A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chloe swiftly swapped her frown for a beam. “Mr. Yeager, you know I adore you.”

After grinding the beans for what felt like an eternity, she brewed Declan a cup of straight–up Americano.

The man finally began to sip it languidly, nestling into the couch. He shot a glance at the standing Chloe, his brow furrowing. “Scoot over; you’re blocking the TV. I’m trying to get my game on with the PS4.”

Chloe stifled her frustration, grinning sheepishly. “About that end–of–the–month bonus, Mr. Yeager – any updates?”

Declan didn’t even look up. “Depends on my mood.”

Where’s a knife when you need one? She was ready to go for the jugular!

But as Chloe leaned in. Declan’s keen eyes spotted the love bite on her neck, his gaze suddenly taking on a suggestive quality.

With a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he teased Chloe, “Been leading a colorful life. lately, haven’t you?”

Her mind didn’t register the jab at first.

But before she could grasp his meaning. Declan set his coffee down and stood, his slender fingers tracing her throat in a mock–caress that tightened ever so slightly.

Chloe felt the air being squeezed from her lungs.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

With Declan’s mood swings, she was always off–balance.

His fingers brushed her lips forcefully, smearing her lipstick, as he insinuated, “Someone’s been touching you?”

Chloe laughed it off, “I wouldn’t dare.”

“My cheap life is in your hands. You want laughter, I won’t shed a tear. Your comfort heals me because you care,” she thought.

Declan was silent; he let her go and returned to his seat, the enigmatic tone still in his voice. After a long pause, he murmured, “Chloe, don’t let me catch you slipping back into old habits.”

Her smile froze, her complexion turning pale.

*Thaver t—*

“The words that come out of your mouth,” Declan said with a smirk, “how credible do you think they are?”

That’s right, she thought. In his eyes, she was always that kind of person.

10:53

Chloe shivered. “It was Horatio; he came to see me at lunch.”

“And?” Declan appeared leisurely as he watched her, “That just proves you’re quite the siren.”

Mocked like this, Chloe kept up her smile, “You’re a great teacher, Mr. Yeager.”

Declan snorted. “Don’t use that attitude on me, the one you reserve for other men. I’m not buying it. Shape up or ship out. No excuses, I don’t want to hear it.”

Chloe’s fists clenched, but she held her tongue, finally murmuring. “You’re right, as always, Mr. Yeager.”

That was Declan – even when he insulted her to her core, she had to agree. devoid of dignity. Mr. Yeager was always right. He was the puppet master, and she, the marionette.

Rumor had it that Declan had a dog by his side, and that was Chloe, who’d work herself to the bone for him and the business, seducing anyone if it meant success.

Some called Chloe heartless, but if anyone was truly heartless, it was Declan.

Once Declan finished his coffee, his mood seemed to lighten, and he dismissed her.

Chloe left his house in a daze, and the doorman always assumed she was just another one of

Declan’s kept women.

She mustered a smile, noticed a text from Matilda, and replied: (Swing by my place tonight, stay

over?]

She just needed someone by her side.