I walked into Damian's company like nothing happened.
Head held high, back straight, heels clicking with confidence that didn't touch the chaos beneath my skin. My blouse was crisp, tucked nearly into my pencil skirt, and my lips wore a shade of confidence I didn't feel. Red _ classic. Untouchable. Like armour.
The receptionist greeted me with her usual chipper tone. I nodded without stopping. I couldn't afford kindness today. Or weakness. Not after last night.
I told Sharon everything. I cried. I had allowed myself that moment.
But now, I was here. In this building.
And Damian Hart was still my boss.
Still the man whose silence broke me six years ago.
I won't break again.
When I entered the floor, my team glanced up, then away just as quickly. They were getting used to me _ cold, efficient, precise. No one asked about the tension between me and the CEO. No one dared.
I stepped into my supposed office and dropped my bag on the chair. Sat behind my desk and booted up my laptop. I stared at the screen while my fingers moved with mechanical grace, answering emails, reviewing numbers, pretending like I didn't wake up this morning feeling hollow.
A soft knock pulled my gaze toward the door.
Of course. Him.
"Morning," Damian said as he stepped inside without waiting for permission.
I leaned back slightly. "Morning."
He studied me, his eyes unreadable. I hated how effortlessly he could wear that mask. Like yesterday means nothing to him.
"We're attending the Bexford foundation Gala tonight," he said, his hands slipping through his pocket. "I need you to accompany me."
I blinked, once. Slowly.
"A ballroom gala? My voice was level, as if the very idea of being trapped next to him in a tuxedo under chandeliers didn't make my stomach twist.
"Yeah, it's important. Everyone who matters will be there, investors, partners. You're my liaison."
I opened my mouth to say no. I should've said no. After what happened yesterday _after seeing him again with her_ how could I breathe in the same room, let alone walk beside him like everything was fine?
But then my father's voice echoed in the back of my mind.
This deal is everything, Sienna.
I pressed my lips together.
I was here because of him. Because he asked me to take this role. Because a deal has already been made, and my face was part of it. Because I didn't want to be the daughter who failed her father after everything he sacrificed for the company.
So I nodded.
"Of course. What time should I be ready?"
His jaw twitched. "I'll have a car pick you up at seven."
I nodded again. He lingered, like he wanted to say more, but I turned back to my screen before he could.
He left.
The door clicked shut, and I finally allowed myself to exhale.
A gala.
With Damian.
Pretending again.
Like we weren't walking around a crater of unresolved pain.
I didn't trust myself around him. Not when he looked at me like he used to_ like I was still the girl he once loved. Not when his voice softened just for a second, and I remembered what it was like to hear it whisper against my skin.
I rubbed my temple, then closed my laptop.
Fine. I would go.
I would wear my best dress. I would walk into that ballroom with my head high. I would represent my father's company and remind Damian Hart that nothing _ not even old heartbreaks _ could shake me.
Even if every step I took next to him chipped away at everything I thought I'd buried.