolled her eyes but smiled.
She opened the door.
The three brothers stepped inside.
For a moment, none of them said anything.
The room was unlike anything they had expected.
Almost everything was decorated in black and gold. A large bed sat against one wall, covered with an assortment of cute stuffed toys that somehow made the dark-themed room feel warmer. A tall bookshelf stood nearby, packed with books and novels of every kind.
In one corner was a huge study table with a beautiful lamp sitting neatly on top of it.
One entire wall was covered with family photographs, artwork, and little memories from Chloe's childhood.
There was even a large television facing a comfortable black chair.
Julian slowly turned in a circle.
"Whoa..."
Alistair looked around in disbelief.
"This is... actually amazing."
Arthur remained quiet, taking in every detail.
Julian suddenly pointed around the room.
"Hey, Chloe, why is this whole room black?"
Chloe smiled.
"Because I love black. It's my favorite color."
Alistair raised an eyebrow.
"But why black?"
Chloe looked at him as if the answer were obvious.
"Because black never gets stained."
Julian stared at her.
"That's your reason?"
Chloe shrugged.
"Yep."
Alistair laughed.
"Fair enough."
While Julian and Alistair became fascinated by the family photographs, Arthur's attention was drawn toward the bookshelf.
He walked over to it.
Slowly, his eyes moved across the rows of books.
Chloe noticed him standing there and walked over.
"What are you looking for?"
Arthur didn't answer immediately.
He continued examining the titles.
Then he glanced at her.
"If you really want to understand someone..." he said calmly, "don't just listen to what they say. Look at what they choose to read."
Chloe blinked.
"Oh. Is that actually a thing?"
Arthur gave a small smile.
"Yeah. It's human psychology."
"Interesting."
Arthur turned back toward the bookshelf.
He ran his fingers lightly along the spines until one particular book caught his attention.
His expression changed slightly.
He stared at it.
There was something about it that didn't seem to belong among the other books.
Arthur reached toward it.
"Wait—"
Chloe's eyes widened.
"Arthur!"
But he had already noticed the book.
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
"Look at that."
Chloe quickly reached for it, but Arthur was faster.
"I told you," he said, holding it just out of her reach. "I knew I'd find something interesting here."
Chloe's expression immediately changed.
"Give me that."
She reached for the book.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her sudden reaction.
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
"Then why are you so desperate to hide it?"
"Arthur."
He smiled.
"Okay, okay."
Before he could say anything else, Chloe quickly took the book from his hand, placed it exactly where it had been, shut the glass door of the shelf, and turned the lock.
Arthur stared at her.
Chloe grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward the door.
"Let's go. Enough."
Arthur glanced back at the bookshelf once more.
"You're acting suspicious."
"I'm not."
"You definitely are."
"Just come on!"
As they reached the doorway, Julian and Alistair looked over.
Alistair frowned.
"What happened?"
Julian looked between Chloe and Arthur.
"Yeah, why are you two suddenly leaving?"
Arthur casually shrugged.
"Nothing, guys. Let's just head back downstairs."
Chloe nodded quickly.
"Yes. Come on."
Julian narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Something definitely happened."
Alistair laughed.
"Whatever it was, I'm sure we'll find out eventually."
Chloe froze for half a second.
Then she forced a smile.
"Maybe."
Arthur noticed her reaction but said nothing.
He simply followed her out of the room.
Everyone eventually made their way downstairs and gathered around the dining table.
Chloe's mother smiled as she called everyone over.
"Come on, everyone. Have dinner first. You can continue talking afterward."
Chloe took her seat, but before she could reach for anything, she looked toward her mother.
"Mom, where's Dad?"
Her mother's expression softened.
"Dad's been busy for the past few days, dear. But he's very happy that you've achieved your dream."
Chloe gave a small smile.
"Hmm..."
The Kingsley brothers noticed the slight change in her expression but didn't say anything.
They quietly took their seats around the table.
Eleanor smiled warmly at Chloe's mother.
"Collette Sterling, let me properly introduce my sons."
She gestured toward Arthur.
"This is Arthur, my eldest."
Arthur gave a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Sterling."
Eleanor then pointed toward Alistair.
"This is Alistair, my second son."
Alistair nodded politely.
"Nice to meet you."
