Leaving behind a shadowy past marred by a drug-addicted mother, her mother’s abusive drug dealer boyfriend, and the torment of a truck driver exploiter named Rick. Isla Frank is bound for the vibrant lights of New York City as a new fashion design school student with the love and support of her adopted dads. Fate intervenes when her roommate persuades her to attend an off-Broadway audition. Little does Isla know that this single decision will alter the trajectory of her life. Caught in the crosshairs of the captivating and eccentric playwright Travis Jackson, she becomes the subject of his intense fascination. Drawn to her petite frame, the soft hues of her eyes, and her demure presence, Travis yearns to sculpt her into his next Broadway star and lover. The enchantment of her playwright boyfriend’s affection and the whirlwind success of her breakout role in his latest theatrical masterpiece is an intoxicating spell. Bliss reigns until an ominous night shatters the facade. In the midst of a drunken rage, Travis's hand strikes her delicate cheek, leaving a mark not just on her skin but on their relationship. Amid apologies and forgiveness, a pattern emerges — a relentless cycle of abuse that threatens to eclipse her newfound radiance and evokes the haunting memories of her difficult childhood. A twist of fate intervenes when an ardent patron of the arts happens upon Isla's poignant performance in Jackson's ill-fated Broadway play. Captivated by her soul-stirring portrayal and oblivious to the torment she silently bears, Gabe Gannon discovers the truth backstage. Telltale bruises mar her body, hidden behind the heavy stage make-up and costumes, that he cannot ignore. He’s driven to help, even though his intentions might not be as noble as they should be. Isla is a single POV, age-gap, damsel-in-distress, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, romance containing dark themes. Content warnings are available on the author’s website. Keywords: interracial couple, enemies-to-lovers, damsel-in-distress, forbidden love, workplace romance, troubled past, drug addiction, family drama, abusive relationships, Broadway romance, playwright and muse love story, Age-gap romance, single POV, trigger and content warnings, domestic violence survivor, exploited minor, cycle of abuse, rising star actress, Off-Broadway theater drama, adoptive family, emotional healing fiction, new beginnings after abuse, inspirational women’s fiction, love and betrayal, actress and playwright romance, contemporary romance, female empowerment fiction, strong female protagonist romance, toxic men and relationships, pursuing dreams against odds, dark past to bright future story, breaking free from toxic love, Parson fashion school, New York City setting, finding true love after abuse You’ll enjoy this series if you like these authors: Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher, Christina Lauren, Penelope Douglas, L.J. Shen, Sylvia Day, K.A. Tucker, Anna Todd, Pepper Winters, Vi Keeland, Jodi Ellen Malpas, Anna Huang, Sierra Simone, A.L. Jackson, R.K. Lilley, Mia Sheridan, Brittainy C. Cherry, Tillie Cole, K. Bromberg, Jay Crownover, Samantha Young, Helena Hunting, Elle Kennedy, Meghan March, Mariana Zapata, and Laurelin Paige.