Chapter 2

Damien

I stared at the message my girlfriend, Jasmine, had sent me.

*I can't do this anymore, Damien. You're simply not as rich and powerful as I want my man to be. I deserve someone who can give me the life I dream of. Please don't look for me.*

I laughed a dry disbelieving laugh.

“This has to be a joke.”

I called her and it said it was unavailable. I called several times and it went to voicemails.

The laughter died in my throat.

My grip tightened around my phone until my knuckles turned white.

She had blocked me.

I slowly lowered the phone onto the restaurant table and looked around. The candles, fresh roses, the violinist waiting for my signal.

The staff stealing excited glances in my direction because they knew tonight was supposed to be a proposal.

Everything had been planned weeks in advance.

The ring inside my jacket suddenly felt heavy like a burden.

I slipped my hand into my pocket and stared at the velvet box.

Hours ago, I couldn’t wait to place it on Jasmine’s finger.

Now, It felt like the most useless thing I had ever bought.

One of the waiters approached my table.

“Sir… should we begin serving, or would you like us to wait a little longer?”

looking at the beautifully decorated table before me, I said, “No.”

He was about to leave when I told him “everything is canceled.”

“I’m… sorry, sir.”

I gave a small nod before waving him away.

A woman who claimed to love me had walked away because she thought I wasn’t wealthy enough.

If only she knew. A bitter smile tugged at my lips.

If only she had cared enough to see my worth beyond money.

That was the reason I never revealed my true identity to anyone outside my trusted circle.

Money and power attracted people.

I wanted someone who would choose me for me.

Apparently, that woman never existed.

My thoughts drifted back to the night I met Jasmine.

It was during a friend’s birthday party. She had been laughing with a group of guests when some drunken fool walked behind her and slapped her ass.

She spun around instantly, raising her hand to slap him. The man caught her wrist before she could and twisted it, which made her shout in pain.

Without thinking, I crossed the room and slammed my fist into his face.

He stumbled backward, blood streaming from his nose.

The security team dragged him away while Jasmine stood frozen in shock.

She thanked me. We exchanged numbers.

From going on dates, we became lovers. So I thought.

I loosened my tie and leaned back in my chair.

My mother always said, “Never hand someone the power to destroy your peace.”

I thought she was just being overprotective.

Turns out she knew exactly what she was talking about.

Mike stepped inside and pulled me from my thoughts

“My apologies for disturbing you, Boss.”

“What is it?”

“The cars are ready.”

I nodded slowly. “Good.”

I had to signal him to get the cars ready for us to leave immediately after the heartbreaking message.

He remained standing. “You don’t look okay.”

I stood, sliding my hands into my pockets. “Let’s leave. Now.”

“What about the proposal?”

“Cancelled.”

Understanding flashed across his face. He didn’t ask questions anymore.

“I’ll drive myself.”

His brows knitted together.

“Boss—”

“You’ll return to the mansion with the others.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I wasn’t asking for permission.”

Mike exhaled through his nose and held out the keys anyway. "At least let two men follow at a distance."

"No. I need to be alone."

He handed them over. "Call me if you need anything."

"I can take care of myself, Mike." I shut the door and zoomed off.

The city lights blurred past the windshield as I drove with no destination in mind.

Without thinking twice, I turned into one of the most exclusive private lounges in the city.

The manager recognized me immediately.

“Good evening, Mr. Damien.”

“I want the VIP lounge.” I said

“It’s available.”

“I don’t want anyone in there.”

“Of course, sir.”

He hurried away to make the arrangements.

The moment I stepped inside, I stopped. Someone was already there.

A young woman sat curled into one end of the sofa, a whiskey bottle hanging loose from her fingers.

Her hair framed her face in slightly messy waves.

I frowned.

"I booked this entire lounge," I said coldly, turning to the manager trailing behind me.

He swallowed nervously. "I'm terribly sorry, sir… she was already here before the reservation came through."

I looked back at her. She hadn’t even noticed I was there. “Ask her to leave.”

The manager walked over carefully. “Miss…”

She slowly raised her head. “Hm?”

“This lounge has been reserved.”

Only then did her eyes meet mine.

Even through the haze of alcohol, she stared at me for several seconds before letting out the faintest laugh.

“Wow!”

I frowned.

Whatever expression was on her face, I didn’t have the patience for it.

I stared at her with so much rage in my eyes. “And what's so funny,” I asked coldly.

She rolled her eyes with surprising confidence for someone who could barely sit upright.

“Relax.”

She lifted the whiskey bottle in a mock toast.

“I’m far too heartbroken for any more drama.”

Then she gestured toward the empty sofa opposite her.

“This place is big enough for both of us.”

“Leave!” I shouted, my patience running thin.

She sighed.

“Seriously?” She looked away, staring at the bottle in her hand.

“Come on Mr, don’t be too harsh. I just want to drink and forget my sorrows.

She rose to leave, but the moment she took a step, she stumbled. I caught her before she hit the floor, and she collapsed into my arms.

The manager stood frozen, simply watching us.

I had to tell him to open the hotel door and then my car door while I carried her.

As I took her to a nearby hotel.

I turned and was about to leave when she suddenly grabbed my arm tightly.

“Please… don’t go,” she said drunkenly.

I looked back at her, my jaw tightening.

“I can’t be here with you,” I said firmly. “Just sleep. You’ll be okay by tomorrow morning.”

She didn’t seem to be listening.

Instead, she placed her palm against my chest. Even through the soft fabric of my T-shirt, I could feel the warmth of her hand. My heartbeat remained steady.

I reached for her hand, trying to pull it away.

“Hey, stop.”

She looked straight into my eyes.

“I really need someone around me right now,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

I placed my hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her back, trying to create some distance between us.

“You don’t mean that,” I told her. “You’re drunk. You’ll regret this in the morning.”

Instead of answering, she lifted a finger and pressed it softly against my lips, silencing me.

“Shhh.”

Before I could react, her other hand moved to the buttons of my shirt, slowly undoing them.

My eyes widened. I immediately tried to step away.

She pulled me back before I could get far, her body clinging to mine. Rising onto her tiptoes, she pressed her lips against mine.

For a moment, I froze. I didn’t respond but I was already weak.

My lips remained still as my mind struggled to process what was happening.

I tried to pull away, but she wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck, refusing to let go.

By morning, I came back to myself, Jasmine’s message flashed through my mind.

"Gold diggers. They're all the same," I muttered, pulling away from her. I went straight for the bathroom and just stood under the water thinking.

When I came out, she was already sitting up, blinking against the light like she’s a bit confused.

I didn't explain. I didn't apologize. I grabbed the cash off the dresser and threw it onto the bed.

"Take that. Get dressed. Leave."

I could see the shock and fury on her face, as she snatched the bundle and hurled it back at my chest.

"I'm not a whore. Keep your goddamn money."

"Don't even think of leaving it behind." My voice came out colder than I meant it to. "Take it, get dressed, and get lost."

She shot to her feet and hurriedly gathered her clothes from the floor, putting them on with so much energy, as though she would explode if she stayed another second.

"And I don't ever want to set my eyes on you again." She burst out before leaving.

I pulled out my phone and dialed.

"Mike, come get me, now."