He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives (Ford and Sylvia) novel Chapter 39

Back at their apartment, just as Chloe stepped into the bedroom, her phone started to ring.

“Chloe, the team heading to headquarters is leaving next weekend. Are you absolutely sure you want to turn down the transfer? The company has always had high hopes for you. Both personally and professionally, I really hope you’ll reconsider. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by again.”

The headquarters of the company she worked for was in London.

Her boss had mentioned it more than once, wanting to transfer her to the head office for a five–year advanced training program.

But she could never bear the thought of being in a long–distance relationship with Ryan.

Now, finally, her mind was made up.

“Mr. Lawson, I accept the transfer.”

Ryan, who was just pushing open the bedroom door, froze mid–step when he heard her words.

His voice was laced with panic. “A transfer? Where are you transferring to?”

Chloe hadn’t expected him to walk in just then.

After a brief moment of surprise, she calmly ended the call and tossed out a casual lie.

“It’s just an internal department transfer, nothing major.”

Seeing her expression was perfectly normal, Ryan didn’t think much of it and opened the closet to grab his pajamas.

“You just got out of the hospital, you need to get some proper rest. I’ll sleep in the guest room for the next few days so I don’t disturb you.”

Chloe silently watched his retreating figure, struck by how eager he seemed to leave.

In the middle of the night, she got up for a glass of water and noticed the light in the study was still on.

In their eight years together, Ryan had always gone to bed at eleven o’clock sharp, he almost never stayed up late.

Chloe hesitated for a second before walking toward the light. As she reached the door, she could hear Ryan’s voice on the phone.

“Don’t be scared. I’ll stay on the line with you tonight. I won’t hang up until after you’ve fallen asleep.”

A moment later, she heard Jessica’s sweet, contented voice murmur in agreement from the other end.

Chloe’s hand, which had been about to push the door open, froze in mid–air.

She had seen Ryan look at Jessica with pure disgust, seen him ignore her like she was invisible, and had even seen him publicly humiliate her, telling her to get the hell away from him.

But this was the first time, the very first time, she had ever heard him speak to Jessica in such a soft, gentle tone, soothing her quietly.

He was even breaking a rigid habit he’d kept for over twenty years, all for her.

Before he could look up toward the doorway, Chloe fled back to the bedroom like a spooked animal.

18.45

He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives. I Gave Them Both A One–Way Ticket To BANKRUPTCY,

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“Go on, get out of here! You two should use this time to go on some dates, maybe take a try. You guys, you band sat be absolutely heartbroken that you’re going abroad

Chloe had no choice but to swallow the words, “We’re already divorced,” that were on the tip of her tonge

After getting in the car, she asked casually, “What are you doing here?

Ryan pulled out a tissue and gently dabbed the beads of rainwater from her hair.

“I saw the downpour start, and things were quiet at the office, so I came to wait and take you home. Hey, how couse you got off work so early today?

Chloe’s hand paused as she was buckling her seatbelt.

I’m switching departments. I finished up all my pending work, so I left early

Ryan nodded thoughtfully.

Ten minutes later, his phone buzzed several times.

The unique chime of a priority notification was jarringly loud in the silent car.

He picked up his phone, and after a single glance, the color drained from his face.

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