Hey guys, sorry this one took a bit longer than usual to post. I kept re-writing certain parts but I am finally happy with the outcome. Thank you guys so much for all the reviews, it really motivates me to keep going.

Enjoy this chapter x

Chapter 12

She strode through the building people creating a pathway for her as she passed, the office had turned silent compared to it's noisy and bubbly buzz. She had a fairly large folder tucked under her arm of her business suit. It was black with a pristine white shirt, ironed to perfection. Her trouser leg brushing just above the cuff of her black heels. She had her hair in a tight updo, professional yet class; not a hair out of place. Her lips highlighted by a bold red lipstick making a staple, powerful yet elegant. Heads turned as she continued her walk towards her destination, her heels clipping at the wooden floor beneath her, echoing throughout the hall. She took no notice of the stares that the workers were baring, and kept walking.

She marched through the office door taking no time or bother in knocking before she entered causing the three girls sitting on the sofa comforting the redhead to jump in shock, she put her folders down on the coffee table in front of the leather sofa and stood up straight. She folded her arms and stared down at the producer, who just awkwardly stood, slightly scared of the women in front of her.

"Mitchell," the women said challengingly.

"Posen," the brunette said mocking her, standing her ground folding her arms.

Both Stacie and Chloe were watching this exchange with confused looks, they both stared at each other and shrugged. Chloe was still trembling after the incident a little while ago but watching the two eased the pain a bit almost bringing a smile to her face. She looked down at her wrists and saw a ring of bruises begin to appear from when Tom had pinned her wrists to the wall. She felt a tear run down her face and it seemed to hang on the end of her chin until it fell onto her hand, it was if it was in slow motion, as if she could see the water split on her hand and splatter across her skin, she had no awareness of what was going on until a hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality, the once muffled voices became clearer and she turned her head towards the hand.

The producer and the other women, known as Aubrey Posen, one of the most powerful lawyers in the country. She was ruthless in what she did, she had no mercy on the accused nor the defense, she got results and she won. There hadn't been a single case where she hadn't won. She'd grown up in a conservative household, her father being in the army and also being the sergeant major meant he had been away for the majority of her childhood, and her mom had being a doctor she had become a very independent person and dedicated most of her time to her studies, excelling in all her classes and the going to one of the most prestigious colleges studying law at Harvard University, a year early she may add, and by the time she was 24 she had already opened her own law firm and was one now one of the best in the business, making around $1 million dollars in the two years it had been running. It was safe to say she was doing very well for herself, now living in a modern beach house right on the sand itself.

Beca and Aubrey still seemed to be in a staring battle, neither looking like they were going to back down, so Stacie stood up and broke the silence amongst the group, she held out her hand in the blonde's direction.

"Stacie, nice to meet you," she said introducing herself. Aubrey looked at her for a second almost as if she was contemplating whether or not she should trust this girl, but after looking at her for a while and Stacie feeling quite uncomfortable but she shook it, firm and professional.

Aubrey then turned to the redhead who was sitting on the sofa her face stained with tears and her make-up blurred around her eyes, her knees were pushed up against her chest. Aubrey had been told by Beca briefly over the phone what happened but she didn't know the girl's full story. She carefully sat down next to the girl, she knew in these situations that it was best not to be too forward, just to take her time and make the client feel as comfortable as possible.

"Hello, my name is Aubrey Posen I'm going to be your lawyer in regards to the actions that happened today, but firstly, what's your name?" Aubrey was very patient will the girl, giving her a warming smile as she talked.

"Chloe Beale," the redhead replied quietly.

"Okay, well Chloe I'm going to need you to answer some personal questions if that's okay, all confidential of course," all she received was a nod from the girl. The first question was always the hardest, but it had to happen.

"Chloe could you maybe tell me what's been happening?" Aubrey said retrieving a pen and notepad from her files.

Stacie and Beca looked at each other and gestured towards the door to give the two some privacy, but as Beca was about to get up Chloe grabbed her wrist and whispered.

"Please, don't leave," she said in a pleading voice, breaking Beca's heart to see her in this sort of pain. Beca nodded and kept her hand tightly clasped with Chloe's, Stacie continued to get up nodding to Beca in acknowledgment.

