Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

This was Connor's first time at Chloe's place.

The whole apartment had a cozy, Japanese vibe-lots of clean lines, light wood, and soft lighting. But here and there, little things hinted at the past. Like the yellow curtains she'd always loved. Or the comforting scent of incense drifting through the rooms. Each tiny detail felt like a punch to Connor's chest.

She'd lived here for two years. Her presence was everywhere. Yet, somehow, the style was nothing like before. It was Chloe's place, but it also wasn't. Just like Chloe herself-standing right in front of him, but feeling miles away.

He felt a wave of disappointment, but he kept it off his face. Instead, he managed a polite, "Ms. Rose, thank you for letting us stay."

Chloe couldn't help but smile at his formality. It was kind of funny, but something in his tone stung a little, too.

"I'll go get a room ready for you," she said.

The house was a standalone little villa, bigger than most homes around here, with two floors. Downstairs, there was a sunny living room, a neat kitchen, and a storage room. All the bedrooms were upstairs-three in total, plus a small den. Chloe had the master, Lucas had the second bedroom, and the last room was her study, overflowing with books and boxes. There wasn't even space for a mattress in there.

The only option was to clear out Lucas's room for Connor.

Chloe headed upstairs, grabbed fresh sheets and a duvet from the closet, and quickly made up the bed. Then she called down, "Mr. Connor, you can sleep here tonight."

"Thank you," Connor said. "Sorry for the trouble."

After a nap, Tim was looking much better. Aaron had dug out all his favorite toys,

and the two boys were deep in a world of action figures and race cars.

By noon, everyone was tired and hungry after a sleepless night.

Chloe finished tidying up and announced, "I'll make lunch."

Connor blinked in surprise. "You cook?"

The Chloe he remembered had never touched a frying pan. She always said she hated the smell of oil and smoke, that it messed with her sense of smell. Her hands Rad always been soft and delicate, pampered like a spoiled Persian cat.

So hearing her offer to cook was a shock.

Chloe looked a little flustered for once. "I can manage, but I'm not exactly a chef. Hope you don't mind, Mr. Connor."

She disappeared downstairs. The

kids were already in the playroom, piling blocks and giggling. Connor watched them for a while, then sat on the sofa where he could see into the kitchen.

He watched Chloe moving around, focused and determined. He remembered how she used to refuse to cook-how he'd never wanted her to, either. But now, for Lucas, she'd changed. She'd even started cooking.

A strange, bittersweet feeling welled up in him. Maybe even a bit of resentment towards Lucas.

Just then, his phone buzzed. Teddy was calling.

Teddy already knew he'd found Chloe, and had flown straight out to Japan. Now he'd just landed.

Connor asked him to take care of Lucas's hospital stuff.

Teddy said, "I'm at the hospital. Lucas is fine-just needs a few days' rest. What's your plan? Do you want to send him back home?"noveldrama

That was exactly what Connor had in mind. He wanted to stay here with Chloe, just the two of them, for a while.