《In Love With My Billionaire Husband》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    Taking in the content of the words disyed on myptop screen, I quickly scan them onest time and


    then immediately exit out of the web browser.


    I push away from my writing table and spin around in my swivel chair before stopping myself as I start


    to feel dizzy.


    Somehow I never learn to stop.


    Iy my head against the chair and let out a low groan.


    What do I do now? I''m so bored.


    Stalking celebrities all day, unfortunately, does have its limits.


    And by limits, I mean your mothering into your room and catching you staring at pictures of a


    certain half naked model.


    The slight ping of my phone going off makes me stand up and trudge over to my bed.


    I reply to a few messages and ignore others, making sure not to click on certain areas so that the


    conversation doesn''t open up.


    Someone knocks on the door and opens it, pushing their head through.


    Before even looking up from my phone, I know it isn''t my mother because she would just barge in like


    always.


    Smiling at the person in front of me, I immediately sit up as my sister makes her way through the door


    and into my bedroom.


    "Hey Sarah."


    I greet as I take in the sight of my sister.


    She stood there in all her 5''11-red headed¡ªgreen eyed-model figure glory.


    I still remember when I was younger, and everyone used to fawn over my sister and her beauty.


    Hell, I nearly lost it when she got offers into the modelling industry but eh, I''ve made my peace with it.


    "What are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be in Italy?"


    I ask as I make room for her to sit down.


    Instead of taking a seat, she ces her handbag down on the ground and then sprawls on the bed


    right next to me.


    "Just felt like it.I missed mum and dad.Speaking of dad, where is he?"She muses.


    "Out of country.He''snding soon, so he''ll probably be back in a couple of hours."I answer.


    Sarah nods her head in understanding and smiles at me.


    "Has dad talked to you?"She asks.


    I furrow my brow and shake my head.


    "About what?"


    I ask in both curiosity and suspicion.


    It had to be about me otherwise she wouldn''t be giving me that-I know something you don''t know-look.


    "We''ll see."


    She simply says, shrugging.


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    Instead of pestering her, I keep quiet, knowing she won''t tell me a single thing.


    "Girls!"


    My mother''s voice shouts up at us.


    "Coming!"


    I yell back down but still stay where I''m lying.


    "Come on,zy.¡¯ Sarah says as she pats me on the shoulder and gets up.


    "What have you even done all day that''s made you so tired?"


    She asks in exasperation.


    "I-I? I stutter trying toe up with some amazing aplishment but give up, knowing she won''t


    believe me.


    "I just am.I fell asleepte watching movies."


    I grumble.


    She simplyughs and motions for me to follow her out the door.


    Seeing mum standing next to the front door, we both head downstairs just in time to see our father


    stepping into the foyer, armed with suitcases.


    "Dad!"


    I squeal and rush over to hug him.


    He merely smiles and pats me on the back before noticing my sister, who is currently standing at the


    end of the stairs.


    "Sarah!"


    He exims happily and quickly puts his bags down to go hug her.


    Mum, currently standing beside me, squeezing my arm and smiles at me.


    All I do is smile back.I''m used to it by now.Doesn''t mean it stops hurting, though.


    "You''re just in time for dinner, honey.¡¯ My mum says and quickly pecks him on the lips.Sarah makes a


    weird face at that their affection as my mother leads him by the arm into the dining room.dekeickkitickk


    After dinner, Dad and Sarah go into his office to discuss some matters, leaving me alone with my mum


    to clean up the dishes.


    "Have you talked to your father?"


    Mum speaks up, nudging me.


    "What? No, I ask in exasperation, "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"


    "Everyone?"


    My mother inquires sternly.


    God forbid, anyone let anything slip regarding what is about me.


    Unfortunately, my sarcasm only mares my subconscious and would never dare show itself to my


    mother.


    I cringe at the thought of even speaking to her in that tone.


    "Yes, Sarah said something about Dad meaning to speak with me.


    "Oh, okay."


    My mother says, though I can still tell she isn''t too fond of Sarah saying something to me.


    "What exactly is this entire ordeal about?"


    I question innocently.


    My mum gives me a look that tells me that sort of thing won''t work.


    "You''ll see"


    Is all she says as she returns back to our task at hand.


    We both continue to wash and dry the dishes in afortable silence as Sarah walks in.


    "Serena.Dad wants to speak with you.¡¯ She says and then disappears again.The sight of doing


    anything remotely rted to housework probably scares her off.Though now I''m scared.Well, not


    scared but more so nervous.


    What could Dad want? He barely even speaks to me as it is, only when it is regarding something


    important, or when I''m in trouble.


    And I know I have done nothing which can lead to me getting a long lecture from him.


    All these thoughts swirl in my head as I make my way to the study''s door.


    I knock on the door and tentatively open it, peaking my head through the hole to see my father sitting at


    his desk, looking at some papers.


    He looks up and motions for me to enter.


    I quickly do so and scramble to the seat across from him and sit down.


    "You wanted to talk?"


    I ask timidly.


    Yes, Vivian.¡¯ Vivian? Ah.


    My father is the only one who uses my middle name and when he does it always means business.


    More so than usual.


    "So..."


    I say awkwardly, edging my father on to say what he has to.


    I don''t want to be here any longer than necessary.


    "You''vepleted your degree, right?"


    He asks me rhetorically because he knows damn well I have.


    "Yes."


    I say tersely, even nodding my head as my hands clench the bottom of my shirt, twisting it this way and


    that.


    "And you know whates after that right?"


    He asks.


    Of course.


    How can I be so stupid as to forget about this of all things? He will never let this go.


    All the arguments and fights I''ve put up, all for naught.


    "The business;'' I mutter


    "You want me to take up part of thepany" I say almost robotically.


    "Yes.I do."


    But that isn''t what I wanted to talk to you about, although it is regarding the same area: I pause as I let


    his words sink in.


    I know for a fact that the next thing he says will be far worse than what I''ve heard so far.


    I take in a deep breath though I know that no amount of preparation could save me fromm what he


    says next.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    "What?"Is all I manage to get out as I sit there in my seat.My fidgeting handse to a halt as I now


    fist my t-shirt in a tight grip.My mind ispletely nk at the moment.


    I can''t seem to be able to process his words.


    "Dad" I finally manage to get out,


    "You can''t mean that, you wouldn''t.I whisper as I look at him for confirmation.I want him to just start


    laughing, and then hug me and say it''s all a big joke, that the entire ordeal was just that"


    A big joke.


    But no, of course not.My father never jokes, not with me at least.


    "You know I don''t like repeating myself"


    My father says sternly as he looks at me.


    Even though we''re sitting face to face, it''s as if he''s looking down at me.


    As if he''s judging me, finding all my faults and insecurities and disying them right in front of me.


    Taunting me with everything.


    "B-but the business, father.You-I- you wanted me to take over the family business but I-.How?" I ask,


    finally giving up.


    I barely have the ability to speak.


    The shock potent in my words.


    "I told you, I do not repeat myself"


    He says standing up now, having to actually repeat himself.


    "Well you''re going to have to this time Dad!"


    I exim as I now too stand up.


    The anger is as clear as day in his eyes as is in mine.


    It''s like fire against ice.


    Unfortunately for me, I''m melting and can''t do anything about it.


    "Roger!"


    My mother says as she too slips into the study with my sister in tow.


    Just then everything dawns on me.


    They knew.


    Both of them knew and neither of them had the decency to tell me.


    I could have at least been prepared.


    "Samantha please"


    Almost immediately my mother silences herself but still walks up to my father.


    I nce at her with pleading eyes, begging for her to reason with him.


    She is my mother.


    She has to do something.


    I know she would never agree to such a thing.


    But she remains silent.


    "Why do I have to-? I pause as I take in a deep breath.


    I have to stay calm.


    If I don''t I''ll only rile my father up more and then there will be no negotiations with him.


    At all.


    I try to continue my sentence; "Why do I have to marry someone? Someone I have never met? Just the


    thought makes tears well up into my eyes.


    "It will be good for the business; my father starts out calmly, "You do not have enough practical


    knowledge in regards to the business industry: "That''s it? That''s why you''re making me do this?"


    I ask in bewilderment.


    My dad nods his head in acknowledgement but doesn''t say anything else.


    "Dad, you can show me.Why do I need an outsider to show me these things? I have you, don''t I?" I


    plead.


    We all know this isn''t just me asking for his help in the industry.


    It''s something far more than that.


    Shouldn''t a daughter have her father to rely upon? "I have other things I need to take care of.


    I don''t have the time to babysit you and show you the ropes.¡¯ My heart breaks at his words.


    I had hope, that maybe, just maybe, he''d be there for me.


    I agree to do everything he wants me to, just so I get his stamp of approval.


    So I can be looked at the same way he does my sister.


    Apparently, I always seem to fail him.


    "Benedict Stryker is a very good friend of mine.His son, Damien, is a very respectable young man and


    is well known in the industry.Damien will show you the ropes and he will be a huge step in the right


    direction to bringing more fame to us.¡¯'' Without onest fleeting look, my father sits down and resumes


    filing certain things away.


    I stand there inplete and utter shock.


    So this is it? This can''t be.


    I go to open my mouth.


    I have to say something, I need to.


    Speak up! However instead of rattling off into a motivating speech of human rights and self


    independence, a hand settles onto my shoulder.


    My shoulders sag in defeat and all I feel like doing is curling up into a ball and crying for a whole entire


    day.


    The hand squeezes my shoulder encouragingly and I finally give in.


    I can barely even look at my father nor my mother and so I let my sister drag me to wherever she is


    leading me to.


