Chapter 5

Chloe quietly pulled back her hand as she watched the seriousness in his eyes. Without Ryan's comforting warmth, she slipped right back into her usual cold, distant self. "I loved him through my entire youth, Ryan. What do you have to offer that can match that?" See, this was her. Cold-hearted and unapproachable. Don't try to play with fire, and for God's sake, don't try to be kind to her. She no longer had a heart left to give in return. But Ryan didn't let go. He grabbed her hand and held it firmly, a gentle, almost helpless smile tugging at his lips. "Chloe, you're like a porcupine—the moment someone gets close, your quills come out. You shut down, push people away, and hide behind your silence. I can't offer you my whole youth—I already spent it thinking about you, every minute of it. But what I do have left... it's all yours, if you'll take it." Those sweet, gut-punching words hit all the soft spots. Inside Chloe's head, it felt like a tiny voice was egging her on—say yes, seriously, the guy you loved never really loved you back anyway. Why not choose someone who actually gives a damn? Ryan was good-looking, rich—honestly, what could Hank possibly have over him? "I…" The word had just left her lips when someone suddenly barged in. Hank's gaze landed straight on their joined hands, pausing just briefly before his pupils shrank slightly. His words, as always, cut deeper than any wound—cold, emotionless, and scathing. "Pack your stuff. You're coming home with me." Yeah. That's Hank. Not a word about why she was in a hospital bed, or why another man was sitting beside her. He never really cared. The only one he ever worried about was Irene. Ryan gave Chloe's hand a firm squeeze, silently cheering her on with his eyes. Chloe glanced down at her still-flat stomach, then turned to Hank with a calm voice, "I'll see you at the courthouse tomorrow, like we agreed. Don't worry, I'm not going to vanish. And the baby? He's got nothing to do with you. He won't even share your name.." Hank didn't come in. He just stood at the door, staring at her. His face darkened, but he said nothing. "If that's all you've got to say, then please leave. I need rest," Chloe added, straight-up kicking him out. She couldn't risk letting Hank stick around any longer—she knew herself too well. If he stayed, she might actually cave. She always knew how deep his influence ran. But she didn't want to be that moth again, the one that kept flying to the flame, just to burn for someone else's light. "My child won't be calling another man'dad.' I'll make sure this kid is born. And he'll carry the name Collins. Chloe, you know how I am. You can walk out with me now, or I'll have someone carry you out." Hank stood tall, cold confidence radiating off him. His tone made Chloe's heart tighten. What was she still hoping for? He'd always been like this. She knew that. There was never any love or warmth between them—just a twisted kind of control and pain. Ryan gave her a reassuring pat, then stood up and faced Hank head-on, not backing down an inch. "Collins, since your heart is already with someone else, why keep holding on to Chloe? From now on, I'll take care of her and the baby. Spare yourself the hassle." Hank narrowed his eyes, gave a mocking chuckle, and his voice oozed with venom. "Ryan, all these years and you're still clueless. She's been playing you like a fiddle. I'm the one clinging on? Why don't you ask who threatened me with Irene's life to force this marriage—who threw herself into my bed like she wanted it. I just gave her what she wanted. Oh, and a friendly reminder—legally, Chloe's still my wife. If the two of you wanna fool around, at least wait until she's actually free. The Coopers? I've never taken your family seriously. You? Even less."