CH 24 Harmony She turned at the sound of a voice she did not want to have to deal with , knew it was Chloe , and she was standing there with her younger sister , both of them looking all smugly at her . She didnt care that Chloe was with Damien , the woman could have him and his money as far as she was concerned . But she didnt have to stand there and put up with being grabbed onto by her . Told her she could have him , and she could . He was nothing but a cheating pig . That Harmony no longer wanted anything to do with him . Yes , she was poor and on limited funds , but it was her money , she wasnt out there buying things with someone elses money , flashing that card around and flaunting that she needed someone else to buy her things . She could support herself , work hard and earn her own money . Though she came to a halt as she saw the angry look on Garretts face as he stepped passed her and turned in time to see his hand clamped around Chloes wrist , as she looked to be going to grab Harmony by the hair , she wasnt yet ready to let go of their interaction it seemed . I wouldnt touch Harmony . Garrett grated out And if anyone isnt worthy of being in this store its a homewrecker , youre nothing but a mistress . He sneered nastily down at her . Harmony reached out to touch him to stop him . There was no need to intervene , she could just walk away , as could he . That was all that was needed right that minute , she didnt care what Chloe had to say or thought . She knew shed not done anything wrong . This was just Chloe being spiteful and vindictive because shed been outed as Garrett had just said ; as being a mistress . She saw Chloes eyes widen as she stared up at him . He was very tall and well built . He was also not of the girls social circle , and was much older than she was . It looked to Harmony that Chloe didnt know who he was . How dare you touch me , get your filthy hands off me , Im Chloe Silverton . she tried to pull away from him Shes nothing but a … Garrett suddenly yanked that woman right up to him as he leaned down and put his face close to hers . I wouldnt go there , or I will turn the press on you , and your filthy need to ruin others lives . Do you want to see how much dirt I can dig up on you , Miss Silverton ? his voice was low and menacing , and it sent a shiver of almost fear down her own spine . You , your nobody . Chloe arced her other hand up to slap him . 1/5 CH 24 Harmony watched him lean back out of the way easily , of the hit she tried to land on him , and then the woman was flung away from him , and she stumbled and fell on her ass in an undignified manner , and Harmony thought it was his intent . She grabbed on to his coat . Garrett , its alright , lets just leave . She murmured at him . Why should I , why should you ? he asked right back , and took a step away from her . Stay there Harmony , I will deal with this horrid woman , of no class . She saw Chloes sister stoop down to pick her up , and ask her if she was okay , and she saw two store clerks run this way kind of frantically . Im sorry Mr Owens , for this inconvenience , Ive called security . One of them told him . Yes , call security . I want to press charges against him . Chloe stated as she stood up finally and brushed out her dress . Harmony stepped to Garretts side and tugged at his arm to try and make him leave . He was causing a scene and people were starting to mill about Garrett please . She hissed at him . He didnt move , just glanced at her before she saw both the store clerks turn and stare at Chloe nearly horrified , and one gasp out . You want to press charges against Mr Owens ? kind of sounded mortified about that turn of events . I dont think I want to shop where people like this . Garrett suddenly stated , and waved his hand in Chloes direction , rude , ill mannered woman shops , either remove her , or Ill take myself , my family and all my companys business elsewhere . He stated , and Harmony saw horror cross both those clerks faces . Oh , like your some big hot shot . Chloe stated , Im going to be Damien Blackwells wife . Im Garrett Owens of Owens Constructions . Garrett smiled right at her , and Harmony saw Chloes eyes go very wide at the news . He was a full 10 years older , a generation gap between them , he was also responsible and respectful and didnt go out there to be seen swanning about in the society pages . He was only in the business world news , not something Chloe would read on a daily basis , but would know his name and company . And youre just a mistress , nothing more , never will be . Garrett stated Either she leaves the store or I will . She could see the stores security coming this way hurriedly . Garrett please , she murmured , taking off the coat . 