    Too consumed in my thoughts and own self belittlement, it takes a while for me to realise I''m standing


    in front of my own room.


    "Come on.¡¯'' Sarah whispers as she pulls me into the room.


    However just hearing her voice makes me snap out of the little trance I''m in.


    I move passed her and take a seat on the bed, wrapping my arms around myself forfort."You


    knew?"


    I whisper so low I barely hear myself.


    Sarahes over to where I''m sitting and kneels down onto the floor beside me.


    "I knew."


    She says.


    My eyes snap to meet hers, hazel against green.


    I can see remorse swirling in them as well as pity and grief.


    That just makes me more angry.


    It adds fuel to the fire.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    I ask sharply.


    Sarah leans back, stunned at my tone.


    "Calm down Serena.¡¯ She hisses back-equally as sharp¡ª but thenposes herself as she takes in a


    deep breath and shakes her head.


    "I''m sorry.Ser.I really am.I wanted to tell you but at the same time I couldn''t.You know how Dad is, don''t


    you?"


    She asks, trying to plead with me to forgive her.


    I know him more than you think you ever will.


    Unfortunately for Sarah, she barely witnesses the side he has specially reserved for me.


    "I can''t do this Sarah.I won''t."


    I say forcefully.


    If I can convince one person of my strong will then maybe I can convince my own self that I won''t go


    through with this.


    "I know, I Know.Just give dad some time to rx okay.Give him a few days.He''s probably just stressed


    because of work.He''ll never do something like this, it''s probably a big scare just to make you serious


    about the business."


    Sarah says trying to rx me and make me calm down.


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    Though I know that what she''s saying is far from the truth.


    My father isn''t one to y mind games, he goes straight for the kill.


    Sadly in this situation and as it is in most, I''m the prey.


    I lie awake in bed throughout the whole night, not catching even a wink of sleep.


    Sarah promised to stay beside me the whole night but it wasn''t necessary, however she lives up to her


    promises and does so, even though she''s out like a light by one o clock.


    The whole night Iy there thinking on what to do, how to get myself out of this situation.


    By the time my rm goes off at ten, I''m still wide awake and mechanically reach out to grab my phone


    to shut the noise out.


    Sarah stirs beside me in bed and stretches before looking at me.


    I nce at her and then look back up to the ceiling, ignoring her.


    All throughout the night, there were several instances of me wanting to throw her out of my bed, to tell


    her what a bad person she was for not telling me.


    I might have been able to speak to my father, exin to him how this was all unnecessary.


    It still doesn''t make sense to me.


    Why does my father need someone else to teach me everything about our business from another


    person? I''ve never even heard of the man nor his son and now-all of a sudden- they''re all great friends


    and I have to marry one of them.


    "Serena?"


    Sarah asks as she sits up in bed.


    "I''m fine"


    I say in a monotone voice.


    There''s no point of me being rude to her, it''ll get me nowhere.


    And I need someone right now.


    Whosoever it may be.


    "Mum''s made breakfast"


    Is all I say as I stand up and make my way out the door, not caring whether my sister is following or not.


    Entering into the kitchen, I stop at the sight of my father reading his newspaper, as if everything is


    perfectly okay.


    "Serena honey, good morning.¡¯ My mother says as she ces a te at my designated seat at the


    table.


    I don''t even feel like eating but I know for a fact my mother won''t let me go until I do eat.


    "Aren''t you going to answer your mother?"


    My father curtly asks as he raises his eyes from the newspaper.


    I furrow my brows in confusion before it suddenly dawns on me.


    "Morning mum."


    I whisper, grabbing my knife and fork and forcefully putting a bit of food into my mouth.


    Mumes up from behind and squeezes my shoulder while kissing my forehead.


    The smallfort makes me smile but that soon goes away as my father takes in the interaction.


    "Make sure you have no ns tonight, we''re meeting up with the Strykers''.


    "All of us.¡¯ My father says.


    My mouth goes dry and I drop my cutlery, quickly standing up and marching out of the kitchen.


    "Serena."


    My father calls but I ignore him and continue to my destination.


    I need to get out of here.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    My phone vigorously vibrating in my hand alerts me to the fact that my peace has very quicklye to


    an end.


    I sigh out loud as I lean my head back against the worn out handle of the swings, gazing at the slightly


    darkening sky.


    Time always seems to pass quick here though I still can''t believe I''ve spent several hours out here.


    It''s funny how every time I walk out of the house to get some peace and quite, they think I''ve gone


    somewhere far that nobody knows about.


    I''d love to see their faces that all along I''ve actually just been behind the shed¡ªon the swing sets¡ª in


    our garden.


    It''s actually sad to be honest.


    They never even bother to look for me when I go missing for hours on end.


    What''s even more pathetic is that I always want my father toe after me.


    After all the countless arguments, I always run away to here, hoping my father woulde out,


    chasing after me.


    But I guess that sort of stuff only happens in movies.


    I wonder if my father evenes here anymore.


    Probably not.


    I let out a groan as my phone starts vibrating once more.


    Signaling that this time, I actually will have to leave my little sanctuary.


    Getting up from the¡ªnearly to small- swing seat, I straighten out my clothes and brush my hair away


    from my face.


    Trying to do whatever I can to make me seem less of a mess.


    I walk the short distance from my garden to the house and enter in through the backdoor.


    Walking into the living room, I stop as my father stands there, all dressed up in a suit.


    "Don''t bete next time and answer your phone.Get dressed we''re leaving.¡¯ Dad says tersely.I


    robotically nod my head and turn to march up the stairs but instead I swivel back around and look at my


    father, who looks straight back with an eyebrow raised.


    "I want to talk with you dad.I mutter as I nce at the tiled ground.My father grunts in response.I''ll take


    that as yes then.Better than nothing right? Mustering up the courage, I look my father dead in the eyes.


    "I just want to know why? I need to understand why this is all necessary.¡¯ I say.


    By now, I''m grasping at straws.


    At anything that will help me to understand why this is all happening.


    All father had giving me, are vague barely one sentence answers.


    I deserve more than that.


    Especially if he''s entrusting my entire future into some mans hands that I''ve never even met.


    I don''t know who or what this Damien even is.


    "I have already told you Serena.I am your father and I know better especially in regards to your


    wellbeing and your future."


    He answers tersely, "I don''t want to hear more remarks from you regarding this asion am I clear?"


    He further asks.


    I nod my head and quickly turn to leave.


    The feeling of hopelessness epassing me once more.


    However as soon as I take a step to leave, my father intentionally clears his throat.


    Turning to face him, I see his eyebrow raised and a meaningful look on his face.


    "Yes father, I understand.Can I leave to get ready now?"


    I ask in a low voice, my eyes directed to the floor.


    "You may leave."


    Without needing to hear any more of his mordacious words, I make a beeline for the stairs and then to


    my room, only to find a stunning and well dressed Sarah perched on my bed.


    "Come on sis.Dad says I have to make you look good for meeting the Stryker''s.¡¯ She says happily.


    Well that sort of stings.


    Not in the mood to throw a tantrum and object to anything, I simply slouch into the seat in front of my


    dresser and allow her to do whatever it is she needs to.


    After a half hour or so Sarah is surprisingly done.


    "That was fast.¡¯ I murmur as I get up.


    "Yeah, I mainly focused on your hair.¡¯ She says shrugging.


    She probably hurried up because Dad is waiting for us downstairs.


    Sarah points to a dress and some heels as she makes her way of my room.


    "From my more austere collection,¡¯ she giggles, pointing to the dress, "Oh and hurry up.¡¯ She says as


    she closes the door.


    Why can''t I just go in my holed up sweats? At least they werefortable.


    Grabbing the dress, I quickly scan it and shrug.


    It isn''t as bad as I was expecting.


    A sleevelessce number with a bit of ribbon separating the bust from the lower end.


    Not too fancy but good enough for a dinner.


    Slipping the dress on along with the in white heels, I nce in the mirror, fine with how I looked.


    Shaking my head, I rush out of my room.


    Not wanting to make my situation worse with beingte, I nearly run down the stairs and scramble into


    the living room.


    "I''m here."


    I call out to the empty room.


    Where is everyone? Just then Sarah enters into the room putting in an earring.


    "Mums getting ready, it''ll take around half an hour: Why the hell does this always happen to me? "I


    want to talk with you.¡¯ Sarah says as she grabs my hand and sits me down on the two seater


    sofa.ncing at my hands in hers, I let it be for a few seconds before inconspicuously removing my


    hand from her grasp.


    "Go ahead.¡¯ I murmur as I quickly adjust how I''m sitting.


    The negative side to wearing jeans and shorts for long, you forget you can''t sit with your legs syed


    open.


    "I know this is a lot to take on but I hope you aren''t having any bad thoughts."


    She says gently as she looks at me straight in the eyes.


    What does she mean by ¡®bad thoughts¡¯? "What sort of thoughts?"


    I question.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Well things such as running away or giving up your family and the business.You can''t do that


    Serena.You know that right?"


    She asks as she takes my hand in hers once more.


    I make sure my face masks into the perfect amount of faux confusion and surprise.


    Of course I thought about it.


    I''ve thought about running away from here ever since my father opened his mouth about the arranged


    marriage.


    But I know, I can''t.


    Not that I don''t want to but I simply can''t.


    My father has men everywhere.


    He probably already makes sure he has eyes on me at all times.


    Since I am the heir to his precious business.


    If I run, it''ll only be a matter of days since he finds me.


    He did it once- though me running away at the age of seven due to not getting dessert before diner is


    hardly a greatparison¡ª he''ll do it again.


