Ch. 411..415: Divorced My Scum Husband, Married His Evil brother Chapter 411-415

Chapter 411

"Mommy will be alright if it's with Uncle," Chloe assured her daughter. She got up without waiting for Mackie's reaction because she had to face Vernon.

But she asked Diamond, "Please take care of her for a while. I'm going to talk with him."

"Okay," Diamond held Mackie's hand while Chloe turned around and closed the door behind her.

Mackie was still stunned by her Mommy's words. Mommy always said she was alright, but she never said she was alright WITH Daddy.

'With… Uncle?' she pondered. 'So she's not alright with Daddy?'

**

Chloe took a deep breath before she approached Vernon. She hid her hands behind her back and walked slowly until she stood two feet away from him.

"V—Vernon…"

"Sit down," Vernon said, nodding his head on the sofa.

Chloe followed his order as she didn't want to argue with him, especially knowing he was trying so hard to curb his anger.

Vernon took a few steps until he stood tall in front of Chloe, who sat on the sofa.

Then he suddenly dropped to his knees and put his palms on Chloe's lap before opening them, "Your hands."

…

"Your palms, Chloe."

Chloe sighed. There was no fighting back against Vernon this time. It was too late for her to hide her wounds since Vernon already saw it when he slammed that door open.

Thus, Chloe slowly raised her hands behind her back and put them on top of Vernon's palms on her lap.

Vernon sucked a deep breath and tried to stay calm. But Chloe could clearly see Vernon's whole body was trembling out of rage, and his palms were shaking so badly that he was definitely fighting his urge to find Vincent.

"I'm alright-"

"Shut up, Chloe. Don't you dare to fucking lie to me right now," Vernon said as he cut her short.

He gently pressed Chloe's swollen hand with his thumb and looked up to check Chloe's reaction.

Then he realized that Chloe wasn't responsive- as if she was numb when he pressed on one finger joint but also showed extreme pain when he pressed on the next joint.

"He crushed your palms," Vernon said. He spoke calmly, but his tightened jaw, popped veins around his neck, and vicious glare said otherwise.

"I'll tell Diamond to bring you to the hospital, you will not move until you're treated," Vernon said.

"And what about you? What will you do next?" Chloe asked as she quickly caught on to Vernon's intention.

…

Vernon went silent for a while and replied, "I'll find him."

"Don't."

"Why not? Are you scared that I can't fight him?! Oh for fuck sake, Chloe, I can crush his head in one try if I want!"

"I know you can…." Chloe muttered. She lowered her head and tried placing her thumb on Vernon's. She gently caressed Vernon's thumb while talking. "But you'll get in jail for that, and I don't want to lose you."

"Vernon…" Chloe called his name gently. "Do you know why Vincent got so angry at me?"

Chloe raised her head and stared at Vernon again, and she saw him nodding, "Because he's a piece of shit that I need to kill."

Chloe couldn't help but smile over his reply, "Well… that's not wrong- until the killing part, at least. But the reason why he got so angry at me was because I refused to tell him your identity."

"You called me and he knew it must be the man who took me in. He intimidated me and threatened to give your identity, but I refused and smashed my phone to the floor until the screen shattered beyond saving."

Vernon's anger dissipated for a split second but returned with another feeling mixed in it.

He felt guilty when he realized that he was the reason why Chloe got beaten so badly by his Big brother.

Chloe saw the trace of guilt in Vernon's eyes and quickly explained, "It's not your fault, Vernon. He will still pry about the information nonetheless."

"You could've just told him about me…." Vernon muttered. "I will fight back…."

"No, you can't- at least not right now," Chloe retorted. "We both know that Vincent still has the upper hand. He is above the law."

…

Vernon lowered his head ashamedly. He was trying his best to speed up the process. He had a meeting this morning with another businessman that had worked directly with Vincent over the years. It went well as he slowly took over many important circles around Vincent. Apparently, Mr. Gray had become a bit unstable with work and made plenty of rookie mistakes when they were working on a few projects these days.

But even when he tried to speed things up, Chloe was still getting beaten. She got hurt because she wanted to protect him.

And Vernon absolutely hated this feeling of uselessness. It gave him a flashback of what Chloe said back then and how he was a useless, good-for-nothing kid.

He tried hard not to be useless, at least for the woman he loved.

Chloe could read Vernon like an open book as she also noticed the sadness. He must've been devastated after knowing that he indirectly caused her to get hurt.

