Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

The house had officially been signed over to Chloe. Whenever they had the time, they could head over and spend some time there, maybe even take a little vacation. The dinner wrapped up on a cheerful note, and before they knew it, it was pushing nine o'clock. Chloe and Connor said their goodbyes. Tara walked them to the door, holding Chloe's hand with a hint of reluctance, "Take care of yourself, alright? From now on, focus more on you. Don't overthink things too much, and try not to be too soft-hearted, okay?" Tara knew Chloe could seem pretty bold on the outside, but when it came to the people she really cared about, she had a soft spot. Even if she knew someone wasn't good for her, she found it hard to be tough. This trait often put her at a disadvantage. Tara wished Chloe could be a bit more self-focused, even if it meant being a little selfish.

Chloe chuckled and hugged her, "I got it, Mom."

Hearing her call her "Mom" made Tara's throat tighten with emotion. Just then, a car pulled into the driveway. Lucas stepped out.

He looked a bit taken aback seeing Chloe and Connor there. "What brings you guys here?"

Lucas's eyes had a complicated look when they landed on Chloe. She stood there in a white trench coat, her fair skin and dark, wavy hair glowing under the streetlights. Lucas felt a twinge in his chest.

Tara quickly stepped in, explaining, "Chloe's here to say goodbye. She's moving to Eldridge City with Connor."

Hearing this, Lucas's expression shifted, showing a flash of disappointment and reluctance, but he quickly masked it. "Oh, when are you heading out?"

Chloe replied steadily, "In a couple of days."

Lucas nodded, "Safe travels to you both."

"Thanks."

Their conversation seemed easy

เอน

enough, but there was an undeniable distance between them. The last time Chloe saw Lucas, he was a shadow of himself. Now, seeing him all suited up, with his hair perfectly styled, looking sharp and

no

put-together, she felt a weight lift off her chest.

Chloe and Lucas had grown up together, sharing a bond that couldn't just disappear. Things had changed though, and they couldn't talk like they used to. But Chloe had let go of the past, and she genuinely hoped Lucas would find his own happiness.

Without another word, Lucas turned and headed inside. Chloe watched him go and asked, "Has he come around with the kid?"

Tara beamed, "Oh, he's more than

come around. He's head over heels. He's back from the resort almost every day, even though it's a trek. Sometimes he's busy late into the night, but he insists on coming back to see the little one, even if it means just catching a few hours of sleep. He used to not want anything to do with the baby, and now he can't get enough."

Chloe smiled, "That's really good to hear."

On their way back, Chloe turned to Connor and said, "Looks like Lucas is finally stepping up as a dad."

"Seeing him today, I feel he's changed a lot."

"With everything that's been happening, it seems like he's really grown up."

Connor let out a playful huff, "Babe, can we not talk about him?"

"Why's that?"

"I'm worried you'll say something that'll make me jealous."