Heartbroken and Alone I was nervous a us as I waited in bed.


    Closing my eyes, I tried to calm myself and whispered, “Everything happens for a reason.


    Don’t force what’s not meant to be.” 200 Lost in my thoughts, the two men finally reentered the room.


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    My heart leaped to my throat, but I forced a smile.


    Fred spoke first.


    “Ms.Chloe, I have urgent matters to attend to, so I must head back.


    I’d like you toe to ourpany if you feel better tomorrow.


    I won’t disturb you further today.


    Please take care of your health.” My heart sank.


    I nodded while releasing my clenched hands.


    “Alright.


    See you tomorrow, “I’ll be waiting for you at my office,” he said before rushing off as if racing against


    time.


    His detachedness made me realize how harsh the business world was.


    The room fell silent, and my emotions hit rock bottom.


    It seemed I had utterly forgotten about As’s presence.


    After a while, I heard As ask, “Aren’t you curious about what we discussed?” I shook my head faintly,


    not wanting to reveal my feelings.


    After a moment, I mumbled, “Thank you, Mr.


    As.


    I think I’d like to rest for a bit.


    You don’t need to stay any longer.” He got up without responding.


    As he left, he ced a paper bag by the bed.


    “Get up,” he saidmandingly.


    “Change into these clothes, and I’ll take you to dinner.” Then he left the room.


    I couldn’t help but exim, “Hey! What about my own clothes?” “From now on, you’re a brand–new


    Chloe Hartz,” he said, turning his head toward me.


    His words left me speechless, as if I were under some sort of spell.


    I watched in disbelief as he led me out of the guesthouse.


    1 followed his orders all night, feeling like a child under supervision.


    He arranged for us to stay at a luxurious 5–star hotel in the city.


    Two sets of entirely new clothes awaited me.


    This time, I didn’tin.


    I was starving it had been three days since I arrived in the city, and I hadn’t had a decent meal,


    Eresigned myself to his ns for the night, acknowledging that this would be ourst evening together.


    Before that, I needed to visit my parents in my hometown.


    It was worth it, even if it meant staying one.


    more night.


    A week had passed, and I had only received one phone call from Matthew the day I arrived.


    It had left me feeling cold.


    That night, I slept soundly for the first time in days.


    No nightmares haunted me.


    The next morning, I awoke once again in As’s embrace.


    This time, I didn’t react with shock.


    I looked at him, and he gently ran his fingers across my face, studying my features.


    He softly stated, “You slept so well.


    You’re like a well–behaved kitten.” He got up, and I followed suit.


    He kissed me, and I couldn’t evade it.


    His lips danced on mine, leaving me feeling flustered.


    When he finally pulled away, he said, “Good luck! I’ll be waiting for you right here.” My heart raced, but I


    said, “Goodbye!”