The Billionaire's Prodigal Wife

The sky gradually turned to late afternoon. The hallway light's "mouse" had long been broken, emitting dim and nuclear rays. Chloe Thomas, carrying a bag of groceries she had just bought from the supermarket, kept her hand against the wall, groping her way step by step.

The old building was about to be demolished and moved, with the security nowhere to be seen. Few households remained, the hallway devoid of light.

To the sixth floor, her heart filled with worry and anxiety, she lowered her head to search for her keys in her bag. Suddenly, her chest collided with an obstacle, causing her to lose her balance. Strangely, the object she hit had a bit of warmth... it was a person!

The faint smell of tobacco lingered around her nose, almost making her lose control and scream.

Her heart pounded, her ears filled with the sound of her own rapid breathing. Instinctively, she stepped back a few paces.

A crisp "click" sound echoed, and a small spark of light burst before her eyes. Thanks to the blue glow of the lighter, Chloe saw a familiar, somber pair of eyes, with dark, sharp pupils filled with impatience and irritation.

It was him...

Chloe tightened her grip on the grocery bag, her fingertips digging into the soft flesh of her palm, trying to steady her breath before she spoke, "What's the matter?"

The man's lighter went out, leaving them in silence before the door, consumed by darkness. After a moment of contemplation, he reminded her, "Open the door."

Chloe seemed to awaken from a dream, hurriedly rummaging through her bag. The more anxious she became, the more her hands trembled.

A slender arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, his solid chest pressing against her back. Her breath immediately hitched, her eyes staring at the moving shadow. They stood so close that she could vaguely feel his body temperature and hear his heartbeat. That warmth went straight into her heart, burning her chest.

He stood silently behind her, reaching into her bag.

Knowing he was searching for the keys, understanding that he wasn't intentionally touching her, she still felt uncomfortable, her eyes stinging as if something uncontrollable was about to fall.

The sound of steady breathing and the jingle of keys by her ear left her dumbfounded as she moved forward, wanting to stop him from opening the door. The man, impatient, rebuked her: "Move."

She hesitated for a moment before stepping aside, obediently standing still, trying to breathe quietly, afraid of breaking the current silence.

The door creaked open, a harsh light flooding in, causing her to squint and slowly lift her eyes to adjust to the sudden change. The image of the handsome man standing in the doorway immediately imprinted in her mind.

Chloe's heart pounded wildly, she quickly lowered her eyes, not daring to look at him for more than a second. She forced herself to carry the grocery bag straight inside, placing it on the round table, slowly regaining her breath. Thinking about the man behind her, her heart couldn't help but flutter with unease.

Turning around, she focused on him, awkwardly asking, "Do you want some water?"

Caleb Wilson glanced around the dilapidated room, the damp smell of New York's rainy season permeating the air. His frown deepened, increasingly impatient, he ignored her question and got straight to the point: "Lily is sick, she's asking for you."

Chloe was stunned, sweat forming on her pale forehead.

She stared wide-eyed, anxiously stepping closer to him, completely unaware of the intense disdain in his eyes, and asked worriedly, "Is it serious? The weather has been unpredictable lately, why haven't you taken good care of her?"

Caleb's lips curled into a mocking smile. Without a word, he stared at her.

Seeing his expression, Chloe realized her rash behavior, her fingers gripping tighter, she lowered her eyes and stepped back: "I'm sorry."

Caleb's eyes widened. Every time he saw this woman's weak demeanor, he was filled with disgust, understanding her true malicious nature like no one else.

"The girl wants the soup you make, cook it now."

Caleb finished speaking and naturally walked over to the sofa, sitting down, his hips pressing against something soft. Frowning, he picked it up. It was a small rubber duck.

The duck looked familiar, similar to the ones Lily had, but this one was larger, like...

"This is the mother duck," Chloe murmured, stepping forward to snatch the duck from his hand, handling it like a precious treasure, carefully placing it in a drawer.

Caleb silently watched her every move, a slight snort escaping his nostrils: "What? Are you still hoping for the mother duck to be reunited with the ducklings one day?"

His words were clear. Even if she wasn't smart, she understood.

Chloe turned her back to him, a bitter smile on her lips: "No, I just want... to keep it so that I can look at it whenever I miss Lily."

Caleb looked at her with suspicion, not believing her. Without giving him a chance to mock her further, she grabbed the grocery bag and went straight to the kitchen.

