Chloe followed Shawn and entered Cloud House quietly.
She had been here years ago when Shawn’s parents were still alive. The memories about past tugged at her heart when she entered here again.
Shawn’s parents passed away by accident then. Shawn’ grandfather and Shawn had to take over the PRADO. Later they expended the business scope.
Due to physical condition, Shawn’s grandfather retired, and went to abroad to enjoy life.
She thought, maybe Shawn faced the same situation as she did when his parents died? But Shawn was able to get his company out of trouble and run it well, while she was not.
“Mr. Cloud, Mrs. Cloud, welcome back!” As soon as they came into house, all the servants greeted them together, which shocked Chloe.
But Shawn appeared to be satisfied. In fact, it was he ordered servants to do so when he they move Chloe’s luggage here. He told them that Chloe was the hostess here, just like him.
“Your room is on second floor,” Shawn said softly. Then he showed Chloe her room.
When the door was open, Chloe was surprised to find that, the placement of the room was an exact copy of her previous room at home. Every object was her favorite. For a moment, she felt at home, as if her parents were still alive. She turned to look at Shawn, thankfully. A hint of smile showed on Shawn’s lips when he saw Chloe’s joyful face. It was certainly wise to decorate her room as her old room.
“Take a good rest. After all, you have to go to work tomorrow.” When saying this, Shawn, in fact, was concerning about Chloe for she just recovered from illness and was very weak. She needed more rest.
Chloe was at a loss again. She had felt a little touched and was about to thank him before he reminded her this. Can’t he say something good?
Chloe went straight into the room without a word, and closed the door heavily, leaving Shawn confused about why she suddenly changed.
Though confused, Shawn chose to left anyway.
Chloe sat down in bed, upset and soullessly. Bitterness and sadness secretly overflowed her, despite the familiar room. She was afraid of closing her eyes. Even escaping from the interruption of reporters, she still failed to asleep. She couldn’t stop thinking about her dead parents.
She had a nightmare again, sobbing. Nightmare kept annoying her since she lost her parents. She struggled to wake up but failed. Shawn heard the sound and came to her immediately. He knew what Chloe was going through. He had noticed Chloe’s to have nightmares when in hospital. So he kept alert at night so as to support Chloe whenever she needed.
Shawn opened the door and went into the room. He came by Chloe’s side, holding her hand, murmuring gently, “Everything will be okay.”
His words seemed to cast a spell on her. Soon Chloe stopped flailing. She felt her surrounded by a warm hug, which dispelled her fear away, and she fell asleep the.
Suddenly Shawn became very gentle when he saw Chloe was having a sound sleep. After he made sure that Chloe was alright, he left her room quietly.
The next day, they ate breakfast together, then went to PRADO early.
When they were about to arrive, Chloe said, “Drop me here. It would be embarrassing if people saw you and I being together.”
Her words struck Shawn, but he nodded anyway.
So Chloe got off, and thanks to the digital map, she found way to the design department. Her resume had been sent to HR, and everyone in the department knew they would have a colleague, who entered their department without following procedure.
Chloe finally found the place. She took a deep breath before she knocking the door. “Hello, I am Chloe,” she greeted her new colleges with a smile.
In no time she attracted all people’s attention, mixing with confused, disdainful and jealous look.
“ you are the new designer Chloe?” said a woman wearing heavy makeup ironically.
“You are the CCW’s successor Chloe?” another one scored, “I suppose it’s not a big deal. Oh, pardon me, I forget it is inappropriate to call you lady anymore.”
This was how they show their “greeting”.
“Watch your mouth!” At the corner, a woman pounded table as hard as she could. She stood up and walked towards Chloe.
“Chloe? I am Edith, the design director here.” she said wearing a perfect smile, and reached her hand to Chloe, “As you are a temporary employee, now there is no project that fits you. And I haven’t got enough time to apply for resources for you, so this is your office table, a little humble I know, I am sorry for that.”
“It doesn’t matter. Thank you.” Chloe said. She then walked towards her desk near the door, where placed a drinking fountain.
She had already predicted such situation. After all, she did not apply nor being interviewed, and the design department did not have social recruitment either. But she came here. Who was she? Everybody knew she used to be the successor of CCW which was bought by PRADO recently.
This was hard for her colleagues to accept. And what made they feel worse, Chloe was so charming even wearing no make-up.
Though reluctant, they all introduced themselves to show politeness.
“I am Mandy.”
“Cecilia.”
“Briony.”
“Emily.”
……
Chloe settled herself in her humble table and shaky chair. She did not say a word. She just took out her notebook and began sketching.
Other people, including Edith, were all scornful of Chloe, not in words, but in facial expression when she concentrated on drawing.
“Chloe, I am too busy with my work. Could you please bring me a cup of coffee?” cried Mandy in an affectedly sweet voice.
“Okay.” Chloe answered. She felt slightly tired, and it was a good chance for her to take fresh air.
“Chloe, I want a cup of milk tea without ice.” another woman requested.
“I want coffee too.”
Several persons took for granted to ask Chloe to bring them drinks. Chloe wrote down their drinks and went out.