    "I would never put the family or the business in such a position.I had never even thought of it"


    I say lying through my teeth.


    Luckily though, she buys it and smiles at me before pulling me into a brisk hug.


    By that time both my mother and father enter into the room.


    My stomach immediately clenches at the thought and my heart starts to hammer wildly in my chest.


    Here goes nothing.


    "Do you know what this Damien guy is like?"


    I ask hesitantly as Sarah gets out of the car next to me.


    She nods her head in confirmation.


    "Yeah I''ve met him a few times and if it''s any constion, he''s young and incredibly good looking."


    She says, winking at me.


    As if that makes me feel better.


    Honestly speaking, it makes me feel slightly better.


    The thought of marrying someone perverted in theirte forties with balding hair and paunch stomach,


    makes me even more reluctant than I currently am.


    But luckily he doesn''t look like that at all.


    ncing up at the estate doors we are walking towards makes my breath hitch in my throat.


    It is absolutely beautiful.


    With its dips and arches and regal stonework structure.


    It looks like something out of a fairytale.


    But all this for just two people? Seems a bit excessive to me.


    "Hurry up girls.¡¯ My mother says as she stands in front of their main door, a maid already standing there


    with a huge smile on her face.


    I gulp nervously but still fasten my movements.


    "Mr.and Mrs.Benedict are expecting you.Please doe in."


    My father throws me a sharp look that I know means ¡®behave yourself? Entering into the house, I barely


    take in the creme coloured walls and blinding chandeliers.


    My hands itch to grab onto a part of the dress so that I can twist and pull and tug at it.


    But obviously I can''t do that.


    My gaze has been focused on the marble floor ever since we step foot into this ce.


    "Ah.Roger! Samantha! It is great to meet you again."


    Comes a voice.


    ncing up, Ie face to face with a man in histe fifties to early sixties.


    His brown hair has streaks of silver running through them and he has hypnotising chocte brown


    eyes.


    Along with that a bright dazzling smile adorns his face.


    If it weren''t for the fact that I am supposedly marrying this mans son, I would have liked him, I''m sure.


    "You too Benedict."


    My father says, that same- now familiar¡ªpretentious smile crossing his face.


    "It''s lovely to see you."


    My mother replies.


    Mr.Stryker smiles at them and then averts his eyes to my sister and I.


    An even bigger smile crossing his face.


    "Serena, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you.


    Your sister is an amazing young girl and I''m sure you are too."


    He says firmly as he pats me on the shoulder.


    Is there any chance they prefer my sister more than me and want her for their son instead? "The


    pleasure is all mine Mr.Stryker"


    I say smiling.


    God, it feels weird to say that.


    "Please there is no need to be formal.We''re all going to be family very soon aren''t we?"


    Just hearing that feminine voice makes my stomach lurch to my throat as disappointment fills me.


    I''m guessing a no to my prior question then.


    Pleasantries are exchanged as we all greet Katelyn, Mrs.Stryker.


    A half hour goes by and with each passing second; I grow more and more panicky.


    Unfortunately for me though, I''m the main source of conversation as questions are directed at me, left


    right and center.


    Just when I feel as if I''m about to explode with anticipation, the door leading to the guest living room


    opens and a maid makes her way through.


    "Mr.Damien Stryker is here, Sir¡¯ She announces in a timid voice.Benedict smiles and nods his head as


    he stands up.


    "Great, send him in, send him in."


    He says as he motions with his hand.


    My throats goes dry and I start to fidget with my fingers as I turn to look at the door opening once more.


    "I apologize for beingte."


    Comes a cool suave voice as the person finally enters the room.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    My jaw nearly drops as I take in the sight of the man entering into the room.


    Straight, styled, jet ck hair with a pair of soul piercing dark blue eyes enter my field of vision.


    Perfectly sculpted face with light pink plump lips, straight nose and incredibly well defined jaw with high


    proud cheek bones entuate the ins of his face.


    He stands surprisingly tallpared to his mother and father that is¡ª and from where I am, I can tell


    he clearly works out with how his suit fits perfectly against his torso, hugging each inch of him.


    From the way he walks and carries himself you can tell he exudes power, even his impably blue


    eyes exude a sense of righteousness.


    Or maybe it''s something else? I''ve never been too good at reading people.


    Why am I even thinking about him in such a way? This man is ruining my life, if it weren''t for him, I


    could have been at home right now,pletely at ease.


    Though there is still that nagging feeling that my father would have just found some other suitor to


    marry me off to.


    "Ah there you are.Come son.Meet the Mne''s."


    Benedict says pleasantly.


    All of us stand up as everyone greets him.


    As he shakes hands with everyone, my nerves spike up tenfold and a sweat breaks it''s way through.


    My stomach lurches some more and I start to feel dizzy as a faint ringing erupts in my ears.


    Oh no.


    I quickly sit back down again, ignoring everyone''s confused looks.


    "Get up Serena!"


    My father growls lowly, only enough for me to hear.


    I take in a deep breath and try to fight off the wave of lethargy that flows over me.


    With everyst bit of energy I have I stand to get up.


    Everyone looks at me as I slightly shake, the slight sheen now coating my skin, quite clear.


    This is so embarrassing.


    I feel a pair of eyes on me and as soon as I look up, I make contact with the man they belong to.


    Unfortunately for me, that''s thest thing I see as my energy gives up and I drop to the floor, darkness


    encasing me.


    Joli What the hell just happened? I softly groan as I shift my body to make myselffortable.


    Feeling the soft cotton fabric of some sort of cloth makes me furrow my eyebrows.


    Wait a minute.


    And just like that, I sit up straight and snap my eyes open.


    I expected to see my whole family gazing at me as Iy- wherever the hell I do so- with concerned and


    panicky looks on their faces.


    However that isn''t the case.


    Instead all I can see is darkness everywhere.


    Is this heaven? Or better yet and more suited for me; Hell? I nce down to see what I''m seated on,


    only to see a light blueforter and in white sheets.


    My eyes widen as I realise I''m on a bed.


    I can''t believe I fainted, in front of everyone.


    Especially that guy I''m supposed to be betrothed too.


    But maybe that''s a good thing? I remove theforter from around me and make a move to stand up.


    The room is so dark, I can barely see anything.


    Standing up on slightly shaky feet, I try to see where my heels are lying.


    Maybe I can make a run for it without anyone noticing.


    "You should get some more rest.¡¯ Comes a voice somewhere from behind me.


    I nearly jump out of my skin as I slowly turn around.


    Has the voice been there this whole time? Fully turning around, I can only see an outline of a person


    standing.


    I squint my eyes to see who the person is but that voice¡ª which albeit I''ve only heard once- has


    probably been forever engraved in my mind.


    A bright lightes on, making me reflexively shut my eyes and then part them open.


    My eyes take a few moments to adjust and sure enough at the sight before me, my mouth goes dry.


    Standing there with his arms crossed against his chest, Damien stares directly at me.


    What is he doing here? "l- I''m fine."


    I murmur as I quickly drop my gaze to the floor.


    After a few moments of silence, I turn around and look for my heels, only to find them kicked under the


    bed.


    Squatting down, I reach for them but his voice stops me.


    "Your family has left."


    Just that makes me freeze in ce.


    Why the hell would they do that? It was probably my fathers idea.


    "Oh"


    Is all l say as I grab my shoes.


    Standing up once more, I fix my dress and hesitantly look at him.


    There he stands, not moving even an inch from his previous position.


    "Um.What time is it? How long have I been out?"


    I ask as I reiterate my question.


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    "Twenty minutes."


    That''s all it took for my parents to ditch me here.


    "Oh."


    Is all I say once more as I sit back down on the bed to put my heels on.


    I fiddle with the stupid strap on my heel for quite some time but it just won''ttch on.


    I give up with a huff and then scoot around so I''m almost facing him.


    "A little help?"


    I ask with slight bemusement.


    All get in return is that same silence.


    I continue to stare at him, both trying to unnerve him but also to drink in his immacte features.


    We both stare at each other in silence until I start to feel slightly ufortable.


    He isn''t a man of many words, is he? I let out a small sigh and turn back around, fiddling with the strap


    once more.


    I know for a fact that if I don''t do it correctly, I''ll fall over.


    For some reason I can never get the small strap totch onto the hook and it makes me groan in


    frustration.


    Maybe I should just walk barefoot.


    Too immersed in my difficult task, I don''t notice Damien walking towards me.


    Only until he stands in front of me, blocking off the light what little light there is, do I take note.


    He bends down and removes my hands which are grasping the strap tightly.


    Almost expertly, he clips it around the hook and in a matter of seconds stands up and steps away from


    me until he hides in the shadows once more while I remain there, stillpletely shocked.


    "Uh, thanks: I quietly say as I now stand up.Unsettling silence is all that greets me.I walk over to the


    door and quietly open it.


    I wait for him to say something but hear nothing and so I make my way out of the room and into the


    hallway.


    I keep going straight, trying to find the stairs and fortunately for me, I quickly find them.


    Heading downstairs, I enter into the lounge only to see Benedict and Katelyn sitting on the two seater


    sofa, talking with each other.


    I gently clear my throat to alert them of my presence.


    They immediately turn to face me and Katelyn stands up as she rushes over to me.


    "Honey are you feeling okay now? Oh you gave me such a fright."


    She scolds and next thing I know, she pulls me in for a hug.


    I smile and hug her back.


    "I''m fine.Much better."


    I say as we both pull back.


    "Oh good.You poor child"


    She says as she pats my cheek.


    "I should be going now.¡¯ I say meekly as Benedict gives me a warm smile.