A fire seemed to ignite in Caleb's heart, yet he had nowhere to release it. Irritated, he took out a cigarette. Glancing around the room but finding no ashtray, he pulled a small trash bin closer.

He noticed a cigarette pack in the trash, stared at it for a moment, and then quietly looked away.

Care for this woman? He would have to be crazy!

-

In the kitchen, the sound of running water could be heard as Chloe carefully washed the ingredients. Last night, Caleb had stayed up all night taking care of his daughter, now feeling exhausted. After just a few puffs of his cigarette, he closed his eyes.

Chloe put the clay pot back on the stove, added half an ear of corn to the soup, then dried her hands before heading back out.

Entering the living room, she saw Caleb's long legs draped over the edge of the sofa. His tall, powerful frame was cramped on the small couch, his brows furrowed even in sleep. Still holding the half-smoked cigarette, she tiptoed over and carefully removed it from his hand.

Caleb's sleep was usually light, the slightest noise would wake him, but now he slept soundly, unaware of her presence.

Gazing at his familiar, handsome face, she felt a strange urge to reach out, stopping just an inch away from his furrowed brow.

His previous words always etched deep in her heart, and he expressed his dislike for her touching him, stating that he found it disgusting.

Chloe's eyes dimmed, slowly curling back her outstretched fingers. Memories of the past flashed through her mind, each one causing her body to ache.

The man on the sofa suddenly opened his eyes, a haze of anger in the dark depths, staring at her outstretched hand.

Chloe panicked, falling backward onto the floor: "I... there was something on your face..."

Caleb remained silent, his gloomy gaze fixed on her. Chloe swallowed hard. The only thought in her mind was to escape to the kitchen. Awkwardly standing up, she stammered, "I'll go check the soup-"

"Chloe." He unexpectedly called her back, his tone cold.

Chloe clutched her fingers tightly, vaguely aware of what he was about to say. Sure enough, each word from Caleb's mouth was firm, filled with warning and disdain: "Don't aspire for things beyond your reach. Remember your place."

It felt like something shattered inside her, but strangely, it didn't hurt as much this time. Chloe gently closed her eyes, nodding in acceptance: "I always understand, always know my place. You don't need to remind me."

Could she be unaware of Caleb's heart's absence of space for Chloe?

Chloe's actions were swift and agile. Caleb brought her to the hospital just in time to see Lily eagerly waiting at the door of her hospital room. Seeing Chloe, the little girl was overjoyed and excited, almost jumping up on the bed to greet her: "Auntie!"

Chloe took a few steps forward and hugged the child tightly. Lily still had a slight fever, showing a serious illness. Chloe worriedly touched her forehead and pressed her own forehead against it: "Are you still feeling unwell, dear?"

Lily smiled and shook her head, her chubby arms wrapping tightly around Chloe's neck: "It's been so long since you came to visit me... I thought you didn't want me anymore."

Chloe felt a pang in her heart, her nose tingling with the urge to cry. She shook her head repeatedly and showed the thermos in front of Lily: "Didn't you want soup, Lily? I made a new recipe for you today."

Hearing there was delicious food, Lily's eyes lit up like bright crystal beads. She sat up in bed, her sweet, innocent smile remaining on her face.

Caleb didn't enter the room, only standing at the door observing. Seeing the close bond between his daughter and Chloe, his anger flared up again, and he walked out to the hallway to light a cigarette.

At that moment, Lily completely forgot about her father. She nestled in Chloe's arms, obediently opening her mouth to be fed with soup. She inhaled the scent of Chloe's body and snuggled against her shoulder: "Every time I get sick, my dad gets all silly. Auntie, where is my mom? Dad said she passed away. Did she go to a faraway place?"

Chloe lowered her head, meeting the child's clear eyes. Her hand holding the spoon trembled violently as she shook her head: "Auntie... doesn't know either."

Lily frowned but didn't ask further when she saw Chloe's evasive expression. She quietly bowed her head.

Chloe couldn't bear to see the child sad and distressed. She set the soup bowl aside and hugged the child tightly, softly comforting her: "Lily is a wonderful girl. Your mother will definitely come back for you."

Lily sniffed, her small hand gripping the corner of Chloe's shirt. After a long pause, she murmured softly, saying words with no sound: "Mommy's scent is just like yours. If you were my mommy, that would be amazing."