"I'm going to go and see Jesse for a bit," Stacie said shutting the door behind her.

Chloe took a few minutes to collect herself, receiving a reassuring nod from the brunette sitting beside her, she took a deep breath and began her story.

2014 - 4 years ago

"Why do we have to go?" Chloe said sitting on her bed, while her best friend for 4 years, Jessica, was rummaging through her closet pulling out random pieces of clothing.

"Because you need to get out more, you can't keep making excuses to just stay inside with that business textbook of yours, you finished college like 3 years ago!" Jessica said flailing her arms around.

"Hey! I don't stay inside all the time," Chloe said in protest.

"When was the last time you went out?" Jessica said folding her arms and raising an eyebrow.

Chloe thought for a while before saying, "I went out to the coffee shop yesterday,"

Jessica just groaned, she stopped rifling through her friend's closet and sat on the bed, "That isn't called going out, Chlo, I mean properly went out, like to a club or a bar not going to get your daily fix of caffeine,"

Chloe thought for a while before finally agreeing to go out, it would do her some good to get out, she didn't have anywhere else to be.

An hour later both girls looked flawless, they dressed up pretty well even if they did say so themselves, Chloe was in a mid-thigh length black dress, the top was mesh apart from her top underneath, she also had a pair of black heels to match. Her red hair was curled to perfection and cascaded down her left shoulder in waves. Jessica was in a black mini skirt and a low cut top, her hair done in a messy braid down her shoulder.

"You look good, Chloe. Maybe you could actually find someone," Jessica said with a wink. Chloe just laughed and followed her friend out to the taxi that was taking them to the club. By the time they arrived, both girls were in fits of laughter, Chloe hadn't been this happy in a long time, she was happy she had a friend who would always try and make her happy and get her out a bit, otherwise she probably would still be at home on a date with her textbook. They were like a 'married couple' her and her textbooks were, well that's what Jessica would say to her.

They arrived at one of downtown LA's hottest clubs around 10 minutes later, they paid for their taxi and stepped out into a flurry of people, lights were coming out from the sides of the building and loud music could be heard from the doors. Thanks to Jessica knowing the owner they cut past the line of people standing outside and walked straight into what seemed like one of the busiest places Chloe had seen, the entire property was packed with people, some drinking at the bar, some dancing on the sweaty dance floor and some were either outside making out with some random stranger or up at the DJ booth requesting various songs.

Chloe turned to look around and realized Jessica had already disappeared, great she thought, she made her way to the bar, sitting on one of the tall stools ordering a vodka and coke.

She had been sitting there for around 20 minutes when a guy sat down next to her, he was handsome, dark hair, green eyes and taller than her, he had a good body from what she could see. A smile crept upon his face as he noticed Chloe staring at him.

"Hey there, can I get you a drink?" The guy asked with a smile.

"Yeah, that would be great thanks," she replied looking down at her now empty glass.

Tom called out to the bartender and ordered the two drinks, "I'm Tom by the way," he said holding out his hand.

"Chloe," she said with a smile, a blush rising to her cheeks, she took his hand a shook it.

The two had quite a lot in common both finding out about their hobbies, jobs, both having degrees in Business Management and of course Chloe's most important question.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Oh now-now Beale, let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said with a laugh, and yes second names had become a conversation between the two. Her finding out he used to live in Seattle but got offered a job over in LA so decided to take it.

The two had been talking for hours when Chloe finally spotted Jessica in the corner of her eye. She tried to get up but instantly nearly fell over, Tom not having as much as the redhead caught her and held her in his strong arms.

Jessica luckily saw Chloe as well and rushed over to her.

"Chlo, there you are, you just disappeared when did you go?" she slurred, the alcohol taking a hit against her brain. Her body was slightly swaying to one side but on her arm was a guy. He stepped forward and held onto Jessica making sure she didn't fall on the floor.

"I'm Theo," he said in a British accent, but to be honest all Chloe could see was a turtle, she wasn't sure if t was the alcohol talking or her but his entire face just looked like a sea creature and it caused Chloe to burst out laughing followed by Jessica who had no idea what happened but continued to laugh hysterically.

Both guys were really confused by the girls' sudden outburst but they thought it was cute and ended up laughing with them.

