**The Billionaire’s Last Obsession series 617**
**Chapter 617: Vivian’s Decision**
Chloe’s gaze was fixed on her mother, a frown etched across her brow as confusion swirled in her mind like a tempest. “Mom, what are you planning to do?” she asked, her voice quivering slightly, a blend of concern and curiosity bubbling beneath the surface.
Vivian’s heart constricted painfully at the sight of her daughter’s anxious expression. She reached out, her fingers brushing against Chloe’s cheek with a tenderness that spoke volumes. “Sweetheart, you don’t need to worry about the burdens of adulthood. Those are mine to bear,” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken sorrow. “Right now, your focus should be on your studies, and later on finding a wonderful man who will love you wholeheartedly and marry you. Do you understand what I’m saying? Promise me you won’t repeat the same mistakes I made.” Each word dripped with regret, resonating with the truth of her past failures. “The only one I feel I’ve truly let down is you. You’ve faced so much judgment because of my choices, and if I ever get the chance, I swear I will make it up to you.”
“Mom, what are you talking about?” Chloe’s unease deepened, her heart racing as she tried to grasp the significance of her mother’s words.
Vivian quickly wiped away the moisture that threatened to spill from her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater, forcing a smile that felt more like a mask than a true reflection of her feelings. “Oh, darling, I haven’t seen you in what feels like an eternity, and I suppose I’m just feeling a bit sentimental. In the future, I might not be able to visit as often as I’d like. You need to take care of yourself, alright? Don’t be as stubborn as you used to be. And your father… well, he may seem fierce, but he’s really all bark and no bite. If he gets upset with you, just give him a little coaxing, and everything will be fine. Do you hear me?”
Chloe felt a chill creep into her bones, a sense of foreboding settling over her. “Mom, the way you’re speaking… it sounds almost like you’re saying goodbye. Are you planning something? Are you going to leave me?” Panic surged within her, her voice rising as fear clutched her heart like a vice.
Vivian gently squeezed Chloe’s shoulder, trying to dispel the storm of anxiety swirling within her daughter. “What nonsense are you saying? I’m just hiding out for the time being, which is why I can’t see you as often. But you must believe me, as long as I have the opportunity, I will come to find you. Now, I really must go. If I’m discovered here, it could cause trouble. You need to hurry back inside.” With a heavy heart, she turned, stepping deeper into the shadows of the alley, the weight of her decision pressing down on her.
“Mom, where are you living now? Can’t you at least tell me? I promise I won’t breathe a word to anyone,” Chloe called out, desperation lacing her voice as she watched her mother retreat into the darkness.
Vivian paused, glancing back at her daughter with a soft smile that failed to reach her eyes. “You need to go home. It’s too cold, and I don’t want you to catch a chill. If I miss you, I will definitely come find you.” And with that, she slipped around the corner, leaving Chloe standing alone, her heart heavy with worry and longing.
Chloe stood frozen for a moment, her eyes glued to the spot where her mother had vanished, her unease intensifying into a gnawing dread. With a heavy sigh, she finally turned and made her way back home, each step feeling like a weight dragging her down into despair.
Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows of a nearby corner, his eyes fixated on Chloe’s retreating back. With a whisper that barely rose above the chill of the evening air, he murmured, “Chloe, I will always love you. I will reclaim what is rightfully yours.”
Only after the main gate clicked shut did Vivian allow herself to crouch down, her hands trembling as she covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks like a river of sorrow. Beneath the flickering streetlight, snow began to fall, each flake landing softly on her shoulders, as if the world itself sought to comfort her in her anguish.
—
As the dawn of New Year’s Day broke, it arrived with an unexpected swiftness, illuminating the world in a soft, golden glow.
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