The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 205: Chapter 205

Serena and Chloe sat together while Simon thoughtfully ordered their favorite dishes. Even Serena had to admit she wasn't that considerate most of the time.
Over the past few days, Chloe had grown more comfortable around Simon. She smiled, "I've never been here before. It's lovely." She glanced around, admiring the classic decor and serene ambiance. Suddenly, her eyes locked onto a man at the entrance. Her expression darkened instantly.
"Ashton?" It had been so long since Chloe had seen him that she had almost convinced herself he no longer affected her. But the moment their gazes met, she knew that wasn't true. To her, Ashton was still a nightmare.
Serena also noticed Ashton, her brow furrowing.
"Ashton?" Simon, unfamiliar with him, looked puzzled.
Just then, a voice came from behind Simon. "Long time no see, Ms. Gray, Ms. Whitmore," Ashton sneered. "What a coincidence. I haven't sought you out since that day, yet here we are."
Chloe's face was cold. "Seeing you is like finding a fly in my soup—disgusting. We're done. Just let me go."
Ashton smirked and patted Simon's shoulder. "Is this your new flame? You're worried he'll find out I was your ex-husband, so you're desperate to drive me away?"
"Stop making things up. You and Chloe were never truly together," Serena snapped.
Ashton burst into laughter, pointing at himself. "Me? Lying? The whole city knows about our marriage."
Chloe lowered her gaze, thinking, 'Simon didn't know any of this. Now that he does. Maybe he won't pursue me anymore.'
But then, Simon's voice cut through the tension. His voice carried a cold edge never heard before. "Whatever history you two had, Chloe is free now. Do you think harassing her makes you righteous?"
Chloe's head snapped up in disbelief. She couldn't believe Simon was defending her. She stared at him—his expression icy, his demeanor unrecognizable from the gentleman she had come to know.
Even Ashton was caught off guard. He had deliberately framed his past with Chloe as intimate, yet Simon still took her side.
Serena exhaled in relief. She had sensed Chloe's growing affection for Simon. Why else would she keep accepting his invitations? But Chloe's guilt over her past and fear of burdening others held her back. Today, though, that might finally change.
"Anything else? Please leave," Simon said sharply, "If you disrupt our meal again, I'll call security."
Ashton clenched his jaw. His last stunt, trashing Serena's studio, had backfired spectacularly, landing him at the police station and then under home confinement. His parents had just freed him today.
He knew he couldn't afford to cause another scene. Otherwise, his allowance would be cut for a year. No way was he sacrificing his fun for Chloe. With a final glare, he slunk away.
Even after Ashton left, Chloe kept her head down. She wondered, 'Simon saw my sharp, defensive side, and now he knew everything about my past with Ashton. He'll leave me. But having him around these past days was nice.'
"Are you okay?" Simon's voice was gentle.
Chloe shook her head. "I'm fine."
Simon walked right up to her. "You don't look fine. Was it because of that man? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have chosen this restaurant."
Hearing him blame himself, Chloe waved her hands. "No, it's not your fault. Don't apologize. I'm the one with all the baggage. I always end up causing trouble for everyone around me. I'm sorry."
Serena couldn't stand seeing Chloe belittle herself like this. Ashton had already stolen so much of her confidence. So she told Simon the whole story.
After listening, Simon was silent for a moment. Then, he spoke earnestly, "That's why you were crying so hard that day?
"I never would've guessed someone as bright and resilient as you had been through so much. But Ms. Gray is right. None of this was your fault. You don't need to blame yourself or feel guilty. No matter what, I'll stand by you."
He chuckled softly, adding, "Of course, if you're willing to let me."
Tears welled up in Chloe's eyes.
Serena understood the anxiety Chloe had been carrying all this time, but now, she realized her worries had been unnecessary. Simon truly was a good man.
Just as Chloe had once said in the bridal shop, "I'll only fall for someone who chooses me, no matter what."
"Alright, let's eat before Chloe's tears flood the table," Serena chuckled, passing her a tissue. She didn't want the atmosphere to stay heavy. "I've got something to take care of later. Mr. Quinn, could you take Chloe home?"
Simon nodded gratefully. "Sure."
They finished their meal quickly. Though Ashton's appearance hadn't changed anything, Chloe had lost her appetite.
Serena left promptly, giving them space to talk. She had only made up an excuse to leave, and now she wasn't sure where to go.
Just then, her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, her heart skipped a beat. She thought, 'It's the doctor calling. Did something happen to Tiana?'