He broke her heart. Another wants to heal it. Time is running out, and Chloe must choose.
***
Asian American finance analyst Chloe Carter's life is unraveling. After losing her job, she bumps into Damian Scott-the billionaire who shattered her heart...
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Shock shattered the calm outside Chloe's dorm room one week later. She had faced racism before, but nothing had ever cut as deep as this.
Her hands trembled as she stared at the grotesque words painted in bold, red strokes across her dorm room door: "CHINESE WHORE." The malicious message struck a blow, leaving her speechless and hurting. The public declaration of hate chilled her to the bone.
"Oh, my God," Lisa gasped beside her, disbelief smeared across her face.
The hallway buzzed with the muted whispers of students gathered around, their eyes wide with shock. Most shook their heads in dismay. Someone suggested, "Just ignore it," but how could Chloe forget something so vicious, so targeted?
Chloe's vulnerability turned into tears as the initial shock morphed into a cold dread. Angie draped a comforting blanket around Chloe's shoulders, pulling her into a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry, Chloe. You don't deserve this—any of this."
Campus security pushed through the crowd, their expressions grave as they assessed the scene before calling the police. The gravity of the situation settled over the hallway like a dark cloud as officers arrived, their questions sharp and probing amid the murmur of the onlookers.
"Theo, it's awful," Lisa said into her phone, turning away slightly. "Can you check if Damian's with you? Chloe's too shaken to even think about calling him right now."
Damian wasn't with Theo but arrived later, his face etched with worry as he scanned the crowd for Chloe. Spotting her huddled form, he made his way quickly to her side, enveloping her in a firm, reassuring embrace.
"Chloe, you and Lisa should come home with me tonight. You can both stay there for as long as you need," he insisted, his voice calm in the storm.
Lisa flashed a grateful thumbs-up to Damian, her expression brightening. "Thank you," she said with a relieved smile.
Tears welled up in Chloe's eyes as she nodded, her gratitude evident in the quiver of her lips. Damian's offer of sanctuary brought comfort, a salve for the sting of the hateful message that marred her door. Together, Chloe and Lisa walked away from the chaos, following Damian to his car with their packed belongings.
The serene luxury of his mansion was a world apart from the disarray of dorm life. Lisa's eyes widened as she entered a lavish guest room with its own ensuite. The plush comfort washed away the tension in her shoulders, a visible ease settling over her as she sank into the softness of her bed.
Chloe followed Damian into his room, a sanctuary of protection and intimacy, where his bed promised solace and ardor. The sharp edges of her fear began to soften and fade amidst the quiet elegance of his private space.
He turned to her as he closed the door behind them. "I want you to feel safe."
"Thank you for making me feel welcome and protected." Chloe looked up at him, holding his hands.
