CEO Leo’s Baby Mama Is Back

Chapter 49 Help with some cash

CHLOE’S APARTMENT, LOS ANGELES.

Flipping her hair to the back, Chloe hurried towards the door in excitement. Opening it, she squealed at her childhood friend, Susan standing by the door.

“SUSAN!” Chloe screamed as she hugged her tightly.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Susan laughed heartily. “How are you girl? I have missed you so much.”

“Please come in.” Chloe invited as she made her way to the kitchen to get her some refreshments.

“How long has it been?” Susan asked as she sat on the couch.

“Two years girl. How could you leave me like that?” She inquired jokingly while handing her a bottle of soda.

Her friend hummed as she took a sip of her soda. “You still remember my favorite drink.” Susan giggled.

Chloe giggled as she joined her on the couch. “The moment I knew you were coming, I just had to stock up my fridge. I am still shocked you came home for my wedding.”

“I couldn’t resist it. I had to cancel out all of my schedule and finally agree to meeting Collin’s parents. He was more excited to come to LA than I was.”

“Being a renowned New York times bestselling writer must be thrilling.” Chloe said with a tinge of underlying envy.

She and Susan had been best friends since high school, the both of them had big dreams. Susan had always wanted to be a great and well known writer, while Chloe on the other hand sort to delve into the world of interior design. However, one of them seemed to have taken her ambition more seriously than the other.

“It’s the best moment of my life, Chloe. I have never felt more fulfilled. Tell me how is your business doing? We hardly get to talk much about it.” Susan asked.

Chloe shrugged. “It’s doing well.” She mumbled.

Taking a quick glance at her friend, Susan smacked her lips. “If I am to be sincere with you, Chloe. I had always thought your business would have taken over the whole of LA by now. What is going on? And what’s with this marriage? Are you being pressured into it?” She questioned in a worried tone.

She chuckled awkwardly. “What are you talking about? I’m doing quite well, maybe not as much as I used to dream it to be. But with time I would get there.”

“You aren’t being sincere.” Her friend insisted.

Chloe exhaled tiredly. “My mom said it would be a waste of time paying too much mind to it at the moment. She thinks it’s best I focus on my relationship with Leo. I can always do what I love later on.”

Susan stared in disbelief with her mouth agape. “Is this some kind of joke? What happened to you? Why would you give up on yourself just like that? You are only twenty-three and you should be living your dream and best life at that. I knew you were being forced to do this.” She kissed her teeth in distaste.

“No.” Chloe protested. “No one is forcing me to do this. Listen Susan, Leo means everything to me. I don’t mind throwing my life away, as long as I have him. Being with him makes it feel like all of my worries no longer exist. He is my bane of existence.”

“You are being delusional, Chloe. That isn’t love, baby. You are obsessed with that man and it’s nothing but unhealthy. Have you asked yourself this question; does Leo love you? Because I can remember clearly back in college that he hardly pays you any attention.”

“He is intentional, Susan. And he cares about me. What more can I ask for? Isn’t that what all of this is about?”

“This is so unheard of. I understand that your wedding is barely two weeks away and there is nothing one can do to stop it. I am just hoping that for the sake of your future, you know what you are getting yourself involved in.”

Chloe couldn’t give any response to that, she leaned further into the couch and stared into blank space.

“What would you have me do, Susan? I don’t think I have ever wanted anyone else like I want Leo. I must admit, my parents are only interested in the union because of what they stand to gain. However, it feels like the perfect arrangement for me. Leo has been all I dream to have in a man. I want to believe he would learn to love me after the wedding. The more time we spend together, the more affectionate we become.”

“Why do you keep repeating such silly mantra to yourself? How long do you think you can hold down a loveless marriage?”

“It’s not loveless. I love him and he does too.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” Susan pressed on.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Chloe rubbed at her forehead. “I’m soon to be married, Susan. There is no need to keep going back and forth discussing this. I already know what I am getting myself into and I can assure you it would work out just fine. Also we don’t all have to be madly in love with each other before committing to forever with a person. There is no rule to loving. We can be married and still start learning to love and know each other better. Our paths are different.”

“It’s really useless trying to make you see reason. It’s obvious I am only wasting my saliva.”

“There is no need for us to get angry at each other. Believe me, Susan. This is the right thing for me to do. I love Leo and that is all that matters.”

Susan exhaled, she felt suddenly guilty for trying too hard to condemn Chloe’s choice. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I am just looking out for you.”

Smiling weakly, Chloe pulled at her hand. “I do know that obviously. I just need you to trust me.”

She nodded reassuringly. “Alright then. I think I need to go now. We would catch up later. When is my dress fitting?” Susan asked, standing up as she scrolled through her phone.

Chloe cleared her throat awkwardly. Even though she and Darby are now on good terms, she still doesn’t feel comfortable being around her which was why she asked that the bridal train dresses should be delivered to each person involved instead of the traditional dress fitting procedure at the stylist store. Because she knew how stressful it can be, Chloe had doubled the payment despite Darby’s insistence not to.

“I already ordered it, it will get delivered to you. If you have any complaints about it, the stylist can always work around it and get it back to you.”

“Does that include the dresses of our other friends?” Susan asked.

“Yeah.”

“Isn’t that too stressful for the stylist?”

“I bet you she didn’t make any complain. I’m paying her well, trust me. You can send me Collin’s parents address and it would get to you.”

“Okay, girl. I will go now.”

“Let me follow you to your car.” Chloe offered.

As she walked Susan to her car and bade her goodbye, Chloe’s head was in the cloud. Her mind kept racing back to the discussion she had with Susan. Even though she tries hard to deny it, deep within her, she could tell there is no true desire in her relationship. Sometimes she wished for the abrupt romantic surprises most ladies of her age post on their social media pages from their partners. If she wants something like that from Leo the only way she can get it is to tell him in advanced. He never seems to think of something sweet to do for her without Chloe asking.

Huffing in frustration, she decided to cross to the bar opposite her apartment building. Since it’s almost dinner time a few shot would make her feel quite better.

“Three shots of tequila, please.” She called out to the bartender while balancing herself on the stool. It took her a second to recognize the person sitting next to her. “Oh, it’s you. Hi.”

Zac looked up from his phone at the voice. A small smile appeared on his face. “Hello, miss. How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Chloe grinned mouthing a thank you to the bartender when he placed her order in front of her. “You frequent here?” She asked downing the three glasses at one go.

He blinked rapidly at the speed she used to consume the alcohol. “Yeah, since it’s closer to home. I can get drunk and feel safe.” She chuckled while searching herself after some minutes passed in silence.

“You misplaced something?” Zac asked.

“That’s true. Shit! I forgot to bring some cash. Can you help me pay please, I will pay you when next we see.” She told Zac.

Still taken aback at all of the acts she put up. Zac nodded slowly, he has never come across someone so outspoken. “Sure.” He replied.

“Alright then, see you around.” Chloe waved, staggering out of the place.

Watching her leave Zac couldn’t resist the smile that played on his lips as he returned his attention to his phone.