Our Anniversary, You Chose Her – I Chose Divorce

Chloe Reed typed on her phone, ”I’ve already found a doctor. She’s very good. Thank you.”

After she finished, Preston Vance was silent for a moment before speaking. ”It’s a little strange, communicating with you like this. It makes me feel for you all the more. If you don’t mind my asking, could you tell me what happened? Maybe I can help.”

Chloe smiled faintly and continued typing, ”It was just an accident. I’ll be better soon.”

Preston Vance nodded. ”Okay. I hope you get better soon. I’d really like to have a proper conversation with you.”

Chloe smiled but didn’t type anything else. Just then, her phone pinged. She glanced down and saw it was a message from Annie York.

Annie York: [Chloe, did Mr. Vance come looking for you?]

Annie York: [I ran into Mr. Vance the other day. He was giving a lecture at my university, and I ended up chatting with him and told him about what happened to you. Chloe, I’m so sorry. I just realized it was probably wrong of me to tell him about it.]

Annie York: [Chloe, I know I was wrong.]

Chloe could feel Annie York’s anxiety just from reading the texts. A flicker of resignation passed through her eyes.

Chloe Reed: [It’s fine. It’s not like it was a secret. Don’t blame yourself.]

Annie York: [Really? I’m so glad you’re not mad at me.]

Annie York: [Chloe, when are you free? I’d like to take you out for a meal.]

Chloe Reed: [You focus on your own things for now. I’ll get in touch when I’m free.]

Annie York: [Okay.]

...

When they arrived at the restaurant, Preston Vance led her toward a private room. As they were heading upstairs, a middle-aged woman came walking toward them.

”Preston.” The middle-aged woman smiled, extending her hand to shake his. ”What a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

Preston Vance smiled warmly. ”Ms. Aldridge, I didn’t expect to see you either. When did you get back to Breyburn?”

”Just yesterday,” Ms. Aldridge said. ”I’m just here for a quick meal today.”

Then, her gaze fell on Chloe’s face, and her smile widened. ”Preston, is this your girlfriend? She’s so beautiful. It looks like your family can stop worrying about you settling down.”

Preston Vance gave a helpless smile. ”Ms. Aldridge, you’ve misunderstood. She’s a friend of mine, and she’s already married.”

”Oh, I see. My apologies, it was my mistake.” Ms. Aldridge looked at Chloe. ”I’m so sorry about that.”

Chloe smiled and shook her head.

Ms. Aldridge studied her for a moment, then suddenly asked, ”Young lady, are you feeling unwell?”

Preston Vance looked surprised, then said, ”Ms. Aldridge, you’re as sharp as ever. She’s actually not feeling well. I was planning on asking for your help to take a look at her. I don’t suppose you have some time?”

Chloe looked at him, a flicker of resignation in her eyes.

Preston Vance leaned closer to her and said, ”Since we ran into her by chance, why not let Ms. Aldridge take a look? It might be helpful.”

Ms. Aldridge nodded. ”Of course. I don’t have anything pressing right now.”

”Then let’s head inside and talk,” Preston Vance said.

Ms. Aldridge nodded and followed them into the private room.

Chloe couldn’t resist sending Preston a message. [Is this really okay? I thought she was meeting friends.]

Preston Vance: [Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her bill later to thank her. I’ve known Ms. Aldridge for many years, so please don’t feel burdened by this.]