Is this destiny?

In Chloe's apartment…

Aunt Wendy's two bodyguards stayed in the hallway, one on each side of the door, standing in attention with their hands behind their backs. They were facing away from the door, and Chloe understood that they didn't want to get in. Probably her Aunt Wendy asked them to stay outside and make sure no one disturbs them. Well, that worked for Chloe because she didn't want anyone to find out about her messy family's affairs either.

Chloe contemplated calling the bodyguards inside because she didn't want to alert her neighbors that something is going on. After all, who has bodyguards standing in front of the apartment? At the same time, Chloe didn't want those people inside her apartment either. This was her sanctuary and the presence of these people from the Long family felt like they were desecrating the space. After a short deliberation, Chloe decided to ignore them. She will see what these seniors want, and it will be done quickly.

Chloe closed the door and turned to see her three seniors standing in the living area and visually inspecting the apartment. From their spots, they could see the kitchen with the dining area, there was a glass double-door that led to a small balcony, a half-open door of the powder room, and another door was concealing Chloe's bedroom which provided access to a closet and a full bathroom.

Chloe didn't have the time to shop in order to spruce up the apartment, so everything was generic, equipped with a few basic pieces of furniture that came with the apartment, and the walls were light gray and bare.

It was not much, but it was enough for Chloe. However, based on the stiff expressions of her Uncle Leo, Uncle Kevin, and Aunt Wendy, Chloe could guess that they were not impressed. Those three always thought highly of the Long family, like they are above others, and this type of apartment would probably be good for servants, but not for a Long.

By now, Chloe had a good guess that her three seniors didn't come here to wish her well in her current endeavor. She wondered if they will scold her or maybe try to persuade her to return to the Long family.

Chloe told herself that there is no reason to fear them.

She used to depend on them, but now she is her own person. She has a job, an apartment, and she does not need to be polite to anyone if they are being rude to her.

It all sounded straightforward in her mind, but in practice, it was hard.

These people controlled her for more than two decades, and Chloe's stomach was tied into knots from anxiety. She knew that they didn't come here with good intentions. They saw her as their puppet, someone that can be used to increase their wealth, and she knew that they will not let go of her easily. They will try to pull her back into the domain of their influence and Chloe was not sure if she will be able to resist.

Luckily, she practiced her poker face for a long time and even though on the inside she was crumbling, Chloe's expression showed unwavering confidence. It was just how they taught her: no matter what internal struggle she was going through, a young Miss of the Long family should always appear calm and composed.

"Is this where you are staying now?", Uncle Leo asked, and his voice was laced with disdain.

"I believe you know the answer. That is why you are here.", Chloe responded.

"How come you left without telling us?", Uncle Kevin asked. He didn't want to exchange pleasantries and useless chatter.

"I was not aware that I need to notify my extended family when I get a job or an apartment. As you can see, I didn't leave the country or change my identity.", Chloe said. "Did you come here to see if I'm lacking anything? Or to congratulate me?"

Uncle Leo snorted. "Congratulate you? For what? For getting a measly job in accounting?"

Chloe told herself to stay calm. "I've got an appropriate position, according to my degree and experience. The Blanc company was gracious enough to offer me a job before my graduation, and it even came with this apartment. This place does not compare to the Long property, but how I see it, the only way I can go is up. As I gain experience and prove myself at work, my position and pay will increase. I don't see this as a measly job and I'm not doing anything to disrespect myself or the Long family."

"You barely left, yet you are already defiant.", Aunt Wendy said.

"You asked questions and I'm responding. How is that defiant?"

"You are aware that there are arrangements set for you. You were not supposed to leave without our permission.", Uncle Kevin said, and Chloe heard irritation bubbling inside him. Of course, Uncle Kevin was the one who would benefit the most if Chloe marries that man from Montana.

"Those were your arrangements. No one asked me, nor did I agree to anything.", Chloe reminded him.

Uncle Kevin's face darkened. "Chloe, stop playing. You need to come home."

"Why would I go back home?"

Aunt Wendy raised her hand, indicating to others to be quiet. She took a step toward Chloe. "It seems that you are not willing to marry Mr. Baldeo."

Chloe didn't deny it. "Of course, not. I don't even know the man."

"So why don't you meet him? What if you like him?", Aunt Wendy said warmly.

"I prefer to meet people without the weight of a prearranged marriage."

"Do you think that getting a job and staying here will get you to avoid your responsibilities?", Uncle Kevin hissed. "Without our family, you would not grow up in luxury. Because of us, you have your degree. Everything you are is because of us. It's time to pay up, Chloe."

Chloe balled her shaky hands into fists and stood her ground. "I didn't ask to be born in the Long family. You can't force me. I want out."

"That is not how things work, Chloe.", Uncle Leo said. "You are a Long and that will not change, no matter where you go."

A commotion was heard from the hallway and two seconds later the door opened abruptly.

Noah entered the apartment, with his fancy suit being slightly disheveled and he had a long stem of a red carnation between his teeth.

He didn't plan to fight, but the bodyguards blocked him saying that he can't come in. He guessed that Chloe might be in trouble and he had no time to negotiate, so he had to take them out. Luckily, it took only a few hits and they were sprawled on the floor.

As for the carnation in his mouth… On his way from the flower shop, Noah grabbed a red carnation from the 'free samples' bucket, thinking that one is better than nothing, but when he realized that he would fight, Noah put it in his mouth so that it doesn't break and… here he is.

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