"And this," Eleanor said, pointing toward Julian, "is my youngest, Julian."
Julian smiled proudly.
"Nice to meet you."
Chloe looked at Alistair with slight curiosity.
"Wait... you're the middle one?"
Alistair nodded.
"Yep."
Chloe looked at Julian.
"I always thought Julian was the middle one."
Julian immediately looked offended.
"Am I looking old?"
For a second, everyone went quiet.
Then Arthur and Alistair burst out laughing.
Chloe quickly shook her head.
"No! That's not what I meant."
Julian folded his arms.
"Then what did you mean?"
Chloe thought for a moment.
"I just thought that because Alistair is so quiet and calm."
Alistair smiled.
Julian pointed at him.
"See? That's exactly why! It doesn't make any sense to make me older than him."
Chloe laughed.
"Okay, okay. Sorry."
Eleanor suddenly reached over and gently pinched Julian's ear.
"Julian, you have to learn how to talk to girls properly."
Julian winced.
"Mom! I'm sorry! I won't do it again."
Eleanor released his ear.
"Good."
Julian immediately grabbed his plate.
"Now please leave me alone and let me eat my dinner."
Arthur laughed.
"That was quick."
Julian glared at him.
"Don't start."
Alistair shook his head, trying not to laugh.
Chloe covered her smile with her hand.
For the first time that evening, the entire table felt completely relaxed.
Everyone eventually made their way downstairs and gathered around the dining table.
Chloe's mother smiled as she called everyone over.
"Come on, everyone. Have dinner first. You can continue talking afterward."
Chloe took her seat, but before she could reach for anything, she looked toward her mother.
"Mom, where's Dad?"
Her mother's expression softened.
"Dad's been busy for the past few days, dear. But he's very happy that you've achieved your dream."
Chloe gave a small smile.
"Hmm..."
The Kingsley brothers noticed the slight change in her expression but didn't say anything.
They quietly took their seats around the table.
Eleanor smiled warmly at Chloe's mother.
"Collette Sterling, let me properly introduce my sons."
She gestured toward Arthur.
"This is Arthur, my eldest."
Arthur gave a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Sterling."
Eleanor then pointed toward Alistair.
"This is Alistair, my second son."
Alistair nodded politely.
"Nice to meet you."
"And this," Eleanor said, pointing toward Julian, "is my youngest, Julian."
Julian smiled proudly.
"Nice to meet you."
Chloe looked at Alistair with slight curiosity.
"Wait... you're the middle one?"
Alistair nodded.
"Yep."
Chloe looked at Julian.
"I always thought Julian was the middle one."
Julian immediately looked offended.
"Am I looking old?"
For a second, everyone went quiet.
Then Arthur and Alistair burst out laughing.
Chloe quickly shook her head.
"No! That's not what I meant."
Julian folded his arms.
"Then what did you mean?"
Chloe thought for a moment.
"I just thought that because Alistair is so quiet and calm."
Alistair smiled.
Julian pointed at him.
"See? That's exactly why! It doesn't make any sense to make me older than him."
Chloe laughed.
"Okay, okay. Sorry."
Eleanor suddenly reached over and gently pinched Julian's ear.
"Julian, you have to learn how to talk to girls properly."
Julian winced.
"Mom! I'm sorry! I won't do it again."
Eleanor released his ear.
"Good."
Julian immediately grabbed his plate.
"Now please leave me alone and let me eat my dinner."
Arthur laughed.
"That was quick."
Julian glared at him.
"Don't start."
Alistair shook his head, trying not to laugh.
Chloe covered her smile with her hand.
For the first time that evening, the entire table felt completely relaxed.
With all the laughter, teasing, and chaos, dinner eventually came to an end.
Everyone moved toward the living room, still chatting and joking around.
After a moment, Collette looked at Eleanor.
"Eleanor, why don't you and the boys stay here tonight? It's already late. You can go home tomorrow morning."
Eleanor smiled politely.
"That's very kind of you, Collette, but I don't want to bother you any more."
Arthur nodded.
"I agree with Mom. We've already taken up enough of your time."
Before Eleanor could say anything else, Alistair quietly moved closer to her and whispered something into her ear.
Eleanor's eyebrows lifted slightly.
Collette looked at him curiously.
"What did he say?"
Eleanor smiled.