2/5 CH 24 Ive got this Harmony , I can see why you left the Blackwells company , he announced loudly No one working there has any class , or brains . Certainly , no loyalty to those around them . Im glad youve come to work for me . She watched as Chloes younger sister started pulling her away from them . Stop it , Damiens father will be furious with you if you , anger Mr Owens . Hes already angry at you and Damien . Dont make things worse . She heard Margarette hiss at her sister. Chloe glared at her , and then turned and stalked down the aisle away from them . She sighed and found Garretts eyes right on her . Are you alright ? he asked her gently , reached out and took her arm Did she hurt you ? No , Harmony shook her head . You shouldnt involve yourself in things like that . That girl was going to grab you by the hair and try to humiliate you . I will not stand for that , when she was the one that ruined things for you . Its fine , just let it go . I dont want to be a part of it , Garrett . Let them be together , if that is what they want . She sighed I only wish hed left me before going to her is all . she shook her head a little . He sighed and touched her face , Youre too forgiving , do you know that , He murmured Come on , lets get these coats and get something to eat . Im not really hungry . She muttered and she wasnt . He collected the coat she was now holding and walked to the counter . Ill take both of these . He stated and held out a card to the clerk . We should get back to the office , Garrett , perhaps being out in public is not a good idea for me at the moment , she murmured as they walked away . She heard him sigh , You shouldnt have to hide away , Harmony . They should be the ones hiding from public view , after what they did to you . Not the other way around . They like the limelight , she muttered . And Id much prefer not to be in it . He nodded and they headed back outside . She huffed as she realised shed left her sweater back there in the store and turned to look back as the bracing cold of the winters day hit her . Only to find Garrett putting that blue coat around her . Here , put this on , he stated . I cant wear that , its for your mother . Is it really ? Or did I trick you into thinking that , so youd allow me to buy you a proper coat . 3/5 CH 24 He smiled at her . Her eyes widened as she stared up at him . You needed one ; had to return the last one . Its winter and snowing , cold to freezing , you need a proper jacket . He shrugged Come on , here comes the car . He stated as he buttoned up that jacket for her . He grabbed her hand and tugged her towards his car that was now pulling up at the curb . Shed not even seen him call for his car . That was weird . He pulled her right into the car next to him and nodded to his driver , then looked right at her . Harmony have you checked the trending topics today ? he asked her To see who the press are siding with . No , and I dont want to know either , was her only reply . Hmm , well , I think youd be pleasantly surprised , 90 % is in your favour . The people are calling Damien a bastard , and the lowest of low . There is also , from what Ive seen this morning , a comparison going on between you and Chloe , likely why she came at you just now . Youre winning that , by the way , shes been labelled as the mistress who ruined your up coming engagement and future marriage into the Blackwell family . You did see the time and date stamp on that piece about Damien buying an engagement ring . Yes , and we discussed it just the week before , he was caught cheating on me . she nodded I was expecting him to propose on Christmas Day . She sighed . The high society socialites also understand this , that , that ring was for you , because they track everything in their world to keep up with the goings on , even ones older than I am , because they are looking for good marriage material for their own children or grandchildren even . She did know all that , had seen it with Mr and Mrs Blackwell themselves , sitting at breakfast talking across the table about the other wealthy children they knew who were in the society pages of the papers . They were looking for a match for their 22 year old daughter themselves in the same way . The other 10 % ? she muttered . Well , not everyone is going to be on your side , everyone has their own opinion , Garrett commented . There is a little bit of backlash along the lines of what did she expect , shes poor and comes from nothing . Did she really think she could hold onto a wealthy Batchelor like Damien ? Harmon looked at him and shook her head . Well now , they are right , I guess arent they . Its not your fault , Harmony , you do understand that , right ? he commented . 4/5 CH 24 I know he was the one to cheat . I was faithful , but they are also not wrong . I came from nothing ; my parents were university professors , nothing more . E 14K Comments Watch Ads ( 0/20 ) > Vote 5/5 In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. 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