Page 186 of Now and Forever

His father was hosting a private party at The Met, so it was imperative we looked the part. This was an aspect of Drew’s life that I hadn’t been exposed to, but tonight, I finally saw the vast contrast of our lives when his father announced his only son and heir, garnering Drew more attention. From what he had told me before, people knew about him, but since he hadn’t been publicly introduced, they didn’t know what he looked like. Tonight had changed that.

From what I gathered, Drew’s grandfather had two sons, and for those sons to inherit, they had to have heirs, male heirs, or the portion they ought to get would be sent to a particular foundation. Hopefully, this wasn’t Conrad’s only motive in trying to rekindle his relationship with his son. It would hurt Drew if it were the case.

A part of me was tempted to google his paternal family, but another part of me insisted that I should wait until Drew was willing to reveal the information. I knew he was still trying to acclimate to this new life, and when he was ready to talk, then I would be there.

Drew sat with me during dinner. I was having the time of my life up until I had to excuse myself to use the restroom, and I came across Caroline with Poppy.

Stopping in my tracks, I gave a courteous smile, though it pained me. “Caroline, Poppy, good evening.”

Draped in full regalia of diamonds, Caroline threw me a condescending look. “I had to get reinforcements since you’ve proven yourself a liar, Chloe. You gave me your word that you weren’t going to be permanent, yet here you are, pretending to be someone you’re not.”

The back of my neck began to heat as I tried to control my anger. “And what am I pretending to be, Caroline? Your stepson’s girlfriend? Yeah, it’s not a pretense; it’s the truth. I am his girlfriend. But before you jump into the gold digger tirade, let me point out that I’ve known him his entire life. I’ve been there through the good and the bad, and I doubt that’ll change anytime soon. I can’t say the same for you, though. You better amp up the Botox, honey, because Conrad might accidentally stumble on his fourth wife if you’re not careful. That would be tragic, wouldn’t it? So spare me the bullshit. I’ve had enough of these high school mean girl antics. You should be ashamed of yourself for stooping so low.”

I could almost see Caroline’s ears releasing steam as she shook with anger, her face red. “You little cunt! You think you’ve got it all figured out? Just wait and see when Drew transfers to Oxford with Poppy this fall. You’ll be history, just like the rest of the slutty lot that came before you.”

My body went cold. “You’re lying.” Drew had never mentioned anything about Oxford.

Caroline’s eyes sparkled in victory. “Go ask him yourself. His father has plans for him, and you best move out of the way. Poppy suits him best. You’re nothing but American trash.”

“I think that’s enough, Caroline,” Poppy chided, seeming uncomfortable. I didn’t think she wanted to be there.

Breathing through my lips, I pinned Poppy with a hateful glare. “Is this true?”

Poppy gazed at me emotionlessly. “It is. It’s already been arranged.”

So much for being a changed man. It was all just a sham. A stupid game Drew liked to play with me, and I hated myself for buying into it. I could console myself that I hadn’t told him I still loved him like I had before.

Heatedly spinning on my heels, I almost ran back to the table. Drew was still sitting at the table, but I saw no one. All I saw was red, telling me to get as far the fuck away from him as I could.

“Chloe?” I heard him say with a hint of alarm in his voice.

He saw how distraught I was, but I didn’t care. Purposely ignoring him, I took my clutch and headed for the exit without even checking out my jacket. I didn’t want Drew to catch up with me.

“Chloe! Stop!” Drew called out from behind me just as I was coming down the damn stairs.

Willing myself not to look back, I barely shivered when I reached the pavement and the winter chill hit my bare skin. Adrenaline rushed through me. I felt nothing but the urgent need to escape, and that was what I did.

Almost there, I thought as I yanked one of the cab doors open before sliding into the backseat.

“Pretty dress, but it’s not worthy to catch pneumonia over, missy.” The aged Rastafarian shook his head with disapproval.

“I’ll try to remember that next time, but could you step on it? I’m in a rush,” I rattled on while my heart slammed against my chest.

“Are you in trouble?” The driver frowned at me through the rearview mirror. “ ’Cause I see a man rushing right behind you. Oh, there he is!”

“No. Just drive now, please!” Of all the cabs, I just had to get into one with a nosy driver. Fuck.

And just like that, the other door opened, and in came Drew, huffing like a true motherfucker as he pierced me with daggers in his eyes.

“Do you have a death wish?” he practically screamed in my face.

“I said the same thing,” the driver muttered. “Where am I taking both of you? The hospital? Or to a department store to get a jacket somewhere?”

“Midtown. 49th street,” Drew interjected without taking his eyes off me. “Aren’t you going to say anything? Don’t I get an explanation or something to justify why you ran out of there like some bat-shit crazed woman?”

“It’s over, Drew,” I murmured, gazing out the window as my eyes began to gather tears.

“Hell no, it’s not over. It’s never going to be over!” he savagely declared. “What the fuck happened, Chloe? You were fine when you left for the bathroom. Fuck, baby, help me out here. Help me understand—”

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