The Wife He Dumped, The Queen She Returned As novel Chapter 259

By the time Chloe left the hospital, it was around four in the afternoon.

It was the time of day when it was easiest to just give up.

The day felt like it was drawing to a close, yet there was still a lingering sense that there was time to grasp onto something.

Chloe stood on the sidewalk, watching the crowds of people hurry by, suddenly having no idea where to go.

She didn't know how long she stood there, but only when her limbs started to go numb did she finally move.

She hailed a cab and headed straight for Kingsford.

By the time they reached the foot of Verdant Peak, night had fully descended.

The faint chirping of early spring cicadas drifted through the air, and accompanied by the warm glow of distant lights, Chloe's restless heart finally settled.

At the sound of knocking, Mr. Lynch threw on a coat and came to open the door.

"Who is it?"

Hearing that familiar voice through the wooden door, Chloe's eyes immediately welled with tears.

"Mr. Lynch, it's me."

"Chloe?!"

The old man hurried to unlatch the door. Seeing it was really her, his aged eyes instantly filled with absolute delight.

"It's so late! Child, what brings you back so suddenly? How long were you on the road? Are you tired?"

"I missed you, so I came back to visit," Chloe said with a smile, carrying her bags inside.

But Mr. Lynch stayed by the door, instinctively peering into the darkness behind her.

"Where is Preston? Didn't he come back with you?"

"He won't be coming," Chloe replied softly.

Mr. Lynch paused, not quite understanding, then quickly tried to smooth things over. "That's fine... He must be busy."

Chloe forced a small smile. "Mr. Lynch, Preston and I got a divorce."

"..." The old man froze, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward the trellis in the yard.

Preston had built that with his own two hands the last time he visited.

He had laughed and said he would install a swing there the next time they came.

When he talked about how much Chloe loved swaying among the blooming flowers, his eyes had been full of pure joy.

Thinking of this, Mr. Lynch felt a sharp pang in his heart. It was such a shame.

But his heart ached for Chloe even more.

The burning sensation scorched its way down her throat, bringing tears of sorrow to her eyes.

"Dad, will you wish me well?"

"From now on, I don't have any family left."

"But I can survive on my own just fine."

Chloe took a deep breath, roughly wiped her tears away, and downed the third glass in a single gulp.

...

The next morning, Mr. Lynch woke up extra early, wanting to prepare a chicken to nourish Chloe.

But the moment he stepped out of his room, the rich aroma of food wafted over from the kitchen.

Chloe's eyes were red from the smoke, but when she saw him walk in, she smiled brightly. "Mr. Lynch, you're awake?"

Mr. Lynch hurried over and tried to snatch the spatula from her hand. "Oh, dear! Give that to me! Why on earth are you up so early doing all this work?"

Chloe blinked, her tone light and breezy. "If I don't get up early, how am I going to have the chance to cook for you?"

Staring at the table full of steaming hot dishes, Mr. Lynch couldn't hold back the wide smile on his face, though his voice grew slightly choked with emotion. "You sweet girl..."

Yawning, Chloe gently guided him to a chair and deliberately changed the subject. "Let's eat! I'm starving."