Chapter 28: The Invitation
Luca reached into his coat and pulled out an elegant cream envelope, sliding it across the table.
"A business party tonight. All top businessmen are invited—with partners. I want you to come with me."
Janet looked at the invitation in silence. She hadn't expected that.
The word partner lingered in her ears. Her body stiffened. She didn't want to go… not after everything.
She wasn't ready for people, attention, or emotions.
After what Asher had done, something inside her had closed. She feared love. She feared connection.
Philophobia—she had never named it, but she lived it.
Still, she owed Luca. He had protected her… been there in a way no one else ever had.
She nodded.
"I'll come," she said quietly.
Luca's face lit up. "Be ready by 7."
She didn't answer, only gave a small nod, then returned to her room, emotions tangled inside her. Obligation warred with fear. Gratitude clashed with heartbreak.
Why did she feel safe with him?
And why did that scare her even more?