Chapter 19 When Chloe woke the next morning , Ian was already gone . She showered , dressed in a rush , and headed to Kingsford General Hospital . Work and small talk with colleagues kept her mind busy enough that the ache in her chest dulled , at least for a while . After her shift she ran into Eric , the senior fellow Dr. Murphy had introduced to her . " Hello , Eric ," she greeted politely . Eric nodded . He wore a smart - casual outfit and gold - rimmed frameless glasses that gave him a gentle , urbane air . " I heard you live on Camellia Street ," he said with a warm smile . " I'm heading that way - need a lift ? " 55 vouchers Everyone in the hospital knew that Eric came from a dynasty of physicians , and he was already the youngest medical PhD in Avalonia . Rumor had it the Jordan family's private hospitals spanned the globe and their fortune ran into the billions . " Thanks , but I drove today , " Chloe replied , shaking her head . Stepping out of the outpatient building , Chloe unexpectedly spotted Ian . The memory of his pained eyes the night before sent a dull throb through her heart . Of course he was here for Andrea . Chloe knew it . · She lifted her chin and walked past him , every step a show of composure . The threats she'd hurled last night had been nothing but a burst of anger . No matter how hurt she felt , she had her parents and Carl to consider . Ian knew exactly how to pin her where it hurt . All she could do was flare up when no one else was around . Watching her pass without a word , Ian followed and caught her wrist . " Chloe , " he said quietly , " a fight is just a fight . We're still married . " Chloe yanked free . " Your precious Andrea is waiting . Don't keep her . " Ian glanced back at the hospital entrance , then at Chloe . He kept hold of her hand and steered her toward the street . " I came to pick you up . Let's visit your parents together ." Chloe stopped short . She knew that was always Ian's way of smoothing things over - show up at her family's place with expensive gifts , or tag along for dinner like nothing was wrong . There was never a real apology nor an explanation . " Don't bother , " she said flatly . " My parents don't need the performance ." Her words carried a spark of defiance , but Ian only tightened his grip . " I already called Jill , " he said . " She's making fish . I'll share a drink with Frank ." Chloe bit back her irritation . If her parents were expecting them , she couldn't refuse . People on the sidewalk stole admiring glances at lan in his all - black suit , Impossibly polished , Ian was just the kind of man who drew eyes wherever he went . Chloe had grown up with him , once proud of the attention he commanded . But now it only left her numb . Later , they visited Jill and Frank together . Eyeing the luxury goods that filled half the living room , Jill was at a loss to know what to do . " lan , you don't have to buy us anything ," she said . After bringing in the last two crates of wine , lan finally spoke . " This place is too far out , and it's hard for Chloe to visit after work . How 1/2 T Chapter 19 about moving back ? " " It's fine , " Frank came out of the kitchen with the last dish and broke in . " Let's eat first ." 55 vouchers At the table , Chloe sensed Ian's discomfort in the modest , aging apartment . She reached to take his plate . " Go handle your work if you need to . I can head back later . " She didn't spell it out , but Ian caught the meaning and let it slide . He picked up his fork and served her a piece of fish . " No rush . We'll leave together . " Across the table , Jill and Frank exchanged worried looks . They knew exactly how much Chloe had loved Ian . She used to cling to him , pout if he didn't pick her up after dinner . But now she was poised , distant - so unlike the girl they remembered . Noticing their expressions , Chloe quickly added food to Ian's plate , trying to look cheerful . Ian ate calmly , as if perfectly at ease . He was used to a life of wealth and refinement , and this old neighborhood was worlds away from that . But his manners never slipped . Pouring Frank a drink , he said , " Frank , this one's supposed to be smooth . Tell me if you like it , and I'll bring more next time ." Frank smiled , giving him the respect he was due . " You're busy enough . Just eat while you're here . " Ian brought up the idea of them moving twice more over dinner , but for the first time , Jill and Frank didn't agree . Chloe knew they were uneasy . She'd told them Ian hadn't cheated , that the rumors were a misunderstanding . But there's no smoke without fire . Ian , ever perceptive , let the matter drop after that . Later , as they left , he quietly slipped the bank card Chloe gave him earlier back onto the counter . But it was found out by Jill . She secretly handed it to Chloe , letting her bring it back . On the drive home , sitting together in the backseat , Chloe pulled out the card and handed to Ian . " They won't take it , " she said . " Keep it yourself ." Ian didn't reply . He had drunk a little , and his gaze was hazy and soft . He took her hand with his , eyes tracing every delicate line of her face , and pulled her closer . Just then , his phone buzzed sharply in his pocket . They both froze . Chloe snatched her hand back as Ian fished for the phone . The call cut off before he could answer . A moment later , message alerts chimed one after another . Chloe's hands clenched at her sides , her pulse spiking . It was a sickness she couldn't shake . The second Ian's phone rang - call or text - if he hesitated even a beat , her mind spun and the urge to explode was unbearable . 2/2