    "You should stay! It''ste anyways-"


    Katelyn tries to convince me but Benedict cuts her off.


    "She probably feels a little ufortable here love."


    He says to his wife as he approaches the both of us, "If you want you can leave but Damien should


    drop you off"


    I smile gratefully at him and nod.


    "Thank you but I''ll be fine.I''ll just call a taxi"


    I say trying to persuade them.


    I don''t think I can handle being with their son in such a small confined space once more.


    "Nonsense, I''ll take you then.¡¯ Benedict states firmly.


    "It is fine.I will take her back home."


    Comes his voice right from behind me.


    "Well that''s sorted then.¡¯ Katelyn says smiling brightly, a little too brightly.


    We all bid our farewells and before I know it, I''m seated in Damien''s car as he takes me back home.


    We both remain in that now familiar silence.


    "Directions: "What?"


    I ask in confusion.


    "Directions.To your house."


    He rifies.


    After giving him the required instructions, that''s all the talking that ensues and that''s how we reach my


    house.


    "Thank you."


    I murmur as I undo my seatbelt.


    He merely nods in response and unlocks the doors.


    Well then.


    I step out of the car and make my way up the drive through.


    Ringing the bell, I wait a few seconds as someonees to answer the door.


    Just before the door opens, I look back to see Damien''s car still parked there.


    However as soon as the front door opens, he swerves out and races down the road.


    For some reason, that small action makes me smile but that soon gets wiped off as I see who opens


    the door.


    "Get in."


    My father growls out angrily.


    And here I was, naive enough to think I could escape my father.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Serena Mnes'' P 0.V


    My mouth immediately goes dry as my fathers re strengthens.


    "Get.In¡¯'' He growls out once again.


    Nodding my head, I quickly slip into the house and make my way to the living room, my fathers fast


    paced steps echoing behind me.


    "What was that little stunt you pulled there?"


    My father asks me as soon as I twist myself around to see him.


    "Stunt?" Is all I ask, bewildered.


    Surely he didn''t think that was all an act.


    "Yes! To think I could have at least trusted you enough to not embarrass me.


    It''s certainly good to know that you are incapable of handling something as simple as that"


    By now my father is nearly screaming into my face, his words gaining volume, which makes me take a


    hesitant step back.


    I know my father won''t harm me.


    It''s all merely verbal what he throws at me.


    "I swear I didn''t do it on purpo-,;'' I try to plead but it''s like asking for a miracle to not be cut off when


    talking to my Dad.


    "No excuses.I''ve had it up to here with your nuisance"


    At that, I visibly flinch.


    He''s never been so angry before.


    Does all this mean that much to him? Noticing my slightly scared look, my father takes a step back to


    calm himself.


    He takes in a deep breath and rakes a hand through his red hair.


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    "Tomorrow; he says pausing as he takes another breath, "The Stryker''s areing over for lunch.I


    don''t want to see any of this nonsense and I want you to be polite and for heavens sake don''t faint


    again.¡¯''Dad says.


    Tomorrow? They''reing again.


    I don''t think I can handle so much in a span of forty eight hours.


    Nheless I nod my head and wait for him to finish as I know there is more toe.


    "You will be sleeping in your sisters room tonight: "Why?"I ask in confusion.


    "I don''t need any more hassle of you running away or anything of the sorts."He rifies.


    Hearing that makes my stomach drop as my mind shes to Sarah and our brief conversation before


    we left for the Stryker''s house.


    She wouldn''t dare do such a thing, after all she is my sister.


    "Now go.¡¯ He dismisses, pulling me out of my thoughts.


    It doesn''t take me long to scurry out of his vision, albeit I nearly trip in my heels as I make my way up


    the stairs.


    The ringing of the doorbell makes me freeze in ce.


    Sarah looks at me with a raised eyebrow and I sigh in defeat as I lift myself up off of the barstool in the


    kitchen.


    "Serena, could you get the door please."


    My mother asks me from the living room.


    Prodding my head in through the entryway, I catch a glimpse of her fluffing the cushions and sitting


    various decorations straight into ce.


    The doorbell rings once more and I quickly make my way towards it.


    Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and give myself a very fast and brief pep talk.


    Exhaling, I open the door ande face to face with the Stryker''s.


    All three of them.


    "Oh it''s so lovely to see you again.Thank goodness you''re feeling better¡¯'' Katelyn coos as she pulls me


    into a hug.


    "Thankfully."Is all I mumble back, hugging her.


    ncing up, those same blue eyes greet me; Distanced and tranquilizing as always.


    I smile timidly at Damien only to get a nk stare in return.


    "Pleasee in.¡¯ I say to all of them as we finish greeting one another.Before any of them can actually


    step into the house, my father appears right next to me and ces an arm around my shoulders.


    "I sincerely apologize for what happened with Serena yesterday.It is an embarrassment on the whole


    family''s behalf."


    He says, fake smiling as he looks at me and then the rest of ourpany.


    I flush bright red in the face.


    Why can''t people just let me be in my own mortification without adding even more to it? "Think nothing


    of it"


    Benedict says, smiling encouragingly at me.


    I smile meekly in reply and have to try my hardest to maintain that same fake buoyancy.


    Father and I both step aside to let them in and as they do so, Damien catches my eye.


    Gazing at him, a nagging feeling erupts within my stomach and I know something is going to happen.


    The lunch goes by swiftly and luckily enough not many questions are directed at me.


    Benedict and Katelyn are probably worried I''ll faint on them once again or something.


    Damien as always doesn''t speak much and only does so when someone asks him something.


    As usual his answers are curt and precise.


    Not an all around friendly person.


    As lunch is over and done with, I stand up to collect the tes as Benedict and Dad head over to the


    lounge.


    Probably so Dad can coerce him into some other new prototype of something or other he''se up


    with to help the business.


    And to think I''ll be doing the very same thing soon enough.


    Katelyn steps forward and grabs my te and the other dishes from my hand.


    "You just rest sweetheart"


    She says as she smiles kindly, following my mother out of the room.


    Sarah too stands up and smiles encouragingly at me.


    ¡®Don''t leave me: I try to telepathically convey to her but nheless she leaves.


    Damien and I both sit in the dining room in silence for a few seconds until I finally stand up.


    It''s too awkward for me.


    "Wait"


    Comes a voice, cutting through the silence.


    "Sit"


    Hemands.


    Almost mechanically, I sit back down and look at him in rm.


    Damien sits there, perfectly poised while looking at me.


    "Why did you agree?"


    He asks simply.


    Unfortunately for me, I know exactly what he''s talking about.


    "Il could ask you the same question."


    I say, dodging his own question.


    Worry fills me and I try to think of a way out of this conversation.


    Maybe I could actually pretend to faint this time.


    Though that would give my father a chance to berate me once more.


    "Why?"


    He asks again, his narrowing infinitesimally.


    "Because I wanted to.


    My father knows what''s best for me¡¯ I say, lying straight through my teeth.


    My father may think that but I know this whole situation goes far beyond that.


    I don''t know how I know but I just do.


    "You''re lying."


    He says outright.


    My mouth drops open as I scrounge around for words.


    "I-I''m not.I finishmely.


    He raises a perfect eyebrow and still looks at me with those emotionless eyes.Goading me to say


    something.


    Falling into his trap, I look away, averting my eyes to the floor.


    Something I always do when I get intimidated.


    Damien stands up from his seat and walks closer to me, leaning next to the table right where I''m


    seated.


    Leaning down, his cold fingers press against my chin as he pushes my face upwards.


    "Look at me.¡¯ He demands.


    Gulping, I look him dead in the eyes.


    "What do you want me to say?"


    I ask as he removes his hand from my face.


    "The truth.I won''t tell anyone¡¯'' Why does it feel like he''s talking to me as if I''m a little girl? For some


    reason, I want to tell him everything.


    Of how I''ve been forced into this and am still struggling toe to terms with everything.


    I try to begin but stop as Damien suddenly stands up.


    He motions for me to follow and I do so, as he leads us through the kitchen and into the back garden.


    We pass the shocked faces of mother, Katelyn and Sarah.


    However Damien pays them no heed.


    Trudging to the end of the garden, he abruptly turns to face me.


    Motioning for me to continue, I take in a deep breath.


    "I don''t know what to say.No I don''t want to be engaged or married or whatever, it feels weird just


    saying it,¡¯ I pause to see if he''s listening and luckily he is, "My father is making me do this.


    He wants it for the betterment of the business, he thinks of it as a business transaction.


    Nothing more, nothing less and unfortunately for me, I''m the glue holding this all together: I finish off


    with a huff, trying my hardest not to let the tears spill out.


    It feels good to rant.


    However, now I''m scared.


    What if I''ve said to much? What if Damien goes and repeats all I''ve said to not only my parents but his


    as well? I could have justnded myself in a world of hurt.


    "What about you?"


    I ask instead.


    Damien looks at me, eyes still not showing anything he feels.


    "My father thinks it''s for the best."


    He says simply.


    For some reason, I feel there''s more to it than that.


    And it''s not just because he repeated the same thing I said to him but in a well, more blunter version.


    Damien doesn''t strike me as a man who will just listen to anyone or anything.


    Even if that anyone is his father.


    "I will sort things out."


    Damien says stoically.


    That immediately catches my attention and I hurriedly shake my head.


    ''You can''t do that.


    I''ll get into so much trouble"


    I say as I take a step towards him.


    "You won''t.I''ll make sure of it"


    He says.


    "Damien you can''t call off the wedding or engagement or whatever the hell this is."