So she raised her trembling hands and gently cupped Vernon's cheeks. She raised Vernon's head until they stared at each other and smiled reassuringly, "Vernon, do you know why I don't want to tell him about your identity?"

Vernon shook his head slowly.

"Because I trust you."

"Trust me?"

"Mhm, I trust that you will eventually take him down. I refused to give in so I can give you more time to prepare to fight against him in business."

"I trust your ability, you are much better than him. You can grow your own business without the help of anyone, and for me, it's already proof that you're better than him."

"So, if you want to retaliate, do it with what you can do best- make him realize that you can topple him in the corporate race," Chloe said. She took another deep breath and muttered, "I believe in you, Vernon."

Chapter 412

"I believe in you, Vernon," Chloe's voice was gentle like a feather tickling Vernon's heart. After realizing that Vernon started to loosen up, she added, "I know you're angry, but you need to understand that I don't want to lose you."

Vernon was stunned the moment Chloe said that sentence. He closed his eyes, trying to hide the pain in his eyes. But Chloe read him like an open book, so he thought there was no hiding it.

"It's not fair," Vernon muttered, his voice was a little dry, and he was holding his tears. "Why are you saying that when I'm about to kill someone."

"Now I can't get angry anymore. I don't want to lose you either...."

Chloe chuckled. Despite the pain she was enduring right now, her heart felt no fear.

Even after facing the monstrous man who abused her for ten years straight, her heart was filled with courage and warmth. This was the first time she fought against her nightmare, and it felt damn good.

Well, damn risky too, but nothing beat that feeling of relief when you realized that you weren't as hopeless as you thought.

Vernon gently covered Chloe's hand with his and pressed it deeper on his cheeks to feel the warmth.

But then he saw Chloe wince for a split second, trying to hide her pain.

His gaze darkened when he remembered how bad the bruise on Chloe's hands was, so he quickly released her hands and said, "You're going to the hospital now."

...

"Chloe, seriously-"

"I know," Chloe sighed. "But you must come with me. I don't want you to find Vincent when I'm not around."

Vernon sighed defeatedly. Chloe truly read him like an open book.

"Fine, but you must follow all the medical procedures. I won't let you get hurt much more than this," Vernon turned around and crouched with his strong back facing Chloe. He opened his palms on his back, ready for a piggyback. "Let's go."

...

Chloe was bewildered by Vernon's action, "Why are you-"

"I'm going to carry you to the car, let's go," Vernon said.

"I can walk on my own. My feet are alright...."

"No chance, just hop on my back and let's go, we can't wait much longer for your wounds," Vernon insisted.

Chloe hesitated for a second, but seeing how stubborn Vernon was, she decided to give in and climbed Vernon's back. She circled her arm around his neck, and Vernon supported her by propping her inner thighs.

Her boobs pressed on Vernon's strong back, and Chloe tried to push herself a bit to make it less awkward.

"No-no, keep your head close to my shoulder, you might fall," Vernon said, though his voice trembled a little.

Because both of them knew that Vernon just wanted that feeling of having Chloe's boobs pressed against his back.

"Um... excuse me then..."

"Hup!" Vernon stood straight and walked to the door. He commented, "You should eat more. You're so thin, I could barely feel you back there."

"I--I'm trying...." Chloe mumbled shyly.

Vernon opened the door and saw Mackie with Diamond sitting on the sofa.

Mackie sprung up from the sofa and rushed towards Uncle, who carried Mommy, "Mommy! Are you okay up there?"

"Y--Yes, I'm okay...." Chloe was embarrassed to be discovered by her daughter in this position, but Vernon didn't seem to mind, and even Mackie and Diamond didn't have a big reaction.

As if looking at her being carried by Vernon was a natural thing.

"Diamond, we will use your car to go to the hospital," Vernon ordered since Diamond's car was the only one with four seats.

"Sure, Boss," Diamond grabbed her car key and went to the elevator to open It.

Vernon looked down at his niece. He was apologetic for showing such a scary glare at Mackie, "Sorry for showing you the scary me. Don't worry, your Mommy calmed me down."

"Um! It's okay, Uncle!" Mackie said. "Mommy said that she is alright with you, that means you won't beat her, right?"

"Never, I will never hurt her," Vernon said, it was more like a promise to Mackie, and the little girl was assured.

"Okay then!"

"The elevator, Sir," Diamond said.

Thus, four of them went down to the basement with Diamond as the driver, went to the hospital, and went straight to the ER.

