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She turns to look at me, her green eyes guarded. "And what do I think, Rendal?"
I run a hand through my hair, frustration building in my chest. "Look, Valeria's been trying to stir up trouble. She told Zola that nonsense about us getting back together, but it's not true. Not even close to being true."
Chloe's expression softens slightly, but I can still see the doubt lingering. "Why would she do that?"
"Because she's manipulative as hell. Always has been," I growl, then catch myself. "Sorry. It's just... she's always playing games, using Zola to get to me. I should've seen this coming."
I lean forward, elbows on my knees, and look Chloe straight in the eye.
"I need you to know that there's nothing between Valeria and me. What we have... what we're building here... that's what matters to me."
I watch Chloe's face carefully, trying to gauge her reaction. She takes a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine.
"Rendal, I want to believe you. I really do. What we have... It's special. I think we both know that by now. I haven't felt this way in a long time." She pauses, and I can see the conflict in her eyes. "But I've been hurt before. I can't go through that again, and I definitely can't put Penelope through it."
My heart clenches at her words. I reach out, gently taking her hand in mine. "Chloe, I understand. I've been hurt too, and the last thing I want is to cause you or Penelope any pain."
She squeezes my hand but doesn't pull away. That's a good sign, right?
"I need to know you're serious about this, about us," she continues. "I can't compete with your past, Rendal. I won't. I fucking refuse to."
"You don't have to," I say firmly, my voice low and intense. "There's no fucking competition, Chloe. You, Penelope, and Zola—you're the most important people in my life now. I don't want to lose what we have. I can't lose you."
I pour every ounce of sincerity I have into my words, willing her to believe me. My blue eyes lock onto hers, and I can see Chloe searching my face, weighing my words. The tension in the air is palpable, and I feel my heart pounding in my chest.
I manage to crack a smile, despite the gravity of the situation. "No one else really gets me like you do. You understand me in ways I didn't think possible."
Finally, she sighs, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Okay. I'm willing to give you a chance, Rendal. But you have to mean what you say. No games, no half-truths. I need complete honesty from you. I won't settle for anything less."
Relief washes over me, and I feel like I can breathe again. "Absolutely." I nod firmly. "I promise. No games, no bullshit. Just us, moving forward together. You have my word, and I don't give that lightly."
I squeeze her hand gently, marveling at how small and delicate it feels in my large, calloused palm.
"Kids, huh?" Chloe whispers, trailing her thumb along my skin. "They say the craziest stuff."
"Zola is a loose cannon, I swear. We're in for some trouble when she's a teenager."
"We?" She raises a brow, a hint of a smile on her lips.
"Yes, we," I reaffirm. "I'm serious. I'm with you for the long haul. I'm thinking about our future together and all of the little details in between."
I'd rather lose a kidney than imagine a life without Chloe. Now, my only challenge is proving that to her.
CHAPTER 10
Chloe
Ishould know better than to let the words of a young child get to me, but… this is different. Zola said it herself. Her mommy and daddy might get back together.
And where does that leave me?
I can't shake this feeling of unease. Rendal's words should have reassured me, but Zola's innocent comment keeps replaying in my mind. "Mommy says she and Daddy might get back together." It's like a splinter I can't quite remove, digging deeper every time I think about it.
I try to focus on my work, immersing myself in lesson plans and student evaluations. But even as I grade finger paintings and organize the upcoming field trip, my thoughts drift back to Rendal and Valeria. What if they really do reconcile?
Speaking of Penelope, I watch her coloring at the kitchen table, her little tongue sticking out in concentration. My heart aches. She's already been through so much with her own father leaving. I can't bear the thought of her getting attached to Rendal, only to have him disappear from our lives.
Every time my phone buzzes with a text from Rendal, I hesitate before responding. His messages are sweet, filled with jokes and updates about his day. But now, I can't help wondering if he's sending similar messages to Valeria.
