Both of them froze simultaneously. As if pulled by an invisible string, they turned toward the direction of the voice.
Blaine Jackson strode toward them, his sharp gaze burning with intensity.
"Blaine?" Chloe Grace blurted out in surprise.
"Chloe, so the reason you weren't answering my calls was because you were with him?!" Blaine came to a halt in front of them, his eyes blazing with anger. He let out a bitter chuckle. "And to think I actually believed Kyoko when she said you were crying your heart out. But what do I see now?" He shot a look at Yuto Miyazawa and Chloe, who were still in an embrace.
Chloe snapped back to reality, quickly stepping out of Yuto's arms. She turned toward Blaine, hastily explaining, "No, Blaine, you've got it all wrong. Yuto and I—"
"Are you going to tell me that you weren't just hugging?" His voice was sharp, eyes filled with disbelief.
"I..." The more she tried to explain, the more chaotic her thoughts became.
"Speechless, huh? So you've been playing me all along? You said you loved me for five years, but it was all a lie?"
"No, I didn't! Just calm down and let me explain!" She reached for his arm, gripping it tightly as if afraid he would walk away and never look back.
"Explain what? You know how many times I called you, and you ignored every single one!" His voice carried a frustration that cut deep.
"Mr. Jackson, I believe you're misunderstanding Chloe," Kyoko spoke up from behind them. "I just called her, and she really was crying."
"Oh, really? Then why don't you explain what I just saw?" Blaine retorted.
Kyoko hesitated, at a loss for words.
"Director Jackson, you've got it all wrong." Yuto, who had remained silent, finally spoke.
Blaine let out a cold laugh. "Oh? Have I? Tell me, Yuto Miyazawa, why should I believe you?"
"Why would I lie?" Yuto countered, his voice calm. "I was searching for some lost documents when I heard someone crying. When I got closer, I found Chloe sitting in the center of the stage, completely heartbroken."
"And that was your cue to hold her? How convenient," Blaine scoffed.
"I didn't hold her, nor did she hold me." Yuto sighed and explained how Chloe had nearly fallen, and he had caught her just in time. "I was about to help her sit down when you showed up. That's all."
Blaine turned his gaze back to Chloe, only to see her suddenly get up and walk toward the exit.
"Chloe?!" He was dumbfounded, staring at her retreating back, unable to understand what she was thinking.
"Chloe?" Kyoko called after her, worry in her voice, but Chloe didn't stop.
"Director Jackson, I think you owe Chloe an apology," Yuto said seriously.
Blaine had been about to run after her when Yuto's words stopped him. He scoffed. "And what do you know? Are you saying I'm the reason she was crying in the first place? That she was so devastated she almost fell? That's why she ended up in your arms?"
"She hasn't said it outright, but I can guess what's going on in her mind."
"Oh, so now you're a mind reader? Should I congratulate you on your supernatural abilities?" Blaine sneered.
Yuto simply sighed. "You should just go after her and ask her yourself." With that, he and Kyoko turned and walked away.
---
"Chloe Grace, what the hell is going on with you?" Blaine caught up with her at the entrance of Sensui Group's building, tossing his makeup case aside as he grabbed her arm.
"Let go of me! If you don't trust me, why are you chasing after me?" Tears streamed down her face as she shouted at him.
"Because you ignored my calls, and then I walked in on that scene! What was I supposed to think? I'm your boyfriend! Seeing you in another guy's arms, of course I'd be jealous!"
"Fine! It's my fault! I'm not good enough for you, I don't deserve your love! Now, can you let me go?" Her tear-filled eyes met his as she choked out, "I won't bother you anymore. You don't have to worry—I won't force you to love me."
Blaine stared at her, stunned. "Chloe, are you out of your mind? Who said you weren't good enough? Are you trying to break up with me?!" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Hadn't he just confessed to her not long ago?
"It's not that I want to break up with you... It's that I can't bear the fact that you don't love me."
"What?" His brows knitted together. "Who the hell told you that?"
"No one had to tell me. It's obvious. You and I both know who you truly love." She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I'm leaving. I'll pack my things and disappear from your life."
Blaine let out a low curse before pulling her into his arms. "How did we get here? Who told you I don't love you?"
"There's no need to explain. I know there's someone else you truly love."
His eyes narrowed. "Who exactly are you talking about?"
"It doesn't matter anymore," she whispered. "All that matters is that I leave."
"Are you trying to drive me crazy?" He tilted her chin up, his fiery gaze locking onto hers.
"Do you really want me to say it? Why are you so cruel? Fine! The woman you truly love is the one you were just talking to on the phone!"
His expression changed. "You mean Claire?"
"I'm not wrong, am I?" she let out a bitter laugh, fresh tears falling.
Blaine sighed. "Now I get it. You overheard that call and misunderstood everything. But tell me—who told you Claire was the woman I love?"
"I've known for over a year. I just kept lying to myself, thinking that if I stayed by your side, you'd eventually love me instead. But I was wrong."
"You know nothing!" he snapped, exasperated. "Claire and her husband are ridiculously in love. She's even pregnant with twins! And you think she's the one I love?"
"Then who do you love? Even Sophie told me you've been in love with Claire for years! You even wasted an entire year in France just to be with her! How can you deny it?"
"For the love of—" Blaine ran a hand through his hair, completely losing his patience. "I cared for Claire, yes. But it's not what you think. She's like family to me now. Stop making wild assumptions!"
"Then why do you only smile like that when you talk to her?"
"How the hell should I know how I smile? I smile at you, too! Haven't you noticed?"
"Only when I make a fool of myself just to amuse you."
"Are you saying I'm your pet cat or dog?" He smirked, shaking his head. "You're being ridiculous. You made a huge mess out of nothing. Now, let's go home."
"No! I've made up my mind—I won't cling to you anymore!"
"Not happening!" Blaine declared stubbornly. "And I swear, I'll make you regret ever doubting me."
END