I later managed to bargain with the little devil until we agreed to only buy what was necessary. That left me with less than half a cart, but as "punishment" for her antics, I reduced it further to a quarter.
After she begrudgingly went to return the unnecessary items, I headed toward the counter, only to find Linda standing there, watching me with a playful smile.
"You two are quite something," she giggled, the sound light and disarming.
"Well, I find myself needing to adapt to her brain or else things go completely haywire," I replied, chuckling.
She giggled again, stepping forward to help me push the now nearly empty cart to the counter. The cashier, a middle-aged man with a weary but friendly demeanor, quickly tallied up the items.
"$113," he said. Though it wasn't much, Chloe had managed to pick the most expensive options. There went my supper.
"Quite the shopping spree, huh?" Linda teased, glancing at the receipt in my hand.
"At least I'm spending it at a place owned by such a beautiful lady. It's worth it," I replied, handing the cashier my card.
Linda's eyebrows lifted slightly, surprised by my boldness, especially in front of her employee. Still, she smiled warmly, giving me a gentle jab on the shoulder.
We chatted for a few minutes, exchanging lighthearted banter until Chloe returned, her small face brimming with innocence.
"Did you put everything back where it belongs?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, don't worry. That lady over there helped me with everything," she said, pointing toward a woman who waved cheerfully in our direction.
I waved back and mouthed a quick thank you to her before grabbing the bags.
"Come again next time," Linda said, her tone warm as she waved us off.
Something struck me as I reached the exit. Turning back, I walked toward her, and she looked at me curiously.
"Mind giving me your contact?" I asked, my lips curling into a smirk.
"Oh, already?" she said, raising an eyebrow. Still, she took my phone and keyed in her number before calling herself to save mine.
"My calling time is quite expensive. You sure you can afford it?" she teased.
"Anything for a beautiful lady," I replied with a grin, walking away confidently.
Linda watched me leave, shaking her head with a bemused smile. Once I was out of sight, she returned to work, leaving the cashier staring in shock.
"Did someone just flirt with the boss—and she let him? Even gave him her contact?" he muttered under his breath.
...........................
After returning to my apartment, Chloe and I unloaded the groceries—mostly food—into the kitchen. Then I called her chauffeur. Yes, Chloe had her own chauffeur. About eight minutes later, George called to inform me he was waiting in the parking lot.
Grabbing the mischievous little devil, I hurried downstairs to meet him. The sleek black Rolls-Royce gleamed under the fading sunlight.
"Hey there, George," I greeted as we climbed in.
"Same old," he replied with a smile, starting the engine.
George was in his 40s, a robust man who had somehow maintained his youthful vigor. He was more than just Chloe's chauffeur; he was like family. The way he adored Chloe mirrored my own feelings toward her.
George navigated through the congested streets of New York, our journey delayed by traffic caused by an accident. The three of us passed the time chatting, mostly about kickboxing and wrestling—George's favorite topics and mine as well.
Chloe, however, had other plans. She dozed off midway, her small face nestled against my shoulder as a line of drool dampened my shirt. She looked so innocent and peaceful, even in her sleep, that it made me smile.
When we finally arrived at Chloe's home—no, mansion—it was nearly dusk. The sprawling estate covered over 400 square meters, complete with a lush lawn, a swimming pool, a miniature football field, and a garage filled with luxury cars.
Chloe's mother, Eva, stood at the entrance, her emerald-green eyes lighting up as she saw her daughter.
Eva was stunning, her beauty so striking it was hard to believe she was a mother. With the same emerald eyes as Chloe and a figure that seemed tailor-made to draw attention, she exuded an effortless elegance.
"Welcome home, sweetheart," she said, spreading her arms as Chloe bounded toward her.
Chloe giggled as she buried herself in her mother's embrace. I approached more slowly, smiling at the tender scene.
"Want a hug too?" Eva asked, glancing at me with a playful smile.
"Yeah, of course I do, but—"
"Nope, no way! Mum is only mine!" Chloe interrupted, clutching her mother tighter and glaring at me with mock possessiveness.
"See?" I said, throwing my hands up in mock defeat.
Eva laughed and invited me inside.
The house's interior was just as grand as its exterior. While Chloe and I lounged in the spacious living room, watching cartoons, Eva busied herself in the kitchen. Despite having a staff of maids, she insisted on helping with the cooking.
Dinner was ready twenty minutes later, a lavish spread that could rival a five-star restaurant. We gathered around the dining table, the atmosphere warm and lively.
Chloe dominated the conversation, chattering about school, her friends, and even her teachers—especially her math teacher, who, according to her, had the worst breath imaginable.
Eva listened intently, her laughter filling the room as she encouraged Chloe to share more. Watching them interact reminded me of my own family. Memories of my mother's gentle smile and my father's hearty laugh surfaced, and a pang of longing struck me.
Before I knew it, a tear slipped down my cheek.
The table grew quiet. Eva and Chloe's expressions shifted from joy to concern as they noticed my sudden melancholy.
Realizing I had dampened the mood, I stood up abruptly.
"Thanks for the delicious meal. You guys continue—I'll head home. It's late," I said, forcing a smile.
"Please let George take you," Eva said, her voice laced with worry.
"No need. I'll be fine," I replied, waving goodbye to Chloe before making my way out.
.......................
Back inside, Chloe tugged at Eva's sleeve, her eyes glistening with tears.
"Mom, will he be okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Eva knelt down, pulling her daughter into a comforting embrace.
"He'll be alright, sweetheart. He's a strong man," she said softly, though her own thoughts were far from certain.
.........................
I walked aimlessly along the highway, my thoughts a tangled mess. For years, I had buried my feelings, locking them away for the sake of survival. From a young age, I had been forced to shoulder responsibilities far beyond my years, especially after losing my parents.
But no matter how much I tried to suppress it, the pain had a way of resurfacing.
Tonight, it felt overwhelming.
The only solace I could think of was my sister—my last living connection to our family. She was the one person who could help me navigate the storm raging inside.
"It's time to visit her," I murmured to myself, my voice barely audible over the hum of the city.