Monday came like a storm cloud I couldn't outrun.
The city buzzed below my window, but all I heard was the pounding of my heart as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my blouse. Sleek navy suit. Soft waves tamed into a bun. Light makeup. Business ready.
I looked like a professional.
But inside, I was chaos.
I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text.
Leaving for work now. Wish me luck.... _ sienna.
Sharon replied instantly.
You've got this, boss babe! Give 'em hell.
I smiled faintly.
Yes, I told Sharon about the proposal over the weekend _ well parts of it. That I'd be assisting my father's company for a huge deal. That it involved Damian's firm. That it was a surprise.
What I didn't tell her ?
That that was him. The Damian.
The man I once trusted with everything.
And I was glad Sharon didn't push. She sensed something, but didn't pry.
She just listened, encouraged, and let me breathe.
I appreciated that more than I could say.
I tucked my phone into my bag and took a deep breath.
"You can do this," I whispered into my reflection.
You've already survived the heartbreak. This is just business.
Right ?
I stepped into my heels, grabbed my files, and headed out.
The morning air was crisp as I slid into my car and started the engine. Traffic blurred past, the skyline rising ike judgement in the distance.
And at the very center of it all _ his company.
Damian Hart's empire.
The building of the one man I hated with everything in me.
But today _ I was walking into it like I belonged.
The boardroom was sleek, cold, and far too quiet.
I adjusted the strap of my bag as I stepped inside with the project manager from my father's company, who was already making polite conversation with one of Damian's executive. I kept my head high, even though my heart was threatening to claw its way out of my chest.
He wasn't here yet.
Good.
Maybe I could breath for a few more minutes.
I set my folder down and took a seat at the long glass table, crossing my legs carefully. Professional. Calm. Untouched by the past. That's who I had to be right now.
The door clicked.
My breath hitched.
And then he walked in.
Damian Hart.
Flawless suit. Jaw like granite. That same powerful stride that used to make my knees weak....now just made my spine straighten in defense.
Our eyes met.
His face didn't flicker.
Neither did mine.
But everything inside me screamed.
He took his seat across from me, calm, composed, unreadable.
I felt the air shift. The temperature drop. Or maybe it was just my blood running cold.
"Shall we begin?," he asked smoothly, voice deep and detached _ as if I was just another business associate.
I didn't flinch.
"Of course," I replied evenly.
Let him play his game. I could play mine too.
The project manager beside me began the formalities _ introductions, objectives, timelines. I nodded when necessary, added comments when required, all while avoiding letting my gaze rest on him for more than a heartbeat.
But I could feel him watching me.
Tracking every word. Every breath.
His silence wasn't passive.
It was deliberate.
And when he finally spoke again, his words sliced clean.
"Since Ms. Blake will be assisting from your side, I trust communication will be... efficient," Damian said, eyes fixed on mine now, voice smooth as velvet and just as dangerous.
My jaw tightened. "Absolutely, I'm committed to professionalism."
His lips curved _ just barely. Not a smile. More like a warning.
"Oh, I never doubted your commitment."
Bastard.
I said nothing.
Not here. Not in front of others. But the fire in my chest was rising, simmering behind the mask I wore.
He was enjoying this.
And that made me want to walk out.
But I won't give him the satisfaction.
No. I was going to stay.
I was going to prove the past didn't define me _ neither did he.
Not anymore.