Vernon made a scene by demanding the Doctor immediately. He also made a ruckus by insisting on staying with Chloe while she was being examined.

The Doctor gave Chloe's hands a quick glance and shook his head, "We need to run x-ray scan. It's obviously much more than just a swollen hand."

He also noticed bruises here and there and silently glanced at Chloe and Vernon simultaneously.

"It's not him," Chloe said.

The Doctor released a relieved breath, "At least it's not a domestic abuse case."

"It is," Vernon corrected. "But not by me. I'm here for her."

The Doctor felt there was much more story than meets the eye, but he didn't have the right to question that. He just brought Chloe to a special room for an x-ray scan, and after a moment, he returned with the result.

"This is bad," Doctor said. "Miss-"

"Carlson, Mrs. Carlson," Chloe said, not wanting to use the Gray surname anymore, at least not from that bastard.

"Okay, Mrs. Carlson, from the scan, your left hand is somewhat alright. It's badly swollen, but there is no dislocation or fracture in your finger bones."

"But your right hand; three of your finger joints are dislocated, and there are a few fractures in the bone," The Doctor explained. "Your left hand can be dipped in ice water and I'll also give you a few medicines for that. But your right hand needs to be put in a cast, should be for about three to six weeks."

Chloe's eyes widened, "T--Three to six weeks? Can it heal faster, Doctor?"

"With this kind of damage, three weeks to heal is already a miracle."

"But... I have work to do...." Chloe imagined all the house chores, cooking, laundry, and Mackie. She couldn't leave all that alone for three weeks.

"No you don't," Vernon suddenly interrupted. "Just put the cast, Doctor. I'll be the one taking care of her while she heals."

 

Chapter 413 Chloe darted her eyes towards Vernon instantly and shook her head.

She found it unnecessary for a busy man like Vernon to take care of an unassuming woman by doing the chores and stuff, but Vernon didn't allow her to speak any of her rejection. Instead, he discussed with the Doctor about what to do to make her hands heal faster.

Thus, Chloe could only lower her head as she felt guilty for making Vernon take care of her.

**

It took almost half a day until Chloe came out of the ER with her right hand covered in a cast. Vernon asked her if she wanted to be carried again, but she vehemently refused. She was already embarrassed when everyone was looking at her being carried like a baby.

Mackie jumped from the chair and approached her Mommy. She looked so worried when she saw her Mommy's right hand, "Mommy, does it hurt so much?"

Chloe smiled at Mackie, "A little, but Mommy is alright now."

Vernon scoffed. He wanted to refute that. The Doctor said that Chloe must have extreme pain tolerance because her swelling should've been so painful.

Mackie should've realized how much her mother endured the pain after her father beat the shit out of her.

But before he could say a thing, Chloe quickly elbowed his hip, giving him a sharp glance to make sure that Vernon didn't say anything to Mackie.

So he zipped his mouth, he sighed and grumpily walked faster towards Diamond's car.

"Go drive them home, Diamond," Vernon ordered. "I'll take an Uber to the office." He shifted his gaze at Chloe and added, "Don't worry about yours and Mackie's stuff. I'll bring them home in the evening. Your car will stay in the office since you won't need it for a while."

"But Mackie-"

"Me or Diamond will be the one driving her to school," Vernon said decisively, giving no space for Chloe to deny his plans.

Chloe sighed and muttered thank you before she entered Diamond's car with Mackie and closed the door.

Vernon gave Diamond a stern look as she passed him, "Diamond-"

"Yes, Boss?"

"Keep them safe until I finish today's work. You don't need to accompany me for the rest of the day."

"Sure thing, Boss," Diamond smiled. "So anxious and for what? Don't worry, I'll keep your future wife safe."

"You—!"

Diamond ignored her boss and went inside her car. She drove off, letting Vernon eat dust while cursing at her.

**

Chloe and Mackie sat in the backseat while Diamond drove in the front. The situation was a little awkward for Chloe, especially since her daughter kept asking dangerous questions.

"Mommy, did Daddy hit you that hard?"

"Mommy, why are you not crying? It looks so painful…."

"Mommy, why did you say that getting hit by Daddy is not painful back then? I got hurt by my bullies before I fought them back, but still, getting bruises is painful!"

Chloe chewed her lower lip, ignoring her daughter's difficult questions. She looked straight, and her eyes connected with Diamond via the rearview mirror.

Diamond sighed when she saw how Chloe's eyes were pleading for help.