    I try to plead with him.


    Why can''t he understand? "I won''t be calling off the engagement."


    Damien says.


    "Why do you care?"


    I ask, not in contempt but just in general curiosity.


    However that doesn''t seem to bode well with him and his already emotionless eyes harden.


    "I don''t."He says roughly, as if something has clicked into ce.


    Without saying another word, he pushes past me and walks back down the garden to the house.


    What just happened?

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    I toss and turn in bed countless amount of times, trying to find afortable position to sleep in but I''m


    still not satisfied.


    I let out a groan, finally giving up with trying to sleep.


    I know it''s because of my nagging thoughts that are contributing to myck of sleep, more than


    anything else.


    My mind shes back to day before yesterday, when the Stryker''s hade over.


    I remember how I was rooted in ce due to shock but as soon as I could get my legs moving, I had.


    Entering into the living room, I was severely disappointed to find out that Damien had left.


    He apparently had some important, unattended business he had to get too.


    Just that had made my nerves spike up but luckily no one had said anything.


    Not even that night or the one after did my father say anything derogatory to me.


    Instead he let me be and hadn''t uttered a word.


    However that just makes me even more worried.


    I adjust my pillow, as I sink down into its softness, trying to find some sort offort.What if Dad is just


    doing this so that I lower my guard? I keep telling myself that I''m being absurd and over thinking


    everything but I can''t help it.


    Any one of the Stryker''s can be downstairs right now,ining about what I said the other day.


    How I tattled like a small little girl.


    One side of me- probably the much wiser one¡ª is scared to the core thinking that Damien will tell his


    parents who in turn will tell mine and stir up even more trouble for me, while the other part- the one that


    doesn''t listen to her brain much¡ªpletely trusts the man she''s only talked to once.


    Most of that conversation was one sided.


    Finally giving up on my much awaited sleep, I sit up in bed and let out a low agonising groan.


    Why do I have to lose precious sleep over such troubling thoughts? Why can''t I just not care about my


    future and let it lead me blindly while I somehow manage to stumble and stagger along.


    Doing the exact same thing- stumbling and staggering might I add- I head to the bathroom and turn the


    tap on, sshing water onto my face.


    Maybe a shower will help me brighten up? Though I highly doubt so.


    By the time I walk down to the kitchen, breakfast is being served and father is sitting in his usual seat,


    reading the stock market section of the newspaper.


    "Morning."


    I mumble as I trudge to my own designated area.


    As every morning goes, I only get a chirpy ¡®Morning¡¯ from my mother while my father ignores my


    existence.


    It''s such a nice thought that I''m going to be the one saving his name and bringing it into a new light by


    not only taking over thepany but also marrying someone like the Stryker''s.


    It''s nice to be appreciated sometimes.


    I mentally snort at my own thoughts but calm myself down at the sight of my full breakfast fry up.


    Thanking my mum, it doesn''t take me long to devour all my food.


    I''m a ravenous mess but that fact never changes.


    By the time I''m done and sipping on my coffee, my father puts his newspaper down and looks me dead


    in the eyes.


    "Meet me in the study.We need to talk."


    Just thatst sentence makes dread take over and it feel like I''m about to bring back up what I''ve


    eaten.


    Nheless, I stand up and follow my father out of the kitchen.


    As I leave the room, I catch my mothers eye only to see her beaming brightly at me.


    Well at least it''s good news.


    As good news as it can be,ing from my father.


    Entering into the familiar room, I scan my surroundings as I always do for some reason.


    Everything looks the same.


    With its wooden paneled walls and deep burgundy carpet.


    Bookshelves rest against the outer walls filled with various books, all about business and what not.


    My fathers cherry wood desk lies right in the middle with papers scattering the work top.


    I sit in one of the stiff ufortable seats as my father takes his ce in front of me.


    The silence doesn''tst long as it always does when my father and I are in question.


    "I have talked to the Stryker''s."


    My father says.


    Just that makes me freeze in ce though I try my best to seem unaffected.


    "And?"


    I question, acting oblivious.


    My father pauses as he assesses my face.


    Apparently Dad finds what he needs as he nods his head.


    "The Stryker''s, Damien in particr has brought to my attention that the wedding shouldn''t go as


    nned¡¯ I am going to murder Damien Stryker in cold blood! How dare he? Thinking a thousand bad


    thoughts at him, it takes my father calling me by middle name to bring back my attention.


    "Vivian!"


    He calls.


    Snapping my head, I meet his gaze.


    "Yes father?"


    I try to say in the most pleasant tone I can manage.


    "They have decided to extend the engagement.


    My proposal was to get married as soon as possible but they would rather you too get engaged for as


    long as it takes so you both can get to know each other: I can immediately tell my father disapproves of


    this and would rather have his own way.


    "So what exactly does that mean?"


    I ask so I can rify everything.


    Damien didn''t prattle on me like I expected him to do.


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "This means that although you won''t be getting married so soon, you too will be spending a substantial


    amount of time together"


    Why does Damien want that? Wouldn''t I just get on his nerves? I''d never expect him to agree to this


    neverthelesse up with all this himself.


    "By substantial you mean?"


    I know already what that actually entails and just the thought of it leaves me terrified.


    "You will be moving in with Damien as soon as he is avable to handle such matters.


    It may be today, it maybe in a matter of weeks.


    Just be prepared, I''d advice you to go and pack now"


    My mouth falls open as I try to process all his words.


    Moving? I can''t move from here, let alone into Damien''s house Though I find myself nodding, and


    before I know it, I''m up in my room packing away all of my clothes, books, and with it all the memories I


    have.


    As the sun slowly starts to fade, shining it''s rays as they slowly start to fade behind clouds, I finally


    finish my packing.


    I can''t believe I have this much stuff.


    I try not to think of the imminent situation that awaits me.


    I mean it could be a good few days before he finallyes to whisk me away.However from the little


    interaction I''ve had with him, I know that he isn''t the sort of man to let things lie idle for long.


    Before I know it, I''m existing out of my room and then out of the confines of my house altogether.


    Entering into the backyard, I let my legs lead me to the back of the shed and over to my swing.


    Stepping on the overgrown flora, I rx as I take a seat.


    Just thinking of all the memories I have here makes me feel a plethora of emotions.


    But this is natural right? Everyone feels sentimental when they have to leave behind their homes.


    It''s a part of life and I need to grow the heck up.


    That still doesn''t stop the memories from entering into my mind.


    Leaving me teary eyed and yet still smiling.


    I must look like an emotional wreck.


    My most fond and cherished memories are of how my father and I used toe here every single day


    when I was a small toddler.


    When this ce didn''t seem so deste and void of life.


    Whenever mum used to go off on one of her little tiffs, my father used to pick me up in his arms and run


    to here where we used to stay for hours on end.


    It used to be our little bonding time.


    I remember how Sarah would get incredibly angry but she was going through her ¡®hormonal teenager¡¯


    phase and acted as if everything meant nothing to her.


    I swear, sometimes it''s like she hasn''t grown out of it.


    But I know that''s just the sibling rivalry talking.


    My sentimental attachment to this ce isn''t healthy I know but I can''t seem to distance myself from


    this ce.


    But it''s my own little sanctuary, everyone has one, I''m sure.


    A small part of me knows it''s like a plea for attention for my father toe out here.I know I''m too old


    for him to push me on a swing and all that sort of stuff but I still want him to interact with me, to show a


    little fatherly love.


    I''m pathetic.


    Trapped in my own little haze of self belittlement, I barely notice the approaching footsteps.


    "Serena?"


    A voice calls out.


    My eyes immediately snap up to stormy blue ones.


    "Damien."


    I say, swallowing the lump in my throat that forms at the sight of him.


    "We''re leaving: So I was right.


    He doesn''t take anything lightly no matter what the situation.


    "Why so soon?"


    I ask as I stand up.


    I don''t look his way, I just stare longingly at my withered down swing with its coarse and rough ropes


    that is holding it to the tree.


    "I need to settle other matters and I perceived you would want to get such things over and done with."


    He is sort of right about that.


    I want all this moving stuff to be over and done with so that I cane up with some sort of n.


    While another part of me wants to stay here for as long as I can.


    ncing at him, he looks no different then when Ist saw him.


    Those same distant yet emotionless eyes glow at me and he still stands in that rigid poised way of his.


    And unsurprisingly he''s d in a perfectly fitted suit.


    I gather he¡¯s juste from work.


    "Come."


    He says as he leads us back to the house.


    "How did you find me?"


    I try to make small talk.


    Damien just glimpses at me over his shoulder.


    "I just did"


    Is all he says.


    I sigh as we make our way into the house through the backdoor that enters into the kitchen.


    Damien barely talks, barely makes conversation.


    He''s just a big silent brute.


    And I''m supposed to be living with him in just a matter of hours.


    This is surely going to be interesting.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    The both of us trudge down the garden in silence as I gaze at his back.


    Why would hee so soon? I expect he has more important work to do than to help me to move in


    with.


    Just the thought of moving in with him leaves me slightly weary.


    I barely know the guy.


    Anything can happen.


    And that''s what I''m worried about but who wouldn''t be? "Why did youe so soon?"


    I find myself asking, "Not that I didn''t want you to but I gather you have more important things to do."


    I finish somewhatmely.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Damien nces over his shoulder to look at me.


    "I perceived you would rather I make this happen as soon as possible."


    With that he turns around and fastens his pace.


    Damien is sort of right about that.


    There''s this one part of me, that actually wants to go with him, to leave this ce- more in particr,


    my fathers ever so watchful eye¡ª and for all this to be just over and done with.