The four all had a really good night, and both guys ended up coming back to Chloe and Jessica's apartment and let's say they all enjoyed themselves.

2014 - 3 months later

Chloe and Tom had been going out for a while, been on multiple dates and were looking to take the next step forward in their relationship.

Tom had asked Chloe to be his girlfriend on their third date, it was fast they both knew, but it was just something about their chemistry that Chloe was drawn to and she wasn't afraid to move a bit quicker than normal.

Unfortunately, Theo and Jessica hadn't worked out, he had to travel a lot due to his busy work schedule, he was a music producer and had to fly out all over the country and sometimes for multiple months at a time, so they both figured it would be best to just stay friends.

Tom and Chloe had decided to get a place together, it was in a nice apartment block not to far away from where either of them worked at was big enough for the both of them to live comfortably. Jessica said she was fine with her best friend moving out and was happy for the Redhead that she'd found a guy she was genuinely happy with and wasn't sitting by herself with her head in a textbook.

Today was the day Chloe and Tom were moving into their apartment, they both had bright smiles and Chloe was excited about what could become of the two, she had really deep feelings for this man, they had only known each other for a few months but Chloe felt closer to him than ever.

After a long day of unpacking and getting settled, they decided to have a night in front of the sofa and order in.

"You know I'm really happy I sat down next to you that night," Tom said his arm around Chloe who just looked up to him with her ocean blue eyes.

"I'm really happy you decided to buy me that drink," she leaned up an kissed him sweetly, they both pulled away with a smile on their faces.

The doorbell interrupted them, and Tom got up maneuvering his way around the towers of boxes that they still had to unpack. He paid the delivery guy and brought the food inside laying it all out on the coffee table, while Chloe went into the kitchen and got two plates out along with some cutlery.

She was already enjoying the idea of a domesticated life with the man who was only a few feet away from her, she was happy and that's what mattered to her.

2014 - a few months later

It was coming up to the couple's six month anniversary and Tom wanted to do something special for the redhead. He felt incredibly lucky that he had met her when he did, and wanted to show his love by taking her to a newly opened restaurant in town, it already had amazing reviews and Tom thought it would be a great place to celebrate.

He had left work early to book the restaurant and then surprise Chloe at work, he really wanted to impress her tonight. She had had a such an impact on her life and he wanted to show her just how much and hopefully tonight he'll be able to show her.

"Hello, could I please book a table for two tonight at 7?" he said on the phone.

"Yes, we can fit you both in at 7, can I have a name please, sir?"

"Great, thank you! And can it be put under Tom Hunt please?"

"Of course sir, we will see you at 7,"

"Thank you," Tom put the phone down, one down 3 to go. Get Chloe a dress, surprise her, buy some flowers.

Tom went down to his girlfriend's favorite store and had a look around. After a lot of deliberation and help from the sales assistant, he decided on a pink dress with straps that just hugged the sides of her shoulders. He knew she would look beautiful regardless of what he chose. He picked out a matching pair of heels and went to the till to pay.

"Must be one lucky lady you got there," the cashier said with a smile as she put the items in the bag. Tom just smiled and took his bag, walking back to the car. He was on his way to go and meet Chloe at work and surprise her but before he was going to stop off at one of the florists.

He pulled up and went inside, the smell of flowers instantly hitting his nose. He walked around for a while before deciding on a bunch of classic red roses, he was sure she would love them. The florists looked happy with his decision and added a fancy red bow on the stems to hold them all together for him. He walked out with a smile on his face as he once again got into his car, and for a strange reason, he became suddenly nervous as he was driving towards the redhead's office.

He took a deep breath, shook away the nerves, picked up the flowers and bag of clothes, brushed his hair through and walked into the lobby of Chloe's office. He asked the guy downstairs to let him up, they had met a few times before when he'd picked the girl up from work he happily let him through, he tapped his foot against the elevator floor as he waited for it to reach his floor. The ding of the doors sounded as they opened allowing Tom to walk through. He knew his way to the girl's office so he headed straight there saying hi to a few of the redhead's co-workers that he'd met before.

He lightly tapped on the door, hearing a muffled come in from the other side he pushed open the door and was met with a surprised redhead, she jumped up from her chair and rushed over to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek, and a hug careful not to crush the things he had in his hands. She looked down at them and then looked up.