She thought that Chloe would finally tell her daughter all the abuse she experienced under Vincent's oppression, but it seemed it'd need a while.

'Well, baby step at a time,' Diamond thought. 'To retaliate against Vincent took a lot of courage, and I heard most abuse victims would return to their abusers in the end, so fighting back is already a miracle in itself.'

"Mackie, how about we grab an ice cream before we go home?" Diamond offered, shifting the little girl's attention from her Mommy's cast.

Mackie looked up, waiting for her mother's approval.

Chloe smiled at her and nodded, "You can have three scoops today, if you want."

"Whoo! Let's go for ice cream! I want four scoops!"

**

Vernon returned to his office with Uber.

He sat on his executive chair in silence, staring emptily, and took a deep breath, letting everything sink in.

He could still vividly remember all the visible bruises on Chloe's body and how her hands were swollen so bad— it had now become a new nightmare for him.

Because it was proof that he failed as a man.

He failed to protect his beloved woman from her abuser.

No matter how many times he slammed the table, kicked the chair, or punched the wall to channel his rage, he still couldn't shake off this excruciating hot pain in his heart.

When he saw Chloe's injuries, his mind snapped, and all the careful plans he had prepared to take down his Big brother vanished instantly.

All he wanted to do was just find Vincent Gray and crush his head to avenge what he did to Chloe.

Vernon had no regard for his own well-being when it came to his beloved. He lived and grew up to be a normal human after experience such a horrible childhood because Chloe came into his life and became his guardian.

So he wanted to do the same and became her guardian as well. He didn't care if he'd become a fugitive or be in jail. As long as he could get the revenge he wanted.

"But I can't…." Vernon muttered. "Chloe said she doesn't want to lose me…."

Vernon's eyes quickly pooled with tears. He wiped the tears at the edge of his eyes, blaming Chloe for softening his heart, "Now, I have to continue with my original plan. If only she would be a bit more ruthless and ask me to kill Vincent, I would do it in a heartbeat."

"But then again, I don't think I'd ever fall in love with a ruthless woman…."

Vernon sighed. He tried to keep himself busy by contacting his bodyguards. The ones who got subdued by Vincent's.

He went to the basement after finishing some of the reports he had to check to carry out his next plan to usurp Vincent's business circle.

He sat in his car for a while until two people- a man and a woman- knocked on the window. He gave them a quick glance and rolled the windows down.

Chapter 414

"Took you two long enough to show up," Vernon said coldly. "Thought you'd chicken out after you failed to protect her."

The two bodyguards winced, they had plenty of physical wounds after getting beaten by Vincent Gray's people, but the shame of failing to carry out their boss' task affected them much more than just a few bruises.

"We're sorry, Sir. It seemed that Vincent Gray's people quickly identified us when we're patrolling around. They came in earlier than us, so we can't identify them first," the male bodyguard reported.

"Yes, Sir. We also got caught off guard since he brought at least ten people with him. We stood no chance as two," the female bodyguard added.

Vernon wanted to scold them more but knew it was partly his fault for not predicting Vincent's presence. He'd be a hypocrite if he put all the blame on these two people.

"What did he do to you? Did he inquire about my identity?"

"They did for a moment, Sir," the bodyguards replied. "They beat us, trying to get your identity. But somehow, Vincent Gray suddenly let us leave, and said that torturing us to get your information will hurt his pride."

Vernon frowned, "He said that?"

"Yes, Sir. He said that while his face was bruised and bloodied. He looked... off..." the bodyguard reported. "He has this expression of bliss, as if he has just experienced something exhilarating."

Vernon clenched the steering wheel. He knew exactly what caused his Big brother to have that blissful expression because their late father also made the same face often and had the same preference.

When he was about seven, his Big brother often brought him to see what their late father was doing to de-stress, which would always include many women.

He would fuck those women in various positions, and one of the most extreme was BDSM.

He would whip them, hit them in various spots, and sometimes spank them until they cried. Some women were crying and begging, but their late father always told them it was a natural reaction from a woman.

Thus, both Vernon and Vincent developed the same fetish for a bit of rough love.

However, Vernon would only do it during sex, and it was if the woman he had sex with consented. Knowing Chloe's long-time abuse, he would never play nor ask Chloe to play with him like that, not when he knew it would trigger her trauma anytime.

But Vincent...

'So fucked up,' Vernon thought. 'He used Chloe like a ragdoll for his twisted fetish.'

