Love’s New Bloom By Simone Hastings

Chapter 38 Forced to Live Together 

Erin looked at Caleb, suddenly at a loss for words. “Mr. Grant, I- 

“We’re off work right now. You can call me by my name. Erin, are you really married?” Caleb still had a look of disbelief in his eyes. Erin thought of explaining it to Caleb a moment ago, but when he stood right before her, she suddenly didn’t know where to begin. She looked at the staff slowly coming out of the office building. It was the end of the day, and she found it inconvenient to talk there, so she suggested. “Why don’t we find a place to talk? I’ll explain the matter clearly.” 

Caleb nodded in agreement, and they walked to a café across the office building. When they entered the café, Erin found a corner and sat down while Caleb chose to sit opposile her. 

When the waiter arrived, they both ordered a cup of coffee and silently waited for their order. Once their coffee was served, Erin took a sip and said. “I’m indeed married, but I’ve been trying to settle a divorce with him for the past few days. When you asked me if I had a boyfriend, I didn’t mean to deliberately hide it from you. I just didn’t want to explain my current relationship with my husband.” 

Erin continued. “There are so many people in the office; I don’t want them to gossip about my personal life behind my back. The three colleagues from my previous company have all met my husband, but they still didn’t know about our divorce.” 

Caleb’s hand that was holding onto the coffee cup relaxed tremendously. He gently placed the coffee cup on the table. He furrowed his brow and thought a little while. When he looked up at Erin again, he looked more at ease. He said calmly. “Thank you for telling me this. I understand what you’re going through, but can I ask you a question?” 

“Sure, what is it?” 

“Why are you getting a divorce?” Caleb looked a little confused. 

Erin’s expression darkened. “He had cheated on me for almost half a year.” 

Ten minutes later. Caleb and Erin left the café. Caleb insisted on paying the bill, so Erin said she would pay for the next round. Caleb 

smiled in agreement. 

On the way back on the subway, Erin thought about what Caleb had told her in the café. He said her design had been selected as one of the top three. He and another famous designer were the judges in the competition, and the results would be announced at the office by the following Wednesday. 

Caleb also told her he would wait for her to settle her relationship matters. He still hoped that he could be her boyfriend. 

Erin instantly replied that she was not considering getting into any relationship at that moment. She only wanted to focus on her work. Caleb said nothing further except that he would wait for her. 

Half an hour later. Erin returned home. Before entering her neighborhood, she stopped by a small supermarket to buy groceries and prepare dinner for Holly that night. 

In less than 20 minutes, Holly entered with a bag of shrimp. The moment she entered, she could smell something cooking in the oven. She excitedly took off her heels and pranced into the kitchen. 

When she saw Erin slicing potatoes, she asked excitedly. “Erin, tell me the truth. What’s the good news today? Has your director picked your design?” 

Erin looked at her and asked, “Why are you asking this?” 

“Why? Cooking up a feast in the oven is troublesome, yel you’re willing to do it. You must have some good news to announce!” Holly exclaimed assuredly. 

Her best friend sure had an astute observation. Erin didn’t retort but merely said, “Holly, wash the shrimps. We’ll be able to eat soon.” 

“Okay, I’ll wash the shrimp.” 

Half an hour later, Erin and Holly had stuffed themselves to the brim. Erin looked at Holly and came clean. “I’m moving out.” 

Holly was stunned by the sudden news. She asked anxiously, “You’re moving out? Why? Don’t tell me you’re moving back to lan’s?” 

Erin shook her head but said nothing. 

Her silence only made Holly even more worried. “Where are you moving to? We were living together so happily, why are you moving out? If you move out, I’ll be alone and bored! Erin, did I do something wrong?” 

Although Erin was a little hesitant, if she did not tell her best friend the truth, Holly would probably worry herself to death, which would cause friction in their friendship too. 

She explained, “Holly, me moving out has nothing to do with you! Don’t think that way! I’ll be honest. Do you still remember that the male escort I found previously was actually my boss?” 

Holly nodded. ‘I do. Are you moving out because of him? Are you two going to live together?” 

“Yes, we’ll be living together, but we’re not a couple. He threatened me with some racy photos, forcing me to be his lover for three months. He wants me to move in with him, which must be done tonight. He’s sending a driver over at ten.” 

Erin had a helpless yet grim expression. She received Chandler’s call reminding her about the move when she was buying groceries. 

When Holly heard what Erin said, she was speechless for a long while. She furrowed her brow and chewed on her food unnaturally. 

Erin said nothing either, merely eating her potatoes in silence. 

After about three minutes, Holly suddenly asked, “Do you think your boss likes you? If not, do you think a powerful person like the President of the Frost Corporation would have trouble getting women? Why would he need to threaten a lowly staff with racy photos? By the way, when did he take those photos? Did you consent to it, or were you forced?” 

Erin looked at Holly with food in her mouth. She could not understand what Holly was feeling at that moment from her expressions. 

Holly was feeling conflicted. A man appeared out of nowhere, trying to take Erin away from her. How was she going to live alone in such a huge apartment? She felt lonely just at the thought of it. Also, if that man liked Erin, did that mean that Erin was soon no longer single? That would mean that she would be abandoned once more. 

Erin didn’t avoid Holly’s questions. She replied, “You’re reading too much into it. How could he like me? Even if he does, it’s because he likes new things, or perhaps I’m his subordinate, so he finds it easier.” 

Then, she huffed angrily. “As for the racy photos, I didn’t know he took them at first! Back then, I did think of taking it to court to settle the matter, but I’m afraid that it would blow up and my family and friends would find out about it, then my reputation would be ruined! Also, I can’t afford to offend Chandler, what with his wealth and influential power…” 

She sighed, then said. “I’ve thought about it. Since he’ll let me go after three months, I’ll just bear with it. I blame myself for getting tangled with such a man. Perhaps fate is punishing me for not cherishing my life. In the future, no matter how sad or angry I am, I won’t go casually looking for men anymore.”