Chloe's POVI stormed out of Nova Designs, tears streaming down my face. Humiliated. Betrayed. How could Lucas treat me this way? Over some nobody like Claire? My vision blurred as I stumbled into the backseat of the car waiting for me. "Home, now," I choked out to the driver, not even bothering to wipe my eyes. Let him see my pain. Let the whole damn world know.The ride passed in a daze, the city lights smearing together through my tears. Before I knew it, we pulled up to the sprawling mansion I called home. I practically fell out of the car, my heels wobbling on the cobblestone drive.Somehow, I made it inside, the heavy door slamming shut behind me with a resounding thud. And there in the grand foyer stood Grandpa, his weathered face etched with concern."Chloe, darling, what's wrong?" He rushed over, age-spotted hands reaching for my shoulders. "You're crying..."A fresh wave of sobs wracked my body. I collapsed into his arms, burying my face against his suited chest. "Oh Grand

Claire's POVMy heart raced as Lucas pulled me close, his words washing over me like a soothing balm. "I promise, I won't let anything like this happen again. No one will ever take you away from me."I melted into his embrace, letting his strength steady me. In that perfect moment, I almost believed everything would be alright. That we could weather any storm, as long as we had each other.Reality intruded all too soon in the form of my assistant, Anna. "Ma'am? You have a call..."Lucas and I jumped apart, heat flooding my cheeks as I felt the curious eyes of my staff on us. I smoothed my skirt with shaking hands, trying to regain some semblance of professionalism. After a few more awkward exchanges and lingering looks, Lucas and I retreated to my office. The click of the door shutting behind us sounded loud in the charged silence."So," I began, busying myself with straightening files on my desk. "When would you like me to start on your design?" Lucas's fingers caught my chin, gent

Lucas's POV I couldn't stop grinning like a fool after I hung up with Claire. My cheeks ached from smiling so hard but I didn't care. I felt like I'd just won the lottery, my whole body buzzing with excitement and anticipation.I tossed my phone on the bed, already thinking about our dinner plans. I wanted everything to be perfect - the food, the ambiance, the company. My two favorite people in the world, all to myself for the whole evening. Shrugging out of my shirt and pants, I grabbed my cell again and dialed Jason, my personal assistant. He picked up on the first ring, efficient as always."Jason, hey. I need you to book a private dining room at the Ritz for tonight. 7pm sharp."I could hear him typing rapidly in the background. "Of course, Mr. Brookes. For how many?"My smile widened. "Three. And Jay? Make it the Windsor Suite. I want the works - champagne, roses, the best menu they've got.""Absolutely sir. Anything else?"I bit my lip, thoughts turning serious for a moment. "

Lucas's POVI practically bounced down the stairs, my excitement building with every step. This was it. The night I'd been waiting for. A chance to show Claire how much she meant to me, to take our relationship to the next level."I'm heading out, Margaret," I called my housekeeper as I grabbed my keys. "Don't wait up. And make sure to set the alarm when you leave.""Of course, Mr.Anderson ," she replied with a knowing smile. "Have a wonderful evening."I flashed her a grin and a wink before dashing out the door to my car. The engine roared to life as I slid behind the wheel, the stereo automatically blasting my favorite feel-good playlist.With the music thumping and my heart soaring, I pulled out of the drive and pointed the car towards Claire's apartment. Towards my future, if I had anything to say about it.The drive seemed to fly by, my mind filled with visions of how the night would go. The romantic dinner, the heartfelt conversation, the kiss I planned to lay on her that would

bond we'd all built. That Lucas's feelings for me...for us...were strong enough to weather the storm.The sudden blare of a car horn jolted me from my anxious musings. Heart leaping into my throat, I hurried out of the bathroom just in time to see Brian dashing out the front door, sketch pad clutched to his chest."Uncle Lucas, Uncle Lucas! Look what I drew for you!"Snatching up my purse, I locked the apartment and turned to see Brian already bouncing around Lucas, chattering a mile a minute as he waved a piece of paper in his face. Lucas, bless him, just grinned and nodded along, squatting down to look at Brian's latest masterpiece. "Wow, buddy, this is fantastic! Is that you and me playing catch in the park?""Uh-huh! And there's Mommy, see, watching us and smiling."My heart turned over in my chest. Tears pricked the backs of my eyes at the sight of them together, so easy and affectionate. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.And that's when it hit me - this was right