    The other part of me, wants to stay here and wallow in my memories of what could have been.


    I mean nearly everyone feels the same, don''t they? I nod my head and go to thank him but just at that


    moment, he opens the door and enters into the house through the kitchens back door.My eyes


    immediately dart to my family standing in the middle and not even a momentter is my mother pulling


    me into her, hugging the life out of me.


    Even Sarah joins in the hug while my mother coos various things in my ear.


    However my father stands there rigidly, barely ncing at me.


    By the time we all pull away, Damien has gone out to the front of the house.


    Following behind him into the living room, I notice two people carrying the boxes from my bedroom and


    out of the house.


    I peak my head out the front door only to see a ck car standing right next to Damien''s car where he


    himself is, tapping away on his phone.


    Noticing me, he puts his phone away andes over to me, where I stand in the entry way to talk to


    my father about certain things.


    Once again, I say my goodbyes with plentiful of hugs from my mother and sister.


    I turn to my father, not too sure on what to do however he answers for me by walking away.


    My face falls at his actions but I quickly ster on a fake smile.


    Turning to Damien, I brighten my smile up a notch since I have a feeling he usually sees through all


    these little urrences.


    I''m apparently correct as Damien quickly scans my face but thankfully he doesn''t say anything


    regarding it.


    Finishing my final goodbyes, I soon find myself sitting in Damien''s car as apse of silence greets us.


    He''s always so quiet.


    "Thank you."


    I say as the silence gets too much for me.


    Damien''s eyes remain on the road, not even ncing at me.


    That''s a good thing I guess.


    However it slightly frustrates me.


    In reply to my statement he nods but doesn''t say anything.


    "So what exactly is going on?" I ask.


    Anything to just make him speak.


    "Well you are my fianc¨¦e as I am yours."


    He answers simply.


    My eyes widen as I look at him, "So we''re going through with this whole marriage thing.¡¯ Damien takes


    his eyes off of the road and onto me briefly before reverting his eyes.


    "Only to dissuade your father.We will act like we''re together to please him and thenter on we will


    figure something out" He rifies.


    I let out a deep breath.


    That''s way better than what I had thought he meant.


    "Of course if you want you can date other people but you will have to be careful with your rtionships


    so no one too important finds out.¡¯ As he says this he looks over at me.


    Blushing, I shake my head.


    "I don''t really date.¡¯ Damien slightly tilts his head at me, almost in a questioning way before he looks


    away again.


    "Neither do I."


    The thought for some reason makes me smile and I find myself biting my lip so as to not say anything.


    The rest of the drive goes on without much talking.


    I try to think of how to converse with him as it might take a good hours drive to get to where he lives.


    And I can''t sit idly by in so much silence.


    I do my best to make small talk here and there but all I get in return are one worded short answers.


    I nce out the window, taking in the grassy fields on either side of me.


    Looking back to Damien I feel this sudden urge to annoy him.


    My childishness wants toe out and ask him if he wants to y ¡®I Spy¡¯ but I refrain from doing so.


    Instead I settle back down into my seat and out of the corner of my eyes, gaze at him.


    Most of the drive goes by like that and before I know it, we turn into a very posh looking neighborhood


    with its huge mansions, neatly trimmed gardens and expensive cars parked in driveways.


    But we pass all those huge manners until they start to get further and further apart.


    I keep expecting Damien to turn into one of their driveways but instead he turns onto a small separate


    road with a fence and gate.


    We head down it for a few more moments and then I slowly start to see where we are going.


    My mouth drops open at the sight before me and numerous times I nce at Damien and then the


    house.


    He lives here? In the middle of a small clearing with tress covering every side, sits a small quaint home.


    I expected an incredibly modern mansion of sortspletely made out of ss and windows.


    I mean he does give off that sort of cold meticulous vibe.


    The house brings a smile onto my face as I look at the stone and wooden framework of the house with


    erected pirs, holding the infrastructure intact.


    I can even see a chimney billowing out of the nted roofs.


    I guess one should truly never judge a book by their cover.


    I never learn from that quote unfortunately and continue to make the samemon mistake.


    "You live here?"


    I find myself asking.


    I nearly cringe at my stupid question and just smile as he nods at me again.


    All that nodding.


    Damien parks the car in the driveway and opens his car door.


    I still continue to gaze at the house in awe.


    It''s like something out of a fairytale.


    I snap out of my reverie as Damien stands there, holding the car door open for me.I smile up at him


    and thank him as I get out of the car.


    The both of us head to the other car¡ª which had followed us¡ª where all my stuff lies.


    I reach out into the open trunk of the car to grab some of my things, however, Damien stops me and


    instead hands me over his keys.


    "Let yourself in.


    I''ll grab your stuff? I try to make him let me carry a few things but he still doesn''t let me and motions me


    towards the house.


    Finally giving up, I walk towards the entryway and insert the key into the lock.


    A smile makes its way onto my face as I take in the interior of the house.


    It''s that perfect blende of rustic and modern what with the firece tucked away in the corner and the


    light cherry wood, leather sofa creating an appealing contrast against the dark flooring.


    I nce up from my surroundings as Damien enters the house.


    My mouth goes dry at the sight of him; By now he''s taken off his suit jacket and has rolled up the


    sleeves of his buttoned up shirt till his elbows.


    Damien''s muscles strain against the flimsy fabric as he tightens his grip on the boxes he''s holding.


    I gulp but hurriedly avert my gaze.


    "Come."


    He calls from over his shoulder as he climbs up the stairs.


    I follow him wherever he leads me.


    The both of us stop in front of a scantily decorated room.


    Allit has is a bed, dresser, and wardrobe.


    The room itself is painted a light, pretty blue which makes me smile.


    As Damien ced the boxes down onto the floor, the other two mene enter into the room right


    next to me and copy him.


    I grin and thank them as they smile back.


    I seem to be doing a lot of smiling today.


    How odd.


    Maybe it''s the slight sense of freedom I''m feeling.


    "This is your room.Mine is right next to yours.If you need anything, I''ll be in the study.It''s on the first


    floor¡¯¡¯ With that he turns to leave but I hurriedly call for him.


    "Wait At the sound of my voice he turns to look at me, burying his hands in the pockets of his cks.


    "I just wanted to thank you.Again.I mean you didn''t have to do any of this and I''m really grateful for all


    of this.You''re helping me out and you barely even know me.Why?"


    I say asking him a question in the end.


    Damien merely looks at me before shrugging his shoulders.


    Probably wondering why I keep continuously asking him that damn question.


    However the act of him shrugging his shoulders leaves me somewhat shocked.


    It was So...cavalier.


    Not something I''d expect to see from someone allposed and serious at all times.


    "I have my reasons."He answers.


    My eyebrows furrow at his words.


    "And will you be telling me these reasons?"I ask somewhat coyly.


    Damien shrugs once again.


    "Maybe.In due time."


    With that Damien turns to leave and this time I don''t stop him.


    Hopefully he''ll be telling me soon enough.


    Though the curiosity leaves me slightly restless, I won''t be prying anytime soon.


    Slightly afraid of what I''ll find.


    Curiosity does kill the cat after all.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    Lying face down on the bed, I can''t help but to let out a low agonizing groan.


    It took me absolutely ages to get all my various stuff out of the boxes and then arrange them where I


    deemed fit.


    I even considered leaving it and doing it bit by bit but then I knew I''d be having this nagging voice in the


    corner of my mind goading me at every chance.


    I guess I have weird traits like that.


    Luckily though, I manage to do it just in time.


    As I lie there, my mind starts to wander off to different ces and situations.


    What if my father had decided to marry me off to someone else? Someone not as understanding as


    Damien? I shudder just thinking of it.


    A few moments go by and then a soft knocking erupts on the door.


    ncing up from my bed, my hair disheveled and my face red from the exertion of having to move


    things about, I see Damien standing in the doorway.


    If it is possible for Damien to show any sort of emotion, I''d say he looks rather ufortable.


    I raise an eyebrow as he stands there, not saying anything.


    "Yes?" I goad.


    "What would you like for dinner?" He asks tersely.


    "Whatever''s easiest.¡¯¡¯ I shrug, fixing my slightly rolled up shirt.


    "That would be?" He pries.


    Judging from his slightly ufortable stance, I get up from the bed and pass him as I make my way


    downstairs.


    Entering into the kitchen, I look at the time to see it''s nearing nine.


    Wow, I wasn''t unpacking as long as I had expected.


    Approaching footsteps reach my ears and I smile as I know he''s following me.


    Scanning the stainless steel kitchen, my eyesnd on the refrigerator as I make my way toward it.


    Opening it, I scan all the ingredients.


    "You don''t cook much do you?"


    I ask as I lean in to grab ingredients for the dish I''m making.


    Piling everything into my hands, I turn to see him standing idly near the kitchen ind.


    Seeing my arms full, he rushes towards me and lessens my load.


    "I don''t"


    He answers stoically as he ces them onto the counter; Looking at them as if they''re some sort of


    foreign abomination.


    Laughing at him, I nudge Damien out of the way and grab a knife to begin preparing everything.


    "I guess we''re fitting into our roles very well aren''t we?"


    I say as I motion for him to sit down.


    I''m not sure if he actually listens to me but I do hear his voice a little farther away.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well as sexist and preposterously contemptuous as it may be, here I am cooking for you¡± I take a


    pause as I let sarcasmce my voice


    "My soon to be husband.The only thing missing is youing home from work and asking what''s for


    dinner"


    Saying it just the way I have, makes me feel immensely ufortable.


    Not by what I''m implying but merely by the picture I''ve painted in my mind.


