Chapter 45: A Different Man
Seeing Layla standing there, full of aggression, Chloe couldn’t help but find it a bit amusing. However, she calmly replied, “Don’t worry, I know that Julian and I are over. I’m not trying to hold onto him. But maybe you should focus more on your relationship with him instead of always looking for problems with me.”
With that, Chloe walked into the library, ready to resume her studies. She had too much to focus on and couldn’t afford to let her thoughts drift to other things.
When the library closed, Chloe left and unexpectedly ran into Matthew.
Matthew had been busy with classes these past few days, so they hadn’t seen each other in a while. Running into him now was a pleasant surprise.
Seeing Matthew reminded Chloe of the last time she had invited him over for dinner, which had ended awkwardly. Now that things were calmer, Chloe decided to make another offer.
“Matthew, do you have time soon? I’d like to invite you for dinner, again. I’ll cook this time. Or if you’re busy, we can eat out.”
Matthew was taken aback by her offer, pleasantly surprised. He still remembered how delicious Chloe’s cooking was and had been thinking about it. Now that she had brought it up, he gladly accepted.
“Of course, I’d love that.”
They chatted and left the library together, unaware that Julian was watching them from a distance. Julian, sitting in his car, felt a surge of anger rise within him as he saw Chloe smiling and talking with another man. Her calm, happy demeanor irritated him to no end.
He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, feeling a heavy weight in his chest. His mother had seen Chloe at the library before, and even his sister knew where Chloe was living, but refused to tell him. Now, he had resorted to coming to the library himself, not even sure why he was there.
But when he saw Chloe laughing with Matthew–someone different from the man he had seen her with before–Julian was livid. What was Chloe trying to prove? Was she intentionally trying to make him jealous, to make him regret their breakup?
If so, she had succeeded.
His a
is anger boiled over, but Julian managed to control himself. He followed them in his car until they reached an alley where he could no longer drive. Getting out of the car, he continued to follow them on foot.
Adam had told him Chloe’s current living conditions were poor, but Julian hadn’t taken it seriously. Nous
seeing it for himself, he realized just how bad it truly was. The place was far worse than he had imagined, and the thought of Chloe living there unsettled him deeply.
Meanwhile, C
Chloe and Matthew were engrossed in conversation. Despite their age difference, they had a lot in common, especially when it came to their studies. Their discussions were full of insightful exchanges, sparking new ideas between them.
Though Chloe was still preparing for her exams, she had already grasped most of the material. However, advancing in academic research required long–term dedication and reading. This wasn’t something that could be achieved in just a few months or a year.
In this regard, Matthew had been a huge help. He had accumulated far more knowledge and experience over the years, offering Chloe valuable guidance.
L
A Different Man
As they chatted, Julian watched from a distance, his fists clenched tightly. He was
furious–furious that Chloe seemed so happy and relaxed with another man. Furious that she could be so heartless, unwilling to even look back at him, while smiling so easily with someone else.
Chloe had always been a good cook, and tonight she had prepared an impressive spread of dishes. Matthew was astonished by the amount of food she had made.
“There are only the two of us–this is way too much,” Matthew said, amazed.
Chloe smiled. “It’s my way of saying thank you.”
”
Matthew felt a bit embarrassed. “You don’t have to thank me like this. I haven’t helped you that much. You’re incredibly efficient, and I’ve only done a little.”
He was truly impressed by Chloe’s progress. After not seeing her for a few days, the improvement in her understanding and knowledge was remarkable.
“It’s not just about studying. You also helped me access some important materials that I wouldn’t have been able to see otherwise. Those resources are only available to certain students, and without your help, I wouldn’t have gotten access.”
Some academic materials were restricted to higher–level students, so Chloe sincerely thanked Matthew. for his help.
Matthew was taken aback. He knew Chloe was dedicated, but her ability to juggle her studies and keep up with everything else was astonishing.
“No wonder the professor said you’re going to be her next star student,” Matthew said, genuinely impressed.
After dinner, night had fallen. As they said their goodbyes, Chloe walked Matthew downstairs, taking the trash out with her..
“By the way, has anyone ever told you your cooking is incredible? Thanks again for the amazing dinner tonight,” Matthew said as he left.
“Glad you liked it.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow at the library. I’ve prepared a few more research papers for you to go over, if you have the time.”
They talked for a bit more before Matthew left. Just then, Wyatt walked toward them, heading home as well
When Matthew saw Wyatt approaching, he became visibly nervous. “Good evening, Professor.” Wyatt glanced briefly at the building behind them. “Do you live here?”
Matthew was startled and replied, “Yes, I do, Professor I took one of your electives a while back.”
Wyatt nodded in recognition. “That’s why you look familiar.”
Chloe was about to greet Wyatt, but he barely acknowledged her before walking upstairs. Chloe didn’t take it personally, unfazed by his lack of response.