Chloe didn't hear the child's words, staring blankly out the window. Outside, the leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, producing a soft rustling sound...

Summer had come again.

Lily was in the children's hospital. The bed was tiny, and besides the small sofa for two people, there was only a small chair for resting. Caleb occupied the sofa indifferently, not bothering with Chloe, his hand over his forehead, eyes closed to rest.

After feeding Lily the soup, Chloe picked up a book and started reading fairy tales to her. Halfway through the story, Lily fell asleep, her tiny hand still tightly gripping Chloe's sleeve.

A smile filled Chloe's eyes. She gently placed Lily's arm back under the blanket, tucked her in, and only then turned to look at the man lying on the sofa.

She didn't know if Caleb's silence meant he agreed to let her stay with Lily for the night, but Chloe cherished these rare moments. It had been over two months since she last saw Lily, and she didn't know when she would see her again after today.

Lily was asleep, but occasionally her lips would move, mumbling something. Chloe leaned in to listen and quickly heard the little one whispering, "Mommy!" Her face was full of grievance and sadness.

Lily had often asked Chloe before why her mother didn't want her anymore.

Chloe closed her eyes in sorrow, lowered her head, and kissed Lily's sweaty forehead. She stroked her little brow until the child was content and deeply asleep.

Returning to the small chair, sleep wouldn't come. The quiet made Chloe realize she hadn't eaten since the afternoon. Just as she arrived home, Caleb had brought her here... She looked around and saw many sweets on the cabinet near the bed, but she restrained herself and closed her eyes.

She couldn't sleep all night. Lily woke up multiple times, and Caleb couldn't soothe her. The child always reached out for Chloe to hold. Only after receiving Caleb's approving nod did Chloe dare to hold the child in her arms.

"Auntie." Lily's small mouth snuggled into Chloe's chest, whispering: "It hurts, it hurts."

"Let Auntie see."

Chloe carefully massaged Lily's shoulders and limbs, using just the right amount of pressure. The child felt comfortable and soon fell asleep on her shoulder.

The child's soft body was very comforting to hold. Chloe clung to this hug, unwilling to let go.

"If you keep holding her like that, she won't be comfortable." Caleb's deep voice rang out, like a bolt of lightning shattering her dream world.

Chloe bit her lip, gently placing the child back on the hospital bed. Sweat dripped from her body, and her shirt, wet from holding the child, clung uncomfortably to her chest.

Her white bra was faintly visible. Embarrassed, she clutched her shirt and moved aside.

Caleb adjusted the blanket for Lily. Seeing Chloe's fearful demeanor, he couldn't help but mock: "Don't worry, I'm very clear-headed. We will never repeat past foolish mistakes."

His words carried a lot of meaning, causing Chloe's face to immediately turn red. Lily was sound asleep, leaving only the two of them awkwardly facing each other in the dark.

She lowered her head and leaned against the chair. Suddenly, a packet of cookies appeared in front of her. Following the slender arm upward, she met Caleb's handsome but emotionless face.

"Thank you." She accepted it, gripping it tightly in her hand.

Caleb coldly removed his coat, curling up on the sofa again. After a few seconds of contemplation, he said: "I know you do nothing to benefit. As long as you take good care of Lily and keep her happy, I won't treat you unfairly."

Chloe bit her lower lip so hard it bled. Her eyes stung with pain, but she knew she couldn't cry. Crying would only make him despise her more.

-

Chloe didn't dare disturb him anymore. Forcing herself to sleep, she fell into a troubled dream. Painful, troubling memories replayed in her mind, filled with panic and tears. The agony of being separated from her flesh and blood tormented her with every nerve, every cell, suffocating her.

Hearing a child's cry, she jolted awake, her eyes still clouded with darkness.

The morning sunlight streamed in through the window, revealing that the sun was already high. Chloe gently turned to observe the child, her chubby limbs comfortably sprawled out in a deep sleep.

Looking towards Caleb, she saw he was still asleep. She sighed in relief and touched her face, finding it wet with tears.

Her stomach growled with hunger. The cookies from last night remained uneaten. Everything he gave her, she cherished as a treasure.

She quietly tidied up her belongings, stood up, and went out the door. The morning mist was still lingering. The food in the hospital canteen was definitely not good, and buying it on the street was unhygienic. Besides, Caleb would surely despise it as he had an extreme case of "cleanliness."