    It all seems so vividly realistic.


    Hopefully though, that situation will never arise.


    Not between us, I hope.


    I dare not look behind me, afraid of what Damien''s reaction might be.


    The only sound in the kitchen is the chopping of my knife at work.


    "That could be a tradition in the making¡± My entire body freezes at the yful jabing from him.


    I quickly nce over my shoulder to actually see if it truly is Damien sitting there or if he''s been


    reced by some other man.


    Low and behold, there Damien sits as straight faced as ever though I can see a hint of amusement


    ying in his eyes.


    I''m not even sure if I''m just imagining it.


    I revert my gaze, biting my lip to stop from smiling though I know he can''t see from here.


    "I wouldn''t be counting on it anytime soon.¡¯ I find myself saying, ying along.


    By the time I''ve cooked and served the food, its prettyte but none of usin.


    "What do we do now? Regarding the whole you teaching me stuff about the business."


    I ask, in between mouthfuls of food.


    I know my days from now one will be incredibly busy and tiring but it is what it is.


    "Tomorrow, you have to be up early and we will need to settle a few things but that should be all.From


    Monday you wille and start to work with me at the office.¡¯¡¯ He says as he stands to get more food


    from the pan.


    I can''t help but to feel pleased that even if my cooking isn''t all that good, at least it''s edible.


    "Understood.Is all I say as I continue to eat.Going to bedte when I have to wake up early in the


    morning is a habit I have never learnt from.It''s sort of like when you''re drinking but you know it''s gonna


    come to bite you in the asster on when you wake up the next day.


    For myself in particr this ¡®waking up early¡¯ is difficult since I always seem to have a personal


    attachment with my bed.


    One where I can never seem to leave it.


    I groan once more as my rm starts going off again.


    This time however, I know I can''t hit snooze again or else I''ll be incrediblyte.


    And I can''t do that to Damien.


    After using the bathroom for showering and all that, my mind pauses as I seemingly have a new


    dilemma.


    What do I wear? My heart wants to go to my usual casual attire of skinny jeans and a normal shirt but I


    know I can''t wear that.


    Something formal?Or semi formal? My eyes dart from dresses to skirts to dress pants.


    I don''t even know where we''re going.


    What if I dress up to fancy and then everyone looks at me weird? Or I dress up way to casual and the


    same exact situation urs.


    Before I know it, I''m reaching for a pale blue dress and a pair of ts.


    That doesn''t seem too formal nor too casual.


    By the time I make it downstairs, Damien''s standing at the door waiting for me.


    "Morning.I chirp happily earning only a nod in return.


    So I guessst nights yful banter is a one time thing.


    "You ready to go?"


    Damien asks as I turn in the opposite direction from him, towards the kitchen.


    "In a minute¡¯ I call out, my voiceing out weirdly echoey due to my upper half in the fridge.


    Grabbing some sort fruit vored yoghurt, I take a seat at the counter just as Damien enters.


    "We''ll bete."


    "Will you let me eat in the car?"


    I ask.


    Damien''s answer is instantaneous.


    "No"


    Ah, boys and their toys.


    "Exactly.I say in triumph, still eating.I can sense Damien''s unvoiced annoyance all the way from here


    and to put him out of his misery I finish quickly.


    =Throwing the carton in the dustbin and spoon in the sink, I walk past him to the front door, patting him


    on the shoulder as I do so.


    "You only had to wait a while"


    I say to him as I sit in his car, thanking Damien as he opens the door for me.


    He doesn''t answer and it makes me want tough.


    "Where are we going?"I ask once he starts driving.


    "My office."He says simply.


    "I thought we were going there tomorrow."I state.


    "Change of ns¡¯¡¯ At least I had the sense to wear proper clothing attire.


    The drive is much shorter than thatpared to yesterday''s and in half an hour we''re already there.


    Damien swerves into the V.I.P parking lot and immediately a persones out, opening his car door.


    Damien nods at him and thenes over to my side of the car.


    I wonder what he''ll do if I open the car door myself.


    I am quite capable of doing so.


    I nce at the building, my eyes raking over the daunting skyscraper.


    I can''t see much, however, due to the reing from all of the windows.


    It resembles my fathers building in much that way.


    Entering into the revolving doors of the building.


    The vast interior gleams and shine with the numerous lights from the chandelier as well as from the


    pristine marble flooring.


    As we enter into the main foyer of the building, all eyes dart to us.


    I gulp under the pressure of everyone''s eyes and inconspicuously take a step closer to Damien.


    However Damien notices that I do so and ces his hand on the small of my back, leading me to the


    elevators.


    Just as we step into the lifts, a tallnky looking man enters with papers stuffed in his face as he scans


    over them, sses perched on the end of his nose.


    The man''s brown eyes dart to me and then Damien.


    "Mr.Stryker.I have your reports that you needed and also a contract regarding that merger agreement.¡¯¡¯


    He rushes out as he shoves various papers and files into Damien''s free hand.


    My eyes widen as the man hurriedly shoves therm out of Damien''s hand within the same split second


    and holds them once more.


    "I''ll ce them on your desk Sir, no worries."


    He mutters as he goes red in the face.


    Amusement crosses my features as I take in the man''s nervousness.


    Finally we reach the floor we need to be on and the man practically runs out of the elevator.


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    ¡®Who''s that?"


    I whisper to Damien as my eyes follow the man.


    "My assistant."


    He says, jaw clenched as he looks at me.


    "You okay?"


    I ask, confused now.


    "Fine."


    He answers tersely and marches ahead of me, entering into the open door of his office.While I stand


    there stare after him in bewilderment.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    "Are you sure you''re alright?" I pursue after him.


    Entering into his office, I scan my surroundings and am impressed with what I see.


    The walls consist of dark wood panels with bookshelves stacked neatly in corners.


    The floors are a Slightly lighter colour than the walls but are not too light.


    A big mahogany desk is ced in the middle¡ªfacing towards the door¡ª with ck leather seats which


    are ced in front of it.


    It seems odd having such dark colour schemes but the huge floor to ceiling window contradicts the


    colours as it lets in streams of sunlight, lighting the room up adequately without any need for artificial


    lighting.


    My gaze directs back to him as he mutters a low curt ¡®fine: Only now do I take note of the presence of


    another man.


    The very same one who we just met in the elevator.


    He''s adorable in a way.


    Adorkable, if I dare say.


    "I haven''t introduced myself"


    I say as I ce my hand out for him to shake, throwing Damien a pointed look while I do so, "I''m


    Serena Mne"


    I say smiling.


    The guy who doesn''t appear to be much older than me, smiles and shakes my hand.


    "I''m Max, it''s nice to meet you."


    "I need the other files I told you about.¡¯¡¯ Damien says loudly as he leans across his desk, rifling through


    papers.


    "Yes sir¡¯ Max immediately gets into action, passing me a smile he fixes his square ck sses, and


    then rushes down the hall once more.


    I''m sure, working for a man like Damien Stryker will make anyone rush around as if the hounds of hell


    are chasing after them.


    And how lucky I am that I''ll be having the pleasure of working with him.


    N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    "So what should I do?"


    I ask, wanting to help.


    Damien seems to be busy walking up to one of the panels¡ª not covered by a bookshelf¡ª and then


    pressing a certain ce.


    I curiously look around his shoulder only to see a section of the panel slide back and instead reveal a


    ck box.


    A safe.


    Damien puts his hand on a small screen as it scans his hand and then makes a weird robotic noise, he


    punches in a passcode, the door to the safe swinging open.


    I''m surprised Damien has let me see he has a safe in his office but I mean after all the time we are


    going to spend together, I''ll be bound to know a few things here and there.


    Damien reaches in and takes out a small ck box.


    Turning towards me, I find myself practically shoved in his chest, way too close, and so I quickly take a


    fortable enough-step backwards.


    "We are supposed to be engaged and that entails a number of things.First off, you need a ring."


    Damien simply says while opening the lid of the small ck velvet box.


    My eyes widen and mouth drops open as I nce from him to the box repeatedly.


    It is expected of me to wear a ring but it still takes me be surprise.


    "It''s a family heirloom.He murmurs.Just then my ears perk up, not due to what he said, but the way he


    said it.Are my ears ying tricks on me or am I really just incredibly daft to not have noticed it before?


    But I swear, I heard a trace of an ent.


    My eyebrows furrow as I nce at him once again.


    It isn''t strong but it is there, probably by the way he pronounced a certain word that it just jumps out at


    me.


    It definitely isn''t strong, almost as if one goes to a country and spends quite a long time there that they


    pick up an ent but not enough time that it actually inteces within their words.


    Why am I thinking so hard on this? Damien probably just went on vacation for a few months.


    However he doesn''t seem to be the type to go on vacations and just rx.


    Damien''s much too into his work and other activities to actually take a break.


    "It''s beautiful.But I cant ept it of course"


    I find myself saying.


    The ring is absolutely beautiful.


    Now I know nothing about rings but I can tell that it''s expensive, I mean it looks heavy.


    The light blue diamonds glint in the light as do the other stones,that surround the main one- the band is


    either white gold or tinum, or silver.


    I really have no clue except that it''s stunning.


    And also very attention seeking.


    "Why not?"


    Damien asks, he looks thoroughly confused.


    I bite my lip before answering; "It''s too much.I can''t ept the ring.I mean it''s a family heirloom.You


    should give this to the girl you''re actually going to ask to be getting engaged to, married to"


    I try to rify, seeing his confusing increase.


    "But I am.To you."


    He tries to exin.


    I smile and shake my head, taking another step away.