"You sure he doesn't know a thing about me?" Vernon inquired, and both bodyguards replied with a sure 'NO.'

"Fine, I will pardon you two. I've sent some money to treat your wounds. But this will be the last time you two fail my task."

"Yes, Sir, thank you."

"Hm, I'll leave now."

Vernon started his car and left his office. He was driving through the busy street, his eyes staring straight, focusing on the road.

But his mind was occupied with Vincent's twisted fetish.

The more Vernon recognized the fetish his Big brother's developed, the more he realized that he was an idiot.

"What was I thinking back then? Why did I leave Chloe when I know Vincent will become like my dad? Everything about him-- including his sexual preference, are all inherited by dad!"

Vernon gritted his teeth, and the guilt in his heart started eating him from the inside.

He continuously blamed himself for leaving Chloe alone with Vincent for ten years.

"I should've returned sooner-- No, I shouldn't leave in the first place," Vernon tried to remember any logic behind his departure, but he couldn't find any.

Because what caused him to leave was a broken heart.

He was already insecure about himself after that incident of Chloe saying he was a good-for-nothing kid and inferior to Vincent.

But what took the cake was how easy it was for Chloe to accept his Big brother's wedding proposal, giving him no chance to grow and compete since he was only fifteen.

Chloe had also grown increasingly busy, spending more time with Vincent and preparing for the wedding. Vernon felt like Chloe shoved him to the side, letting him watch how the love of his life married his own Big brother.

So he left with his heart shattered in pieces, vowing revenge against that pair of lovebirds because they became the sole existence of Vernon's misery.

"Idiot..." Vernon cursed at himself as he drove faster through New York City. "I could've protected her. I could've been there to fight back. At least, I could have-"

There were so many 'could have' scenarios in Vernon's head. But there was nothing he could do because it was all too late, Vincent abused her for ten years, and she had nowhere to go. She also had no support system, knowing how shitty her family was.

Vernon drove faster as he wanted to check on Chloe.

He knew Chloe was in his penthouse, probably watching TV with Mackie. But he just couldn't wait to check on her, to see if she was well cared for. The urge got stronger when he parked his car in the apartment basement.

He practically ran to the elevator and smashed that button to go up.

"Come on!" Vernon tapped his shoes impatiently until he heard a ding, and the elevator door opened.

He dashed to the penthouse door and unlocked it with his fingerprint.

He slammed the door open, and his eyes frantically looked all around the foyer to find Chloe, but when he couldn't find her, he got even more frantic.

He threw his briefcase into a random spot and called her name, "Chloe? Chloe, where are you?!"

...

No answer.

Vernon was about to get crazy, and his mind entertained the idea that Vincent might've discovered his identity and kidnapped Chloe while he was still working.

"FUCK!" Vernon clenched his fists. "CHLOE!"

"Yes!" Chloe rushed out of the laundry room. She ran towards Vernon, who shot a hungry gaze at her.

Chloe halted and subconsciously took a step back. Her face paled instantly.

"S--Sorry, I-- I didn't hear you--" Chloe stammered, afraid that Vernon was angry at him for no reason. "I--I was busy folding your suit. I didn't hear you. Sorry...."

Chloe started to fear Vernon a little since he glared at her as if she had done something wrong. She took another step back.

She believed that Vernon wouldn't hit her as Vincent did to her. But the remnants of the abuse were engraved deep inside her heart, making her do subconscious stuff just to protect herself from getting hurt.

Vernon said nothing but took big steps toward Chloe and opened his arms.

Chloe shrieked and closed her eyes, thinking Vernon would hit her, but her worry turned out to be untrue.

Vernon hugged her tight, so tight that she could feel the warmth from his body engulfing her thin body.

"Chloe..." Vernon muttered her name, and his voice carried a lot of pain. He was like a thirsty man who had just found an oasis. He hugged her as if they hadn't meet for so long.

Chloe sensed something was wrong and asked, "Vernon, is everything alright?"

Chapter 415

"Vernon, is everything alright?"

…

"Vernon?"

"No, everything is not alright," Vernon replied. He knew he should've said that everything was okay and under control.

But he couldn't hide his vulnerability in front of Chloe. He wanted her to know how worried he was and how regretful he felt after realizing the true extent of Chloe's suffering under Vincent's hand for the past ten years.

Chloe had no idea what was in Vernon's mind, but she tried to comfort him even though she was blind about the problem. It was the least she could do, after all.

