Chapter 150
Sierra
The door slams behind Brook, the echo lingering longer than it should.
All of a sudden, I feel cold. You know the kind of cold that screams warning bells? That kind of cold.
Part of me wants to turn and bolt like the hounds of hell are after me, but the other? The one that knows that this isn’t just about me; it’s about the safety of my baby, pushes me to stay.
I can’t help but feel like I’ve walked into the lion’s den. This is Noah’s turf. Brook’s turf. It’s the least place I should be safe, but I already agreed to this so I can’t turn back now. Besides, isn’t it better to keep your enemy close? If Brook is the person after me, then it’s easy to keep tabs on her when we are on the same roof. It’ll be easier to collect evidence against her. 2
Ignoring the awkward atmosphere, my eyes wander around the house, taking in the elegant furniture, the framed photographs, and the pale curtains that drift softly with the evening breeze. Everything is beautiful, in a way that feels preserved.
I’ve never stepped foot in Noah and Chloe’s home before, but even without being told, I know who this place belongs to. Every corner whispers her name. It all screams Chloe.
I know her well enough to know her taste, and this whole house? Was designed according to her likes. There isn’t a single thing that screams Noah here. Just Chloe.
The house is frozen in time, as if Noah’s refusal to move on has seeped into everything else in his life that was touched by Chloe.
My chest tightens. How do you compete with a ghost that still lives in every inch of the man’s world? The answer: You can’t. I already know that, and I’m not even going to try, but maybe someone should tell that to Brook.
“You okay p>
Noah’s voice pulls me back. It’s low, distant and polite, but cold in a way that makes my skin prickle.
“Yeah,” I say quickly, forcing a small smile. “Just tired p>
He nods, his expression as it has always been. Indifferent. “We can do a house tour later, if you want. For now, you should rest p>
My whole body feels like it’s carrying the weight of the day. Plus anything that could get me away from his suffocating presence is greatly appreciated. 1
“Yeah,” I murmur. “A nap sounds good p>
He calls for the housekeeper, his tone a bit clipped. I almost tell him what’s on my mind. If he didn’t want me here, he could have just said so. I would have found a place, but I swallow the words.
A woman in her fifties appears from the hallway. Her cold eyes flicker towards me before going back to Noah. It almost makes me wonder, with the exception of the twins, is everyone else in this house cold? Noah, Brook and now even the housekeeper.
“Mrs. Turner,” Noah says, “could you show Sierra to the guest room? The one upstairs p>
“Of course, sir.” Her gaze meets mine briefly before she turns. “This way, Miss p>
I follow her up the staircase, so glad to be away from Noah. She doesn’t speak, and I don’t push for small talk.
There’s a certain tension in the air. Not hostility, per se, but also not acceptance.
When we reach the room, she steps aside to let me in. “If you need anything, dial number two on the landline,” she says, her tone flat. “I’ll call you for dinner p>
“Thank you,” I reply softly.
She gives a brief nod and disappears down the hall, leaving me alone.
The room is beautiful, I’ll admit. Warm shades of beige and gold, with soft drapes framing a view of the backyard.
I walk in slowly, fingertips brushing the edges of the dresser, the perfectly arranged throw pillows, and the small vase of fresh flowers by the window.
Even here, I can feel her. It’s as if her ghost lingers in every single room.
The closet is a walk–in, its mirrored walls gleaming. It’s empty now, but I can imagine her standing here once, choosing this as the guest room. A masterpiece that would leave any guest feeling like they’ve stepped into a world of luxury and elegance. 1
The bathroom could be straight out of a magazine. Marble counters, a soaking tub big enough to drown in, gold fixtures that gleam under the soft light. It’s all beautiful, just like she was.
and
Chloe always had expensive tastes. Even when we were young, she would try to save just to get herself something expensive. Something she could brag about. 1
When she got together with Noah, money was no longer a problem. I’m not saying she didn’t love Noah, she did, in her twisted way… but Noah coming from a filthy rich family played a big role in her plan to secure a bright, wealthy future for herself.