    "That''s not the point, people will be expecting you to wear this.You will be my fiance so you have


    to.This¡¯'' Damien pauses, testing the words in his mouth, unsure whether to say them or not, "This will


    keep you protected"


    Now it''s my turn to be confused as I look at him bewildered.


    "Protect me, from what?"


    "Important people don''t be important without making a few enemies,¡¯ he says curtly,


    "This ring will protect you when I am not there to do so.So you have to wear this understand? At all


    times."


    He says, more serious then he usually is, if that''s possible.


    And as if to make sure I''ll oblige Damien gently grabs my hand, holding it firmly in his, and all the while


    making eye contact with me, he slips the ring on my finger.


    My throat goes dry and my face flushes at the intimacy of the gesture.


    Well what would have been an intimate gesture had this not been due to a business agreement.


    Am I even making sense with such a befogged mind? We both stay silent, and finally he lets my hand


    go.


    My eyes don''t leave his back as he now talks to a flustered looking Max.


    ncing down at the ring that is now mine, I can''t help but to move my hand around.


    It is indeed heavy as I had expected.


    The door shutting closed, signalling that Max has left, snaps me out of my dazed mind.


    "Back to where we were."


    Damien speaks up as he walks towards his desk, leaning against it.


    "We will have to act more than as if we''re strangers."


    He says perplexed, wondering as if how on earth to do that.


    I smile and walk over to his desk, passing him I sit down on his desk chair.


    That earns me an unamused look but he doesn''t say anything.


    To my delight, it''s one of those swivel ones and so that makes me spin in it a few times.


    Damien''s unamused expression furthering.


    "We should get to know each other.¡¯ I say, stopping my childish yet fun act.


    "Get to know each other?"


    Damien asks looking weary and hesitant almost as if it''s some new foreign thing.


    "Yes, certain things one ought to know about their significant other.


    I pause, trying to think of how to begin, "Well I''m twenty two, my favourite colour is royal blue, my


    favorite animals are bears and my middle name is Vivian."


    I finish, throwing thest point that just popped into my head, in there.


    Damien just nods his head but doesn''t say anything, making me roll my eyes.


    "It''s your turn." I mutter.


    Damien looks me dead in the eyes as he speaks.


    "I''m twenty six years of age, no favourite colour, no favourite animal and no middle name" He finishes.


    I''m sure that my once excited face, now drops into disappointment.


    I was actually excited to learn more about Damien and this dark fagade he always seems to have


    around him, like a dark thundering cloud.


    All I learned from him is that he''s four years older than me.


    "Oh, but there must be something."


    I say, still not giving up.


    Damien looks at me intently before sighing.


    "I guess I like the colour ck."


    He says.


    My answering smile is immediate as I beam at him.


    "That''s a start"


    I say getting up.


    "So since you''re so willing to share; another unamused look at my sarcasm, but nheless, I continue


    "What else?"


    Damien nces at me, tilting his head.


    It almost looks as if he''s scanning me from head to toe.


    And just barely, if possible, you can see just a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.


    Damien bypasses me and goes over to the office chair at his desk.


    "Now, he murmurs as he motions for me to sit across from him which I do.


    I lean forward in my seat, waiting for him to continue.


    What he says next leaves me speechless and slightly overwhelmed.


    "We have to get familiar with one another''s touch."

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Serena Mne''s P.O.V


    My eyes widen and I sit there like a gaping fish.


    "W-what?" I manage to splutter out.


    Never had I thought I would hear those words, especially from him.


    Damien sits there, perfectly casual as if he didn''t say what he did.


    "We need to familiarize ourselves with each other¡¯¡¯ He murmurs as he too leans forward.


    "We were."I say indignantly, "When I was telling you about myself.


    That''s ssed as familiarizing ourselves with one another.¡¯ My emotions range from annoyance to


    bewilderment and admittedly to excitement.


    I mentally scold myself at thest one.


    What kind of person am I? A person that has eyes.


    My subconscious adds in snarkily.


    Damien leans even further if possible, "that is a different kind of familiarity.Do you not agree?"


    Do I? I swallow nervously.


    Who knows where this can go? Damien is an unpredictable man, anything can happen with him.


    But Damien.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    He''s like a nk canvas.


    A nk canvas that doesn''t want to be filled, with whatever it may be.


    I realise all I''ve been doing is staring at him, barely blinking, like an idiot.


    Clearing my throat, I find myself answering him.


    "I do, sort of.You want us to feelfortable around one another, so that we don''t seem out of ce¡ª


    if you will- in public.We need to be rxed and to not tense up at one another''s touch." I finish.


    I do get the gist of what Damien''s saying.


    It just took me a while to turn my mind in another direction and well not wherever it was before, which


    was down in the gutter.


    It also makes a lot of sense.


    If either of us seems ufortable in public just by being around the other in question, it''ll be sure to


    grant us weird looks.


    I, however, didn''t think Damien woulde up with the suggestion.


    "Precisely.Damien says as he stands up.I feel immensely awkward as I nce at his figure towering


    over me


    "So how do we do this exactly?"


    I find myself asking.


    Do we count to three and then randomly grope one another? I can feel myself going red in the face


    merely thinking about it.


    Damien gazes at my slightly red cheeks and surprisingly smirks.


    "We have to go out now anyways, to your fatherspany.¡¯ My good mood immediately gets shot


    down and I have to force myself to not let it actually show.


    Damien notices this and quickly shakes his head, "Your father will not be there."


    I sigh out in relief.


    Thank goodness for that.


    As I stand up, Maxes into the room holding another stack full of files, so high you can barely see


    his face.


    Though you can hear him huffing from exertion.


    "I got you the files you needed Sir."


    Max says as he takes a careful step forward, not being able to see and all.


    "That was fast.¡¯ Damienments.It truly was.It''s only been a few minutes, since Max left the room


    after Damien spoke to him.


    "Well yes sir¡¯ Max says sounding proud of doing a task, very efficiently at that.


    cing the stacks of paper onto Damien''s already cluttered desk, Max straightens out his crumpled


    shirt.


    "You said you needed it immediately as it is important and so I did my best."


    Max says, sounding pleased.


    "Very well¡± Damien murmurs, "Take care of whatever calls and emails I get, the usual.


    Serena and I have to be on our way."


    Max''s mouth drops open as he looks from the papers to Damien.


    "B-but I- you- Si-.Definitely sir¡¯¡¯ Max finally answers, bewildered.


    The poor guy.


    "Come Serena.¡¯ Damien says as he motions for me to follow.


    "Bye Max."


    I say, not knowing whether I will being back or not.


    We might stay at my fatherspany, or even head somewhere else.


    Who knows with Damien? Damien abruptly turns to me as I say goodbye.


    I look at him in confusion, only for him to reach forward.


    What is he doing? I get my answer as Damien''srge, cold hand wraps around mine.


    I''m stunned to say the least.


    I nce at our hands, my eyes darting back and forth between both of them.


    "Bye Ms.Mne."


    Max answers, smiling.


    "Please just Serena".


    I say as Damien tugs me out of the room.


    I only see Max nod his head, as he looks at the both of us in amusement.


    What was that about? "Are we runningte?"


    I ask Damien due to the fast speed we are currently walking at.


    We''re practically sprinting.


    "You could say that"


    He answers tersely.


    Due to him walking fast, this obviously entailed to me doing so as well.


    My gaze once again darts to our intertwined hands, especially the ring now glinting as our hands move


    from the fast pace.


    For some reason, unbeknownst to me, I get butterflies in my stomach and I start to feel giddy.


    I shake my head at the ridiculous feelings.


    Once again, I''m subjugated to outright staring by Damien''s staff.


    And once again, I find myself stepping closer to him.


    I know though, that soon enough all of this will stop and everything will go back to normal.


    Well as normal as being forcefully engaged to an incredibly baffling yet model looking man as normal


    can be.


    But hey, what do I know? Damien lets go of my hand, and stupidly, I feel a pang of hurt lurch through


    me.


    What''s wrong? Not even a secondter, though, does he wrap his arm around my waist, pulling me to


    his side.


    "You''re getting awfullyfortable.Aren''t you?"


    I murmur into his side as we stop to let the elevator doors open.


    Sliding in, I notice were the only two in here.


    "It''s for the people.¡¯ He says looking straight at me.


    If so, then why are you still holding me close to you? There''s no one in the elevator.


    However, I don''t actually have the guts to say that so I remain quite and turn my head till I''m looking


    straight at the elevator doors.


    Damien holds onto my waist, not letting go until we reach the car.


    Opening the backseat door for me, he lets me slide in and then follows me as well.


    Immediately a driver takes his designated position.


    When Damien actually mutters the words on where to go, I actually start to feel nervous.


    Maybe my father is there.


    He usually always visits the office every single day, no matter for how long or short.


    Hopefully he''s either visited or is going to do so after we leave.


    I can''t confront my father just right now.


    My eyes dart to Damien who''s too busy talking on his phone.


    I fidget and start to y with the material of my dress, looking out of the window.


    "You seem tense.¡¯ A voice says, snapping me out of my gazing.bl look next to me, to see Damien


    staring straight back.


    I nod my head, "It''s just the thought of my father.


    I don''t particrly like being around him in the workce environment: I try to exin.


    Damien looks at me curiously.


    "You want to make your father proud.¡¯ He states.


    "Don''t you.Doesn''t anyone?"


    I snap back.


    The conversation stops when Damien doesn''t reply.


    It''s a touchy subject for me but I still feel bad about how I reacted towards it.


    I guess I have to make amends for my not so slight overreaction.


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