Chapter 12 - Cutting Ties
That evening, as Brandon finished his shift, he walked out of the employee entrance into the cool Chicago air. Standing by a sleek black town car was Chloe. She looked less imposing without the gala lighting, just a woman holding a designer bag, looking expectant.
"I heard you didn't get fired," she said, stepping toward him. "My father said we can talk to the board, maybe smooth things over. Get your title back."
Brandon looked at her, realizing she hadn't learned a thing. She didn't miss him; she missed the narrative.
"I don't want the title back, Chloe. Not right now," Brandon said calmly. "I'm learning how to actually do the work. I'm learning how to be honest."
Chloe frowned, her expression hardening. "I can't marry a front desk clerk, Brandon."
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"I know," he smiled, and for the first time in a long time, it was a genuine, unburdened smile. "And I can't marry someone who measures a person's worth by their title. Take care of yourself, Chloe."
He walked past her, the cool wind feeling refreshing against his face, ready to finally build a life grounded in truth.