"He said we don't have to worry about bothering you anymore."
Collette laughed.
"Of course not. You're our guests."
Eleanor thought for a moment before finally nodding.
"Alright, then. Fine. We'll stay and leave tomorrow morning."
Arthur looked at his mother in surprise.
"Mom?!"
Julian immediately jumped up.
"YES!"
Everyone turned toward him.
"Now we're going to make a proper night-out plan!"
Chloe laughed.
"Of course."
Soon, everyone settled into the hall. Some were busy chatting while others were scrolling through their phones.
Arthur suddenly looked at Alistair suspiciously.
"What did you say to Mom?"
Alistair looked completely innocent.
"Nothing."
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
"Alistair."
Alistair leaned closer and whispered,
"I just told her that you wanted to stay here, but you were too hesitant to say it yourself."
Arthur's eyes widened.
"You—"
Before he could finish, Alistair suddenly stood up and ran.
Arthur immediately got up.
"Today, I'm going to kill you, Alistair!"
"Catch me first!"
Alistair sprinted toward the garden.
Arthur ran after him.
Chloe and Julian looked at each other in confusion.
"What just happened?" Chloe asked.
"I have absolutely no idea," Julian replied.
They quickly followed them outside.
"What's the matter, guys?" Chloe and Julian asked together.
Alistair pointed toward Arthur.
"Chloe, stop him!"
Chloe hurried toward Arthur and caught his hand.
"Hey! Stop it!"
Arthur stopped.
Chloe looked from Arthur to Alistair.
"Can someone please tell me what is happening here?"
Arthur crossed his arms.
"Nothing."
He walked over to one of the garden chairs and sat down.
Julian looked at Alistair.
"What is the matter?"
Alistair smiled.
"I'll tell you later."
Julian groaned.
"Oh God. No more waiting, please."
Before anyone could say anything else, Chloe's phone rang.
"Excuse me."
She stepped aside and answered the call.
After a short conversation, she ended it and turned back toward them.
"Okay, now you have time to see your rooms for tonight. Mom is calling you."
Julian's eyes immediately lit up.
"Finally!"
He and Alistair hurried toward the house.
Chloe laughed and watched them disappear inside.
Arthur, however, remained seated in the garden chair.
Chloe walked toward him.
She was about to say something when Arthur spoke first.
"Are you happy that we're staying here?"
Chloe smiled.
"Of course."
Arthur looked at her with a faint, almost teasing smirk.
"Oh. So that's the reason."
Chloe tilted her head.
"What reason?"
"You wanted us to stay."
Chloe smiled.
"Yes. I really do."
Arthur looked at her, waiting.
"Really?"
"Really."
She sat down nearby.
"You all have done so much for me. And..." She paused, searching for the right words. "I like spending time with you guys."
Arthur's expression softened.
Chloe looked down at her hands.
"People think I'm very dedicated and intelligent. And maybe I am. But..."
She gave a small, almost embarrassed smile.
"I don't really have anyone who makes me laugh the way you guys do."
Arthur stayed quiet, listening.
"I have lots of friends," Chloe continued, "but sometimes I feel like I'm just an option to them. I had a best friend once. We were really close, but we had a fight. Then she moved abroad, and eventually... we lost contact."
Her voice became quieter.
"I lost her."
Arthur's expression changed, but he didn't interrupt.
Chloe took a slow breath.
"And I love my dad. I really do. He's always been there for me in his own way. But he's busy most of the time. I understand that he has a lot of work, but..." She smiled sadly. "I still wish I could spend more time with him."
She looked toward the house, where she could hear Julian and Alistair laughing.
"Then I met you three."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"You're funny, caring, kind... and somehow, you make everything feel easy."
She looked at Arthur.
"I've never really had people around whom I could talk so freely."
There was a short silence.
"So I just focused everything on my studies. It was easier that way."
Arthur looked at her for a moment.
Then he said quietly,
"Chloe, you don't have to earn people's place in your life by being perfect."
She looked at him.
"You can just be yourself."
Chloe didn't answer immediately.
For once, she didn't know what to say.
Arthur gave her a small smile.
"And for the record... you're not an option here."
Chloe's eyes softened.
"Thank you."
From inside the house, Julian's voice suddenly echoed through the open door.
