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Novel Catalog
Chapter_11
A Pleasant Surprise
After Ava’s fall, she seemed to cling to me more than ever. She couldn’t be far from me, and at times, it drove me to the edge. I was losing my space, and I felt suffocated. Meanwhile, Matthew didn’t give me the chance to process things. His work hours were always set in stone, leaving no time for me to confront him about anything. No matter how much I searched, I couldn’t find any clues, and sometimes, I even wondered if I was imagining things.
Once I finally managed to put Ava down for her afternoon nap, I realized we were completely out of fresh fruits and vegetables. With Ava fast asleep, I knew I had to rush to the market before she woke up.
The market was nearby, and I was too lazy to change out of my home clothes. I dashed out the door, planning to return as quickly as possible. But when I came back, I was stunned to find I didn’t have my keys with me.
I stood there for a moment, smacking my forehead in frustration. I must’ve forgotten them when I left. There was nothing else to do but call Matthew. He answered, his voice low as if he was trying to keep his tone neutral.
“I’m in a meeting and can’t leave. Have Mel bring them to you,” he said.
Another meeting? That same excuse again. After all these years, it was getting old. With no other option, I dialed Melanie’s number. She had the spare keys, and I was hoping she could lend them to me.
The phone rang for a while before she finally picked up, and I could hear a lot of background noise.
“Chloe, what’s up?” she said, her voice distracted.
“I forgot my keys at home. Can you bring yours to me?” I asked.
“I’m out right now and really busy. I can’t do it,” she responded quickly, and I could hear her shout something to someone nearby. “Hey! Wait a minute!”
“Where are you? I can come and get them,” I said, seizing the chance to retrieve my keys.
Before Melanie could reply, I heard a voice on the other end. “Miss, could you come and see if the closet is—”
The call abruptly ended.
Closet? What closet? I was confused. Melanie had always been spoiled, always having things done for her, so it was strange to imagine her going out of her way to check a closet.
I muttered to myself, “She must be up to no good again. Lazing around and only happy when someone hands her money.”
With my arms weighed down by heavy grocery bags, I sighed in frustration. I feared Ava might wake up and get scared if she didn’t find me at home. I had no choice but to go to the company building.
I set the groceries by the door and made my way to the office, hoping to grab my keys. That way, I could also see if Matthew was telling the truth about being in a meeting.
As I settled into the cab, I pressed my forehead into my hands, deep in thought. How was I going to walk into his office in my home clothes? But I had no other choice.
When I arrived at Galar Tower, I looked at myself and couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. I must’ve looked ridiculous, and I regretted not changing before leaving home. The thought of walking into such a professional place dressed like this embarrassed me.
I tried calling Matthew again, hoping he’d pick up and save me some dignity by bringing the keys downstairs. But he didn’t answer. I had no choice but to go inside.
I rushed through the lobby, aware of the curious glances I was getting from the socialites who always cared about appearances. I hurried toward the front desk, desperate to get upstairs quickly, but there were a few people ahead of me, registering for visitation.
I waited patiently for the receptionist to finish with the others before stepping forward. “Hi, I need to go to the tenth floor, Tanum Corporation, to see Matthew Murphy,” I said, getting straight to the point.
As expected, the receptionist asked, “Do you have an appointment?”
I recognized her immediately. She was the one who had told me that Matthew and his wife had gone out that day. Just as I was about to respond, the receptionist’s face lit up with a bright smile.
“Mrs. Murphy, you’re here!” she exclaimed.
The words hit me like a shock. I turned around quickly, stunned, to see who she was talking to.