Chapter 67

Naomi listened to the voice on the phone, asked a few questions, and then hung up. She grabbed her car keys and left.

Meanwhile, Brendan had just parked outside Chloe's old apartment building. Chloe emerged, carrying a bag.

"Brendan!" she exclaimed, happily running toward him.

Brendan glanced at the open car door. "The bag's inside," he said.

Chloe retrieved her bag and closed the car door. "Caleb's doing his homework, and Mom's condition has been stable recently," she explained.

Brendan remained silent.

With her bag slung over her shoulder, Chloe looked up at him, her eyes shining. She was in exceptionally good spirits.

Brendan kept his hands in his pockets and said calmly, "Now that things at home have stabilized, it's time for you to consider your own personal life."

Chloe sighed helplessly. "Caleb is still too young, and Mom's health is only temporarily stable. I don't have the time or energy to think about anything else."

Then, she suddenly exclaimed, "Brendan, you're not thinking I haven't had a boyfriend because of you, are you? Please don't. Even though I… Anyway, it has nothing to do with you. Don't feel pressured. I have my own plans regarding my personal life."

Her speech became noticeably faster as she spoke. She wasn't sure if her single status had anything to do with Brendan, but she knew that if she weren't single, she wouldn't have any reservations.

Despite her denial, she couldn't deceive herself. She liked him. From the moment she first saw him, she had liked him. She feared that if she weren't single, she wouldn't even have a chance.

Brendan replied, "I didn't think too much about it."

Chloe breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good." She handed him a container of pasta. "Caleb and I made this ourselves. Take it home and enjoy it with Naomi."

Brendan responded, "Neither of us cook."

Chloe grabbed his hand, insisting. "Just take it! Let Jennifer cook it for you."

With the bag hanging from her shoulder, she continued, "On my way down, Caleb kept reminding me to give you this. It's freshly made."

Brendan stopped refusing and placed the pasta in the back seat of his car.

Chloe smiled. "It's getting late, Brendan. You should go back and accompany Naomi! Also, thank you for bringing my bag."

"You're welcome," he replied.

Chloe watched him leave. When his car disappeared, she turned and went back upstairs.

Meanwhile, Naomi had driven her Audi to the train station entrance.

As she got out, Ronald rushed toward her, crying, "Naomi, I'm here!"

Naomi turned at the sound of his voice and Ronald hugged her tightly. "I'm finally back in Ashburgh, and I'm finally seeing you!" he exclaimed.

Naomi pushed him away. "What's going on? Why did you come back so late at night? And what happened to you? You look…"

If not for his voice, Naomi wouldn't have recognized him. His hair was messy, his clothes dirty, and his complexion sallow.