"CHLOE! ALISTAIR STOLE MY ROOM!"
Alistair shouted back,
"I DID NOT!"
Chloe burst out laughing.
Arthur shook his head.
"And there goes the peaceful moment."
Chloe stood up, still laughing.
"Come on."
Arthur suddenly pulled Chloe a little closer by her hand and stopped beside the table.
He looked at her mischievously.
"Now I want to know... why do you have that book in your shelf?"
Chloe's face immediately turned red.
"I... I bought it by mistake."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded quickly.
"Yes."
"Okay, then. I'll take it to my home tomorrow."
Chloe's eyes widened.
"But I—"
She stopped herself.
"I mean... I want to read it first. I've bought it, so I should at least read it completely."
Arthur looked at her with an amused expression.
"I see."
Chloe quickly added, "I mean, I don't like wasting money."
Arthur gave a small smile and pulled her a little closer.
"You are too innocent for it."
Chloe looked at him and said,
"I don't want to show anyone that I'm not innocent."
Arthur looked at her for a moment.
"But I already realized it."
Chloe immediately pushed him lightly.
"I want to go."
Arthur smiled.
"You're not strong enough to push me."
He stepped aside and added teasingly,
"Be stronger first, then try again."
He then turned around and started walking toward the house.
Chloe stood there for a moment, watching him leave.
Oh my God... what's happening to me?
Why is my heartbeat running like a roller coaster?
She became irritated with herself and muttered,
"Why does he have to be this handsome?"
When Chloe reached the room, she could already hear laughter coming from inside.
She opened the door.
Before she could even step inside—
POOF!
A pillow flew straight into her face.
"Whoa!"
For a second, Chloe just stood there in shock.
Then the Kingsley brothers burst out laughing.
Chloe slowly removed the pillow from her face.
"Who threw that?!"
Arthur pointed innocently toward the pillow.
"I think that pillow liked you a little too much."
Chloe stared at him for a second.
Then, without saying a word, she threw the pillow straight back at Arthur.
THUD!
It hit him right in the face.
Chloe burst out laughing.
Julian and Alistair immediately joined her.
Arthur pulled the pillow away from his face and stared at all three of them.
"You guys changed sides now?"
Julian laughed. "It wasn't a side. It was revenge!"
Arthur grabbed another pillow.
"Alright, then. It's your turn."
Julian's smile disappeared.
"Wait—"
Arthur threw the pillow.
"RUN!"
The room instantly turned into chaos again.
The pillow fight had barely started when the door suddenly opened.
Eleanor stepped inside.
Before she could even ask what was happening, another pillow came flying toward her.
POOF!
It hit her directly in the face.
Everyone froze.
Eleanor slowly lowered the pillow from her face and looked at the boys.
"I'm not going to spare you now."
She grabbed another pillow and joined the fight.
Within seconds, the room was filled with laughter, flying pillows, and complete chaos.
After a while, everyone finally got tired and collapsed onto their seats.
Chloe looked around, still laughing.
"Ohh... that was an amazing fight!"
Eleanor smiled.
"The last time we had a fight like this was when your father was getting angry at these boys and giving them a long lecture."
Julian suddenly burst out laughing.
"Yes! I remember that!"
He looked at his brothers.
"Mom, you hit Dad with a pillow and said, 'You're so mean! If you have the guts, then fight with me!'"
Alistair started laughing too.
"Yeah, I remember that!"
Arthur, Julian, and Alistair all started laughing.
Chloe looked at Eleanor in surprise.
"Really, aunty?"
Eleanor laughed.
"Yes, of course!"
She shook her head.
"Even after twenty years of marriage, your uncle and I still fight like little kids sometimes."
Arthur immediately added,
"Mom, that's actually true."
Eleanor gave him a sharp look.
Arthur raised his hands innocently.
"Mom, whether you agree with it or not, it's true. You have to accept it."
"Shut up, Arthur."
Julian and Alistair immediately nodded.
"We agree with our brother."
Eleanor rolled her eyes while the three brothers laughed.
Chloe smiled as she watched Eleanor and the brothers laughing together.
"That's so cute," she said. "I want my married life to be like this too."
Arthur turned his head toward her.
"Ohh... really?"
Chloe nodded confidently.
"Yes. I'm not joking."
Arthur's lips curved into a small, mischievous smile.