"You can tell me if you feel troubled over something…." Chloe muttered. "I don't know what's the problem, though? Is it about work?"

"No, it's not about work— I wish it was…." Vernon replied, his throat parched as he was holding his sobs.

However, no matter how hard he tried to hide his sadness, he simply couldn't gloss over his devastation. His body trembled as he hugged his beloved tighter until Chloe felt stuffy buried inside Vernon's hot body.

"Really? It's not about work?" Chloe wanted to hug him back, but her hands were both injured, so she could only carefully circle her arms around his waist. "What is it about, Vernon?"

…

Vernon wondered why Chloe always tried to hide the abuse she experienced.

Was it because she didn't want anyone to know?

Or was it because Vincent terrified her so much that she stopped seeking help?

Either way, Vernon didn't want Chloe to hide anymore. He wanted to encourage her to talk to him about all the abuse she suffered, so he could know everything in full detail.

He wanted to know everything as it would be a reminder for the rest of his life to protect the woman he loved.

But he couldn't force her to tell everything. It could probably trigger her trauma. So he whispered, "Tell me when you're ready."

Chloe's body stiffened instantly, "A—About what?"

"About all the things you experienced with Vincent."

"Ah… um… I don't think you need to know," Chloe said. "It's not… pretty to hear."

"I know. That's why I want to know," Vernon slowly pushed Chloe to his arm's length. He looked down at Chloe, checking all the bruises and small cuts on her face.

It hurt him knowing he could've prevented all the bruises and cuts if he could be more protective.

"I'm sorry that I failed to protect you. I should've been there with you instead of just sending two bodyguards."

"Uhm… it's fine, Vernon," Chloe tried to pacify the big guy. "You know that it's also partly my fault, right? I'm the one that keeps asking you to stop sending so many bodyguards, then they get overwhelmed against Vincent's people."

Chloe still tried to put up a sweet smile even though she was hurting. Vernon didn't know whether he should be happy that Chloe was so strong after experiencing terrible abuse or be sad for the same reason.

"Besides, I will have to eventually confront Vincent. He refused to sign that divorce paper, and has been terrorizing me for so long," Chloe looked down to stare at her cast. "This cast may look painful, but it's proof that I— Chloe Carlson, has finally stood on my ground for the first time, and fought against that monster. It's a battle scar, I guess."

"You're not allowed to have more battle scars after this," Vernon fretted. "This will be the last, understand?"

Chloe giggled when she saw the concern in his eyes. He looked like a parental figure trying to tell his child.

"You know, seeing you like this reminds me of when you were a kid. Do you remember how often I scold you for doing dangerous stunts around your mansion?"

"Wha—"Vernon was flustered because Chloe turned a serious moment into a lighthearted one. "W—Well, I do remember one thing or two…."

"Are you sure only a thing or two? I remember that I had to scold you almost everyday back then."

"That's a thing in the past, I'm not an insecure brat with an anger issue anymore," Vernon tried to defend himself.

Chloe giggled again, "Sure, Big boy."

"I—I'm serious!"

"Mhm, I know," Chloe nodded. "Don't worry about my wound. It will heal, eventually."

Vernon sighed as he pitied the condition between them. He just couldn't stop worrying for Chloe, while Chloe didn't even seem to worry much about her wounds.

Vernon might not realize it, but Chloe had been watching the change in his expression, and her smile grew wider as she realized that Vernon genuinely cared for her.

"You don't need to worry too much about me, Vernon," Chloe said. She took one step forward until there was no gap between her and Vernon. She tiptoed and kissed Vernon's chin, right under his lip. "I fight back because I want to protect what's important for me, just like what you do right now."

Vernon felt the heat from the spot where Chloe had kissed him. The heat spread around his face, making him redder than before. He— once again, blushed like a teenage boy who had just earned his first kiss.

It was so rare for Chloe to initiate a kiss, but when she did, it would create thousands of explosions in Vernon's head, making his entire brain suddenly short-circuit out of happiness. He just stood there- stiff like a tree stump, staring at his beloved with bewildered eyes.

All this happiness was like a push for him to confess. He knew that he should've been wiser and waited until the problem between Chloe and Vincent was solved before they could move on.

But his heart continued giving him a push to just confess.

"Chloe…"

"Hm?

The word 'love' was already in his throat, ready to be let out in one breath. He suddenly got nervous like a middle school boy trying to confess, so he clenched his fist and took a deep breath to prepare himself.

'It's now or never, at least I want her to know my true feelings.'