Chapter 107 A Promise to Shield Her
Chapter 107 A Promise to Shield Her
Chloe's POV
The fist slammed into Owen's face. He lost his balance, staggering backward before crashing to the floor. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Lucas stepped forward, his broad palm gripping my shoulder as he pulled me into his chest. The warmth from his hand seeped through my coat, grounding me. I leaned against him, breathing hard, cold sweat beading along my hairline. My tense body finally began to relax.
Lucas tightened his hold, his palm gently patting my back. "My princess, it's okay. I'm here."
He straightened, turning toward Owen on the ground, his voice thick with fury. "Owen, you've got a death wish."
Owen wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, bracing himself as he stood. His eyes were vicious and stubborn. "This is between me and her! Stay out of it!"
Lucas lunged forward, fisting Owen's collar in one hand, his tone ice-cold. "Listen carefully. Come near her again—talk to her like that again—and I'll destroy you myself. When I do, don't expect me to remember we're family."
Owen clenched his jaw, glaring at me for several long seconds. Finally, without a word, he turned and stormed out.
Silence settled around us. Lucas looked down at me, his voice softening. "Are you okay?"
I nodded faintly.
"Come on. I'll take you home."
Our footsteps echoed softly in the empty hallway. I looked up at him, my eyes swollen and red, my voice hoarse. "How did you even know to come here?"
"I was worried about you." He reached up, brushing away the tear tracks on my cheeks. "Your parents said you got a call and rushed out. I knew right away—Owen was harassing you again."
I sniffled, saying nothing more, letting him lead me by the hand. He held my uninjured hand firmly, his voice gentle but steady. "Let's get you home."
---
When we arrived, Saskia was in the living room watching TV. Desmond was in his study.
Saskia saw me walk in with red-rimmed eyes and immediately stood. "What happened?"
Lucas helped me onto the couch, his expression serious. "Mrs. Jones, there's something I need to discuss with you both."
Desmond emerged at the sound of voices. When he saw my disheveled state, his face darkened. "What's going on?"
Lucas recounted everything—Owen cornering me in the hallway, his taunts and threats, how Lucas had stepped in. By the time he finished, Desmond's face was ashen. Saskia covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.
Lucas looked at them both, his tone calm but resolute. "I'm planning to move out and rent a place closer to Chloe. I want to be able to look after her."
Desmond blinked in surprise. "You want to move out on your own?"
"Yes." Lucas nodded. "She's hurt. She's exhausted—physically and emotionally. I can't stand the thought of her being alone."
Saskia glanced at me, then back at him. "Are you serious about this? This isn't just impulsive?"
"I'm completely serious."
Desmond sighed. "Lucas, you don't have to go this far. We'll take care of Chloe."
"I know you will." Lucas's gaze fell on me, tender yet unwavering. "But I want to be the one watching over her. I can't be away from her. I want to see her smile every day. I never want to see her in danger or living in fear again."
The living room fell silent. Finally, Desmond spoke. "All right. I'll allow it. You can take Chloe and move out."
Saskia nodded, her tone solemn. "Take good care of her, Lucas. And don't you dare turn out like Owen."
Lucas squeezed my hand tightly, his eyes firm. "I promise."
---
Before the move, he took me to the hospital to have my cast removed.
The orthopedic surgeon carefully cut away the plaster, examined my arm, and smiled. "The bone's healed beautifully. Just avoid lifting anything heavy for the next few weeks. Young lady, your boyfriend's been taking excellent care of you."
Lucas stood off to the side, clearing his throat and looking away.
Outside the exam room, I tilted my head up at him. "Not used to being called that?"
He looked down at me, quiet.
I stood on my tiptoes, cupped his face in both hands, and kissed him. He froze for a heartbeat before taking control, his arm sliding around my waist as he deepened the kiss.
When I finally pulled back, I blinked up at him. "Used to it now?"
Lucas's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Completely."
---
The new place was spacious and bright, with a massive floor-to-ceiling window. After we'd finished unpacking, I turned to him. "I want to invite Layla over. We haven't seen each other in forever."
Lucas shrugged off his jacket and hung it up, rolling his sleeves to his elbows. "Of course. This is your place too. I'll get lunch started."
Before long, the doorbell rang.
Layla burst in wearing ankle boots, throwing her arms around me. "Oh my God! You went completely off the grid for two weeks! I had to grill Sienna just to find out you'd been in an accident!"
"I'm so sorry. So much happened all at once." I pulled her over to the couch.
Layla looked around, eyes wide. "This place is amazing. The rent must be insane. Wait—who was that guy who opened the door?"
My cheeks warmed. I cut her off quickly. "That's Lucas. We're together now."
Layla's eyes went wide with disbelief. "Are you serious? You swore up and down you'd never get involved with Owen's uncle. You literally made me a promise!"
Lucas must have overheard, because he poked his head out from the kitchen, grinning at me. "What are you two talking about?"
I waved my hands frantically. "Nothing!" Then I clapped a hand over Layla's mouth. "Stop it! That was before!"
Layla pried my hand away, smirking. "Fine, fine. Looks like you finally came to your senses."
She popped a piece of fruit into her mouth, her tone indignant on my behalf. "I never liked Owen anyway. Total scumbag. Never took responsibility for anything."
In the past, I would've defended him. Now, I nodded earnestly. "Thank God we're done for good."
Lucas emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of lasagna. "Ladies, lunch and dessert are ready."
Layla shot me a knowing look, eyes full of mischief.
---
After we ate, Layla insisted on dragging me out shopping. "You need new clothes, new accessories—a fresh start for your new life."
The sunlight on the commercial street was almost blinding. We wandered into a little vintage doll boutique on the corner. I was browsing a shelf of teddy bears when a sharp, grating voice cut through the air behind me.
"Well, well, well. Look who it is. Isn't this the girl nobody wants?"
I looked up. Stella and Dahlia stood a few feet away, arm in arm.
Stella lifted her chin smugly, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Chloe, you look absolutely pathetic these days. Oh, by the way—Owen spent all morning helping me pick out jewelry."
She tugged at her collar, revealing a glittering diamond necklace at her throat, her eyes locked on mine, deliberately showing off.