"Are those for me?" She asked confused at her boyfriend's actions.

"No, they are for the lady at reception," he said with a smile, "of course they are for you babe," he said handing them over to her. She blushed and took them, inhaling their sweet scent, she grabbed a random vase she had laying in the corner and placed them inside, she turned back around and saw Tom's outstretched hand holding a bag, she raised her eyebrows but Tom just gestured for her to take it. She looked up at him suspiciously, while he just stood there with a smile on his face.

She put the bag on her desk and peered inside raising her eyes, but when she saw what was in there she gasped. She took it out from under all the wrapping and held it out in front of her, she was speechless and Tom came up behind her and hugged her.

"I hope you like it," Tom said judging by her reaction she did.

"I love it, thank you so much," Chloe said pulling him for a passionate kiss, she backed him up against the wall as they both deepened it, however, Chloe remembered that she was still at work so she pulled away with a smile catching her breath. She patted him on the chest and gave him one of her killer winks that made Tom's heart flutter.

Chloe put the dress back into the bag carefully making sure not to get it creased. Tom stepped forward wrapping her into another hug, and her arms rested on his forearms.

"I have another surprise for you," he whispered

"Oh, and what would that be?" Chloe said with a smile, leaning back into Tom's embrace.

"I guess you'll just have to find out," he said slowly, a smirk appearing on his face, knowing how much the redhead liked to know what he was planning, "but for now, you are coming with me,"

"But I still have to work, babe,"

"Don't worry about that I have already sorted it, you are allowed to finish early tonight,"

"Okay then just let me get my stuff and we can get going," Chloe said pulling out from Tom's arms and going to gather some of her files, along with her bag. She quickly grabbed a glass of water and poured it into the vase, she would keep them here, for the time being, they definitely brightened up the room that's for sure.

They walked out hand in hand, Chloe saying goodbye to a few people on her way out, they reached the elevator and Chloe just looked into Tom's eyes.

Tom just smiled, "no chance, Beale. You aren't getting it out of me, not this time," Chloe had a thing for using her infamous puppy dog eyes to get people to do what she wanted, it came in handy as not many people could resist but Tom looked away not wanting to get sucked in. Chloe just folded her arms, and huffed, she hated not knowing what her boyfriend was planning, but she was excited to see what the surprise was.

They drove back to their apartment, laughing and joking about their days at work before they headed up the stairs. Chloe flopped down on her bed face first as soon as it came into sight. Tom laughed at shook his head, but quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a picture. Her red hair was sprawled out along the mattress and she just groaned in tiredness.

"Come on, we have around an hour before we need to leave and knowing you, you will spend more than that getting ready so move. Chop chop," he said walking into bedroom giving Chloe a light tap on the small of her back. She rolled over with a sheepish grin you'll on her face, but Tom wasn't having any of it.

"Chloe, hurry up or I'll get in before you and you'll have even less time to get dressed, or I could just cancel the whole thing?" he said, but Chloe had already jumped off up the bed and practically run into the bathroom, and within a few seconds Tom could already hear the shower running.

Ever since they had been going out, Tom had encouraged Chloe to go out more often and it had done her some good. She had become much more sociable and looked a lot happier now days compared to when she was sat alone with her textbook

He took Chloe's dress and shoes out of the bag and laid them out on their bed, he really wanted tonight to be special, it was their 6 month anniversary after all.

After about 20 minutes Chloe walked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom her head and body wrapped in a towel, Tom just sat there he still couldn't believe that she was his.

"See something you like?" Chloe asked with a smirk.

"Maybe," Tom said his eyes still glued to his girlfriend.

"Well we wouldn't want to be late would we? So I suggest you go and get showered," Chloe said with a suggestive smirk.

Tom huffed in disapproval and unwillingly went to the bathroom to shower. Unlike the redhead he was done in about 5 mins and walked around in his towel, water dripping from his chest.

Chloe had somehow managed to get changed in the time it took him to shower, her hair was brushed to the side of her face and she had minimal makeup on, Tom stopped in his tracks causing Chloe to stop what she was doing.

"What?" She asked.

"You're just so beautiful," Tom said, Chloe blushed at his comment and shook her head.

"I'll see you in a bit when you're changed," Tom nodded and Chloe walked out into the living room.

