He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives (Ford and Sylvia) novel Chapter 51

Chloe gently patted her burning cheeks, forcing herself to calm down before opening the door and walking back out.

She was desperately trying to think of something to say to ease the thick, awkward tension.

Ethan spoke first. “Sorry, I had no idea you were staying with Paige. I didn’t mean to startle you by just walking in.”

He paused, then looked up at her, his gaze warm and sincere.

“Let me take you out to dinner as an apology. Or, if you don’t feel like going out, I actually bought a lot of groceries. We could have hot pot here.”

At the mere mention of hot pot, Chloe’s eyes lit up.

Since coming to England, she had adapted quickly in most areas, but the one thing she still couldn’t get used to was the food.

And unfortunately, she had never been a particularly talented cook.

With Paige gone for the past few days, she had been subsisting on bland sandwiches and salads, and was absolutely sick of it.

“Let’s do hot pot at home then. I can help prep the ingredients.”

Ethan rolled up his sleeves.

“No need. You just relax in the living room and wait for dinner to be ready.”

With that, he picked up the grocery bags and strode into the kitchen.

Twenty minutes later, Ethan brought the beautifully prepped ingredients to the table. The pot was already bubbling and steaming invitingly.

He handed her a small bowl of dipping sauce he had mixed himself.

“Sesame oil base, no cilantro.”

Hearing this, a flicker of genuine surprise crossed Chloe’s eyes.

He had actually remembered her favorite, very specific hot pot dipping sauce.

But she didn’t dwell on it. She got up, grabbed two Cokes from the fridge, and sat down to eat.

They chatted casually as they ate, the atmosphere surprisingly comfortable and easy.

Ethan suddenly asked, “So, are you in England for a vacation or for work this time?”

“I was transferred to the company headquarters,” Chloe said, taking a bite of a fish ball. “If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be here for at least five years.”

The man’s hand paused mid–air. “Then what about Ryan.”

Chloe’s tone was calm. “We’re divorced.”

At her words, the air around them seemed to freeze for a moment.

– To RANKRUPTCY.

20.8%

Chapter 15

Just as she thought Ethan was about to offer some generic words of comfort, his next sentence left her completely stunned.

“In that case, would you consider me?”

He looked at her with a profound seriousness, his handsome, almond–shaped eyes shimmering under the light, his voice low but firm.

“Chloe, I’ve liked you for a long time. Even before Ryan did. But back then, all you ever cared about was studying, so I kept my feelings to myself, planning to confess after our final exams. I just never expected Ryan to get to you first.”

“I tried to get over you, I really did. But after eight years of trying, I failed.”

“I honestly thought I was going to end up alone, but now that you and Ryan are divorced, would you please consider giving me a chance?”

Chloe was frozen in place, her mind a complete and utter mess.

Ethan had liked her for eight whole years?

How was that even possible?

She and Paige had met in high school, which was how she knew Ethan. He had always been so nice to her back then, always bringing her desserts and bubble tea.

Chloe had always just assumed that Ethan saw her as a little sister.

But now he was saying it was because he liked her.

A sudden knock on the door shattered Chloe’s racing thoughts. She shot up from her seat and practically ran to the door as if she were escaping.

But the moment she opened it, she was pulled into a tight, desperate embrace.

“Chloe, I finally found you.”

(0)

(0)

Chapter 16

Chapter 16