Chloe took the subway home to prepare breakfast for Lily and also planned to request leave from work. She meticulously calculated everything in her mind. When she arrived home and opened the living room door, a flying object greeted her.

The throw wasn't strong, purely meant to vent frustration.

The glass cup shattered on the floor, the sound of it breaking, bringing Chloe back to her senses. She slowly looked up and saw Nathan Thomas, whose appearance, demeanor, and spirit were all in decline.

-

The curtains were not fully drawn, and the sunlight shone on the glass shards, casting a faint glow on Nathan. The man, usually robust, now seemed deranged. A layer of black stubble covered his chin, and his eyes were swollen, with dark, bruised circles around them...

Oh no, she forgot to inform Nathan last night.

Nathan sat quietly on the sofa, his face stern as he tried to mask the coldness in his eyes: "Where were you?"

Chloe didn't dare look at him and hurriedly squatted down to gather the broken glass pieces and throw them into the trash.

Nathan's anger was uncontrollable. He abruptly stood up from the sofa, taking a few strides to stand in front of her. Not giving her a chance to react, he roughly grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet.

She was so light that she stumbled a few steps before regaining her balance.

Chloe looked at him in horror. Nathan's eyes were bloodshot, his thin lips curving into a cruel smile, staring at her unblinkingly: "Why didn't you answer me? Did you go to see him secretly once more?"

Chloe clutched the thermos tightly and calmly nodded: "Yes, but because Lily is sick."

"Lily-" Nathan laughed coldly, increasing the pressure on her. "How is her sickness relevant to you? Do you think you're her mother?"

Chloe's face, already pale, turned even whiter, as if doused in cold water, freezing her to the bone.

Nathan knew he had struck a nerve, but he couldn't help himself. Just thinking about her gently caring for that detestable father and daughter duo made his whole body ache as if twisted in pain.

Seeing the ferocity radiating from him, Chloe didn't want to argue further. She continued squatting down to clean up the remaining shards: "Step back a bit, or you'll hurt your feet."

Look at that. In her mind, he was nothing but a useless person. If only he were more useful, if only his body matched others in health.

Nathan's chest heaved as he tried to release his clenched fists. At this moment, lowering his gaze, he could see the top of her black head. She was just a fragile woman, yet why did she stubbornly bury such a negative feeling deep in her heart?

He couldn't help but shout: "Chloe, do you know what you're doing?"

-

Chloe's movements halted slightly. She looked up, her dark eyes filled with a reassuring smile: "Nathan, I only care about Lily. There's nothing more."

Nathan silently observed her for a long time, his bloodshot eyes filled with fear and his jaundiced skin forming a stark contrast.

After cleaning up the glass shards, Chloe stood up and gently supported his arm: "Have you taken your medicine? I saw the box in the trash and remembered it was empty. I'm sorry, I've been busy lately. I visited the hospital for additional medicine. It will continue for a few more days."

Hearing her gentle voice, the anger in Nathan's heart slowly dissipated, but he still turned his head away, snorting: "Maybe it would be better if I died, then you wouldn't be burdened by me anymore."

"Nathan!" Chloe shouted directly at him, her almond eyes wide open.

Over the years, life's hardships had worn down her spirit, making her more tolerant and subdued, rarely revealing her true feelings. Her sudden outburst startled Nathan. The imposing figure standing before her seemed to shrink.

Chloe stared at him, her voice firm: "You are not a burden to me. You are my last remaining family. Remember, I never see you as a burden."

Nathan bowed his head, looking at her delicate features. His heart ached, losing control for a moment. He gripped her shoulders: "Chloe."

His voice was hoarse, completely losing the previous anger, replaced by a gentleness that spread in his eyes. The strength in his hands carried a hint of ambiguous affection.

"You know, I've never wanted to just be your family." With that, he leaned closer, the clean scent of her body intoxicating him. His heart in his chest felt overwhelming satisfaction, as if it wanted to leap out.

Chloe watched his familiar face approaching. When their lips were almost touching, she suddenly woke up, pushing him away. She stumbled back, hitting the wall hard.

The room fell silent, except for their heavy breathing.

"I-" Chloe stammered, trying to explain. When she met his eyes, she quickly looked away: "I haven't brushed my teeth since I woke up."