Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Connor paused, just for a second.

Then he nodded. "Okay."

"Come on, let's get in the car. I'll take you to the hotel."

Somehow, there was this quiet, unspoken understanding between them.

Chloe still hadn't gotten her memory back, but she could just tell-Connor was

sincere, kind, steady, and strong. He was a genuinely good guy.

Around him, she felt safe, like she could let her guard down.

It was already past one in the morning.

Tim had been asleep for ages.

Connor turned to her, gentle but firm. "You should rest. We'll talk about everything else tomorrow."

Chloe nodded.

They were staying in the presidential suite.

Chloe and Summer had the guest room, while Connor and Tim were in the master.

Summer hadn't said a word on the drive back. He barely spoke after they got in, either, but it was late-he fell asleep almost instantly.

Chloe, though, just couldn't settle. She tossed and turned in bed, wide awake.

Insomnia was nothing new to her. Maybe that's why she loved making aromatherapy oils and candles so much they helped, at least a little.

But tonight, it was just too much.

So many things had happened, one shock after another, like someone had tossed

a handful of grenades in her mind and left only smoke and exhaustion behind.

She knew, deep down, today had changed everything.

Her whole life had been flipped upside down.

After a while, Chloe gave up on sleep and wandered out onto the balcony.

That's when she saw Connor-he was out on the next balcony over.

The two balconies weren't connected, but the railings were close, maybe a foot apart.

Connor was holding a glass of red wine, looking completely at ease.

He was facing her direction, too.

As soon as Chloe stepped outside, their eyes met.

Connor looked surprised for a split second, then smiled.

"Can't sleep?" he asked.

Chloe leaned against the railing. "You're up, too?"

Connor wasn't about to admit that he was too happy to sleep.

He just shrugged, cool and casual. "The night's beautiful. I wanted to take a look at the view."

Chloe noticed the wine in his hand.

"Could I have a glass, too?" she asked, almost surprising herself.

She hadn't touched alcohol in two years.

Connor shook his head gently. "You shouldn't drink."

Chloe frowned. "Why not?"

He hesitated, then said, "It's complicated. But trust me your health doesn't really allow it."noveldrama

Chloe let out a long sigh. "Okay. Then... would you stay and talk with me for a bit?"

"Of course," Connor said softly.

Chloe rested her arms on the railing, staring out at the quiet world

Connor-just looked out overthe sleeping town.

beyond. She didn't turn to neg

This was the tallest hotel around, and their suite was on the very top floor.

From up here she could see everything: the gentle slopes, the cherry blossom groves, a little stream winding its way through

town. There weren't any other

fall

buildings, just the peaceful hush of night.

She'd lived here for two years.

Connor seemed to know exactly what she was thinking. "Is it hard to leave?"

Chloe hesitated. "Not really. It's just... strange. All this time, I thought I'd found something warm and real, but now I realize so much of it was built

on lies. Suddenly, I don't know e what's true anymore. What's real, and what's not?"

Connor glanced over, his gaze steady. "Just listen to your heart. You'll know what's real."

Chloe looked at him, and his words struck something deep inside her.

For two years, all the happiness and comfort had just been a surface thing—

maybe it was just what everyone else saw.

But inside, she'd always felt like something was missing, like there was an empty space, and her soul was caught in invisible chains.