Separated Rooms for Three Years, He Panicked After I Moved Out Chapter 04

Separated Rooms for Three Years, He Panicked After I Moved Out Chapter 04

The realtor was a young woman with a high ponytail who spoke in quick, clipped sentences.

She showed me a two-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, not far from the beach, in a good neighborhood.

“Ms. Bennett, this apartment gets incredible light. The landlord just renovated, so all the furniture and appliances are brand new. The rent is sixty-five hundred a month. What do you think?”

I stood on the balcony and looked out. The view was good. I could see the pier in the distance.

The apartment wasn’t big, but it was more than enough for one person.

Most importantly, there were no memories of Briar Pierce here.

“This is perfect. I’ll take it.”

She clearly hadn’t expected me to decide so quickly. She froze for a moment, then broke into a wide smile.

“Great. I’ll contact the landlord now so we can get the lease signed.”

I signed a one-year lease and paid the deposit and first month’s rent through Zelle.

When I walked out with the keys in my hand, the sunlight felt warm and promising.

I stood on the sidewalk, looking at the keys, and suddenly felt much lighter.

When I got home that afternoon, Maria had already bought several U-Haul boxes and stacked them in the living room.

I was just about to go upstairs and start on the closet when I heard a sound at the front door.

I didn’t have to turn around to know who it was.

A second later, a familiar voice sounded behind me.

“You’re home.”

I turned.

Chloe stood in the doorway.

Her gaze snagged on the boxes beside me for a moment.

“Packing?”

I ignored the question. “What are you doing here?”

“Briar brought me.”

“My lease is up, and I’m between places. He said I could stay here for a bit. For as long as I need, really.”

I nodded.

“Okay.”

Chloe clearly hadn’t expected that reaction. The smile on her face faltered.

“You don’t mind?”

She looked at me, a challenge in her eyes.

“I told him it might be a little awkward, but Briar insisted. He said—”

“If he told you to come, then stay,” I cut her off.

“There are plenty of rooms.”

She pressed her lips together, then walked over and sank onto the sofa.

“You’re awfully calm.”

“You were willing to marry into this family, and now you’re just going to let me move in.”

I looked at her and almost found it funny.

I didn’t respond. I just turned to go upstairs.

Chloe, apparently not fond of being ignored, raised her voice.

“Marceline, I’m talking to you.”

I stopped and looked back at her.

“I heard you.”

“But you’re not here for a chat, and I have things to do. So let’s not waste each other’s time.”

“I still need to pack.”

Chloe stood up, the smile wiped clean from her face.

“You’re leaving?” she asked, her tone sharp with surprise.

“What else would I do?” I countered. “Stay and watch the two of you play house?”