"Okay... I'll note that."
Chloe looked at him suspiciously.
"What?"
"Nothing."
He looked away, but the little smile on his face didn't disappear.
Chloe narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
"I'm not."
"You are."
Arthur glanced at her again.
"Maybe I just liked what you said."
Chloe suddenly became quiet.
Her cheeks warmed.
Why did that sound different when he said it?
She quickly looked away.
"I was just talking about a happy married life."
"I know."
Arthur's voice was calm, but there was still that teasing smile in his eyes.
"And I was just listening."
Chloe didn't know what to say, so she picked up a pillow and threw it lightly at him.
"Stop teasing me."
Arthur caught the pillow easily.
"Who said I was teasing?"
"Your face did."
Julian immediately looked between them.
"Wait... why does this suddenly feel interesting?"
Alistair laughed.
"Don't get involved."
Eleanor shook her head, smiling at the three boys.
"You all never grow up."
Arthur looked at Chloe once more.
"Some things are worth remembering."
Chloe raised an eyebrow.
"Like what?"
Arthur simply smiled.
"That you want a marriage full of laughter."
Chloe stared at him for a second.
Then she smiled softly.
"Maybe."
Arthur's smile grew slightly.
"Good to know."
Suddenly, the sound of a car came from outside.
Chloe froze.
Is that Dad?
Without thinking twice, she rushed downstairs toward the garage.
Eleanor looked at her in confusion.
"What happened?"
But before Chloe could answer, Arthur immediately followed her.
They reached the garage.
"Dad?" Chloe called out. "Are you here?"
Arthur arrived a few seconds later, slightly out of breath.
"Why are you rushing like that?"
Before Chloe could answer—
THUD!
The garage shutter suddenly came down.
Chloe's eyes widened.
She immediately ran toward it and started hitting the shutter.
"Open it! We're inside!"
Arthur quickly caught her hand.
"Hey, calm down. Why are you panicking?"
Chloe looked at him, her eyes filling with tears.
"I... I want to meet my dad."
Her voice broke.
Arthur slowly released her hand.
"Hey... you'll meet your dad soon. Don't worry."
Chloe wiped her tears, but they kept falling.
"He always does this to me..."
Arthur looked at her quietly.
"I also want to make demands like everyone else does. I want to tell my dad, 'I want this,' or 'I want that.' But..."
Her voice trembled.
"I never got that chance."
She couldn't hold herself together anymore and started crying harder.
Arthur stepped closer and hugged her tightly.
"Hey, hey... don't cry."
Chloe tried to calm herself down.
Arthur gently said,
"You look like a little kid crying because someone took away her favorite toy."
Chloe immediately looked up at him.
"I'm not a kid."
Arthur smiled slightly.
"That's exactly what I'm trying to tell you. Now you finally caught it, okay?"
Chloe sniffed and wiped her face.
Arthur gently wiped away the remaining tears from her cheeks.
"Hey, I'm tired too. Please make a call and tell someone to open this. I really want to sleep."
Chloe suddenly looked at him.
"I don't have my phone."
Arthur stared at her.
"Dammit! Now what are we supposed to do?"
Chloe thought for a moment.
"Let's knock on the shutter with all our strength. Someone will definitely hear us and open it."
Arthur nodded.
"Good idea."
They both turned toward the shutter.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
They began knocking on it as loudly as they could.
"HELP!"
"IS ANYONE THERE?"
"OPEN THE SHUTTER!"
Their voices echoed through the garage as they continued calling for help.
After some time, Arthur finally stopped knocking and leaned against the wall.
"I'm so tired now. I don't have any energy left. We've been knocking for so long."
Chloe looked toward him.
"There is an attached bedroom here. If you want, you can go and sleep there."
Arthur looked at her.
"And you?"
Chloe shook her head.
"I'm going to stay here and keep trying. Maybe someone will hear my voice."
Arthur frowned slightly.
"You're still not giving up?"
Chloe shook her head.
"No. I want someone to hear us."
Arthur looked at her for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay. But don't exhaust yourself."
Chloe gave him a small smile.
"I won't."
She turned back toward the shutter and called out again.
"HELP! IS ANYONE THERE?"
Her voice echoed through the garage.
And then....
Continue in part 2 of this chapter
