After I Finally Bought My First Apartment, My Father Demanded I Sell It and Hand the Cash to My Sister

The workday moved in a chaotic blur. I treated my scheduled patients with the utmost professionalism, but my mind was entirely focused on the girl sleeping exhaustedly on the sofa in my private office. I had wrapped Chloe's wrist, given her some mild pain relievers, and told her to rest.

When the clinic finally closed at six o'clock, I walked into my office. Chloe was still fast asleep, clutching a throw pillow like a lifeline.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Lucas. He answered on the second ring, the deep, warm sound of his voice instantly grounding me.

"Hey, beautiful," Lucas said. "Are you on your way home? I'm making that creamy Tuscan pasta you love."

"Lucas," I sighed, leaning against the heavy wooden door. "Something happened today. Chloe showed up at the clinic as a walk-in."

There was a heavy, loaded silence on the other end of the line. Lucas knew exactly what my family had put me through. He had held me through the worst of the night terrors and the panic attacks.

"Is she safe?" Lucas asked immediately, his protective instincts kicking in.

"She is," I replied. "Eleanor physically assaulted her over money. Chloe ran away. She has absolutely nothing, Lucas. No money, no phone, nowhere to go."

"Bring her home, Maya," Lucas said without a single second of hesitation.

"Are you sure?" I asked, tears springing to my eyes at his unconditional support. "I promised you I would never let that family bring drama into our home."

"Chloe is a victim of that family, just like you were," Lucas corrected gently. "Our home is a sanctuary, Maya. What good is a sanctuary if we don't open the doors for the people who truly need shelter? Bring her home. We'll set up the guest room."

"I love you," I whispered, wiping a tear from my cheek.

"I love you too," Lucas promised. "Drive safe. The pasta will be hot when you get here."