She decided to look over some work files from today, she had some profit margins to go over as well as organizing a few interviews for her boss and looking over the PR for the company.

Tom dressed up in his best navy shirt and beige trousers paired with some navy suede shoes. He gelled his hair and put on some aftershave after he was happy with his appearance he walked out of the bedroom and saw Chloe standing by the coffee table, files in hand.

He knew how much work meant to her, so he just laughed at walked behind her, he slipped his arms around and took the file from her hands.

"Take a break for a while and just relax," he whispered.

Chloe smiled and agreed she deserved to have a break. She put the files back on the table grabbed her bag and it her looped her arm with Tom.

They walked out looking like a million dollar couple, they looked good together, anybody could see it.

They headed for the restaurant, Tom had decided to walk with Chloe, they had time and he enjoyed having a walk every once in a while. The two talked and laughed about everything and anything, they were both thoroughly enjoying their night and it had only just begun.

Tom and Chloe arrived at the restaurant just after 7, it was a posh steakhouse, Chloe's favorite. They had a nice bottle of red wine between them. They each had a perfectly cooked steak with vegetables and baby potatoes, followed by a slice of chocolate cheesecake. It was one of the best meals Chloe had ever eaten, they talked about memories of each other lives, their families and upcoming celebrations they were set to attend.

By the end of the night, Chloe was exhausted but she still had the biggest smile on her face, she couldn't believe how lucky she was to find a man like Tom who loved her as much she did.

However, the next night Chloe's dream man turned into Chloe's worst nightmare.

He had gone out with some old college friends of his, they had ended up in a small alleyway bar not far from Downtown La. They had just been having a drink, when one of the groups old leaders, Matt, turned up. Tom knew he was bad news but didn't want to miss out on the fun, he hadn't seen these guys in a few years and he had missed their company.

Matt had got involved with the wrong people over his college years and had done drugs and become an alcoholic, he had been in jail once or twice before as well, but the boys still welcomed him anyway. The guy had brought bags of marijuana with him and started to hand them out, Tom refused knowing he didn't want to get involved but the guys wouldn't take no for an answer and result in him getting pressured into doing it. He easily became addicted and was sat there for most of the night.

When he finally stumbled home at around 2 in the morning, Chloe was beyond scared. Her boyfriend hadn't picked up all night and she had no idea what to do, but a banging at the door snapped her out of her thoughts, she ran to the door, opened it and in cane Tom her heart instantly felt relieved knowing he was okay but he tried to straighten himself out but nearly collapsed, Chloe, rushed to his side but as soon as she touched him he began yelling.

"You bitch stop touching me what the fuck is wrong with you," Chloe instantly felt tears but kept telling herself he was probably drunk. She attempted to help him up but he only got angrier, he stepped forward and slapped her across the face and instant red mark appearing.

Tom's head was all in a blur, but when he hit the girl in front of him something clicked, he felt in control, he felt like he had power and he loved it. He started shouting, horrible things left his mouth.

"You will never leave me, no one would ever want you, look at you. You are a slut, you should be thankful I'm still here,"

"You belong to me, and only me,"

But Chloe was so overpowered by love that she believed him, she stayed with him through everything and Toms addiction only got worse. Chloe never found out about the drugs, she never really knew what had happened but Tom told her she wouldn't be good enough for anybody else and she believed it, for the next 4 years.

Nothing changed, but Chloe was adamant that he still loved her. She was scared to admit that he didn't, she still wanted to believe she would have her fairytale ending.

Present day

Chloe was in tears by the time she finished her story along with Aubrey who had shed a few as well which was very uncharacteristic of her. Beca's hands were clenched by her side her knuckles white with anger, how could anyone do this to her? Chloe was one of the kindest human beings Beca had ever met and she'd only known her a week.

But the next thing that came out of the redhead's mouth shocked her the most and probably shattered her heart into pieces.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "I'm so so sorry," and she broke down into tears again.

Beca was shocked. How could Chloe be the one apologizing? She instantly pulled her into a hug and refused to let go, she ran her fingers through her hair and whispered into her ear.

"This isn't your fault Chloe, understand me okay? This was never your fault." Her voice shaking and tears threading to fall.

"Never your fault, ever."

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