Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

He handed Tim his clothes.

Connor was as polite as ever. "Ms. Rose, sorry to trouble you again."

A gentle smile played on Chloe's lips. "It's no trouble at all. Come in, Mr. Connor."

Together, Chloe and Connor helped the two kids get cleaned up.

Tim, covered in soap bubbles, grinned. "Daddy, Mommy, I had so much fun today!"

Chloe let out a quiet sigh. She wanted to tell this sweet little guy the truth-that she wasn't really his mom. But looking at his rosy cheeks and bright, sparkling eyes, the words just wouldn't come. She was afraid the happier he was now, the more disappointed he'd be later.

Aaron, always the serious one, said sternly, "Tim, you can't just call anyone your mommy. She's not your mom-she's mine."

Tim's whole face scrunched up in anger. "She IS my mommy! She is! Aaron, if you keep saying that, I won't like you anymore!"

Aaron shot Chloe a helpless look.

Chloe sighed and shook her head. Aaron didn't argue anymore.

Connor stayed quiet, focused on washing Tim, not offering any explanations.

After their baths, the boys played on the bed until they drifted off to sleep, cuddled up together. Chloe pulled the covers over them and stood by the bed for a while, just watching. Their heads were pressed together-one a little bigger, one smaller —and somehow, in sleep, they looked so alike.noveldrama

A strange, unfamiliar warmth rose in Chloe's chest, but it slipped away before she could really understand it.

Evening had settled in. The sky outside was streaked with pink and gold.

Chloe glanced over and saw Connor standing on the balcony, smoking. He leaned against the railing, lost in thought, eyes on the horizon like he was searching for answers in the sunset.

She frowned a little, then walked over to him.

Chloe poured a glass of water and offered it to him. "Mr. Connor."

Connor noticed her and quickly put out his cigarette. He took the glass from her. "Thank you."

Chloe held her own cup, resting her elbow on the railing as she looked out at the view. "It's beautiful here."

Connor nodded, his voice soft, almost distant. "Yeah. It feels like a dream."

Chloe turned to him. "Mr. Connor, when are you planning to leave?"

Connor's face barely changed. "When are you and Aaron heading back to Maplewood?"

Chloe thought for a moment. "Probably tomorrow."

Connor didn't miss a beat. "What a

Com I was planning to get

tomorrow, too. Maybe we could

head back together."

Something about his words made Chloe

e. It felt like he was

vel

purposely creating these little

between them.

All of a sudden, she glanced at him and asked, "Mr. Connor, can I ask your full name?"

Connor looked at her, a bit puzzled

Question. But he get

was serious, so he met her replied, "Connor." Content

and

"Connor?" Chloe repeated, almost to herself, his name lingering in the air.

Something flickered in her gaze.

Connor watched her closely, his voice suddenly more intense. "Did you remember something?"

But Chloe caught the slip in his words. "How did you know I'd forgotten something?"

Connor hesitated, just for a second.

Chloe pressed on. "Mr. Connor, did we know each other before?"