Stepping into a charity event Rory Thompson encounters billionaire Julian Styles for the first time which leads to a powerful physical connection that both parties ignore at their own risk. Through their relationship, both characters confront past emotional issues in search of mutual healing from their deepest psychological pain.
Chapter 1 Traumatic past
Rory Thompson remained motionless
While staring at a painting displayed before her.
The exciting artwork created by bold brushstrokes radiated own-life energy to Rory, who focused on different things.
Memories that she wanted to ignore arose in her mind to swallow her whole.
Her youth spanned from a single endless traumatic episode. Her father's reputation as a hot-tempered man caused him to strike anyone who challenged him.
Rory's mother could not stop his violent outbursts because she remained hidden in fear while he expressed his fury and fierce demeanor
Rory existed as the favourite object among his targets.
The memory of standing small and defenceless returned to her as she recalled being imprisoned in a world she could not escape.
His words, "You're worthless, Rory," remained in her thoughts. "You'll never amount to anything."
Rory lifted her glance from the ground, where paint smears created a mess.
The memories flooded her consciousness, resulting in an old, familiar tightness in her throat.
Such powerful feelings had become her normal state after many years.
The profound feeling refused to leave her mind.
The moments of her childhood returned, and Rory remembered sleeping under her bed many times, praying to end the beating.
She could hear her mother crying through the walls while she observed her father leaving with heavy steps early that morning.
That day returned to her mind when she finally gained the strength to walk away.
Rory returned to awareness when she spotted the canvas in front of her.
She experienced a strong determination that flooded throughout her body.
The experience of escaping from her past would not determine her future, and her father's last words would no longer control her.
A new drive filled Rory to take her brush into a rich blue colour and start drawing strokes. Her artistic expressions took bold strokes that mirrored her increasing self-confidence through the powerful blue paint colour.
The process of painting allowed Rory to feel a burden fade away.
She was determined to lead her life and express herself artistically through her self-directed decisions. She ended her past experiences to create an entirely new direction in life.
A wonderful, colorful spiral emerged from her canvas as Rory completed her artwork. She scrutinised the painting while she observed the canvas from behind.
At the exact moment when she was about to execute her upcoming stroke, her phone unexpectedly emitted a vibration.
Rory felt a sudden surge of emotion upon reading the text message from her closest friend, Rachel.
"Hey, girl! I have some amazing news! Our meeting is scheduled for 5 pm coffee shop time. Can't wait to share!"
Rory's curiosity was piqued. What could Rachel's news be? She hurriedly typed a message filled with excitement that ran across the key.
"Can't wait, Rach! See you at 5!"
After texting with Rachel l, Rory shifted her thoughts entirely away from everything related to her history to consider the new possibilities of her forthcoming days.