ction of Mr. Harrison's detached personality. She had softened the edges, adding color, texture, and life. She had filled the shelves with books on art and design, ten

s original state, cold and imper

lding a future for them. She had learned to cook his favorite meals, memorized his schedule, even learned to drive just so she could be his de

ed in response, a cheerful, innocent sound in the heavy silence. She stroked his soft feathers. He was a living reminder of a promi

ghtly as she scrolled through her contacts, past all the names connected t

a daughter. After her parents' death, he had offered to take her in, but Chloe, young and pr

voice as warm and familiar as she remembered

s," she managed to say, her voice th

e listened patiently as she recounted the bare facts of her situa

igh. "He always had a coldness about him. Chloe, it's time for y

the branch of my company there. I've always hoped... Well, how about this? I propose a marriage. A partnership. You and

o pieces. Drastic was exactly what she needed. She was desperate for change, for a clean break so complete that Mr. Harrison could

d coming out stronger than

ish party, Chloe stood at the airport gate, a single suitcase by her side. Her boxes were being s

the window. A single tear escaped and slipped down her cheek, a fin