Work Text:
“Here are the files from the last few cases, Monsieur.”
“Thank you. Please put them in the pile to the right.”
That was the most the two had ever interacted. Save a couple of greetings here and there, Neuvillette and his secretary, Chloé rarely talked. That changed when Neuvillette found her silently crying at her desk.
Chloé was slightly hunched over, with crumpled tissues in her hands, which she used to attempt to halt the flow of her tears, to no avail. She didn’t realize Neuvillette was there, until he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Chloé swiftly turned to face him, and hastily wiped her face. “Good morning sir. Do you require my assistance?” She said, trying to maintain a somewhat professional demeanor.
“Chloé. Do you need to take a break?” Neuvillette asked, concerned. “It is not good to work if you are this distressed.” Neuvillette said with a gentle tone.
Chloé blew her nose. “I am fine, Monsieur. Do not worry about me.” Chloé said, giving him a shaky smile. “I will resume my duties shortly.”
Neuvillette frowned. “Chloé, this will not do. You must take a break. Your job can be finished at anytime, but anyone can tell that you are not alright. Please, take the time to collect yourself before you continue.”
Chloé shook her head. “I am perfectly well.” She said. Neuvillette had to suppress a chuckle. Had she always been this stubborn? He had to admit, it was rather endearing. Here she was, insisting that she was alright, all the while bawling her eyes out.
“This is not a request. You must rest.” Neuvillette said sternly. “It will do you much good, although you may not see it in the moment.”
“No thank..eep!” Chloé slightly yelped as Neuvillette scooped her up, and carried her outside. It was late, so the building and surrounding areas were empty, save for the two of them. Neuvillette gently set her down on the building stairs.
Chloé looked up at him with big eyes. “W-what was that for?” She asked.
“Rest.” Neuvillette said simply. “Stay out here for a while, so you can calm yourself down. I will be in the building.” Neuvillette began to ascend back up the stairs.
“Wait!” Chloé said. “I…I don’t mean to be a bother but…can you stay?” Chloé asked timidly.
Neuvillette nodded, then sat down. Chloé leaned against the wall of the building, and looked up at the stars. She cried for some time, with Neuvillette occasionally wiping away her tears, and gently patting her on the back.
Chloé sniffled. “Thank you sir. Your kindness is appreciated.” Chloé said, as Neuvillette gently rubbed her back.
Neuvillette nodded. “It was no problem.” He paused for a brief moment. “Madame Chloé, I truly don’t mean to pry, but, what is the reason you are crying? I am concerned for you.”
Chloé dabbed at her eyes, and looked at the ground. “There is no need to call me Madame. I am wed no longer.”
Neuvillette’s eyes slightly widened. “Ah. I take it that is the reason for your tears?”
Chloé nodded. “That would be correct. And, don’t worry, you are not prying. It would only be right for me to tell you, you’ve already helped me so much.” Chloé sighed. “This morning, my husband served me divorce papers. He informed me that..” Chloé took a deep breath. “He told me that he had been unfaithful on numerous occasions during the course of our marriage. He…left me for one of his affair partners.” Chloé’s eyes began to well up with tears once more. “I was kicked out, as the house we shared was under his name, and I was rendered unable to retrieve any of my belongings.” Chloé said, looking crushed.
“I..I apologize if this was too much…” Chloé said timidly.
Neuvillette was furious, although it didn’t register on his face. “That…that is horrific. My deepest condolences. Do you have a place to reside in at the moment?”
“Well, I was going to stay at Hotel Debord for the time being. Why do you ask?” Chloé remarked.
“You may stay with me. My house has ample room, and it would be more convenient than staying in a hotel, no?” Neuvillette said.
Chloé smiled for the first time that evening. “Really? You’d do that for me? I wouldn’t want to intrude…”
“You will not be intruding on a thing, mademoiselle. I have personally invited you into my home. You have been nothing but polite and cordial in the few interactions we have had thus far, and I know you do not deserve the unfortunate situation that has been thrust upon you. So, I implore you to accept.”
“Alright, I shall. Thank you so much….” Chloé said gratefully.
Neuvillette nodded, then stood up, holding out a hand to her. “Let us be be off then.”
Chloé took took his hand, and the two clocked out of work , and walked to Neuvillette’s house. Neuvillette put Chloé in the guest room, and set her up as best as he could, considering that all she had was the things she had brought to work that day. Chloé made them both dinner, (Onion Soup) and the two sat down to eat.
“Is the food to your liking, Monsieur?” Chloé asked, inbetween spoonfuls of soup.
“It is divine. Thank you Chloé.” Neuvillette said elegantly, dabbing at his mouth with the corner of his napkin.
Chloé smiled, and the two ate the rest of their dinner in comfortable silence, feeling closer than they had before.