Apologize

It has been a few days since I met Lyndon, or rather, Damian. After his confession that evening, I still find it hard to accept the reality of it.

He was what? The CEO of Monarch Velocity Corporation? The leading supplier of high-quality motorcycle racing components, which include engine enhancements, suspension systems, exhaust solutions, braking technology, racing tires, and rider safety gear.

"Perhaps he has gone to see his other wife?" I remarked, remaining silent as I glanced at the fridge to check for something to eat.

Patricia, the cleaning staff, gasped, "What do you mean by 'other wife,' Madam?"

"Oh, this is not your master's first marriage, is it not?" I inquired.

Patricia put down the cloth she was using and looked directly at me. "You were the first woman we were aware of. We had already come to terms with the fact that he may be interested in men.”

I regarded Patricia with a slight smile and gradually exited the kitchen. With a beauty like his, I am certain they do not know where Damian disappears to. I am aware that this man was not surrounded by admirers, particularly women, but it seems to be good to be true.

My phone rang just as I removed my heels and sank onto the couch in the living room.

Isla.

I frowned. It was almost midnight, and I was enjoying some personal time. As soon as I answered, her voice burst through the speaker.

"Sera! You have to tell me you're watching the news right now!"

I pulled the phone away from my ear and said, "Hello to you as well."

"I’m serious."

I took a spoonful of ice cream and placed it in my mouth, asking, "What’s going on?"

There was frantic breathing on the other end. Then, Isla posed the question that made me sit up straight.

"Is it true?"

"What is?" I inquired, feeling increasingly anxious.

"That this—Damian Sinclair is the CEO of Monarch Velocity Corporation?" Isla exclaimed in a panic, "This man resembles Lyndon. I’m so confused."

My stomach knotted, and I didn’t know how to respond to Isla.

After our conversation last night, I found it hard to believe that he was indeed the CEO of Monarch Velocity. A part of me suspected that a man like him thrived on creating confusion.

If he was truly young and well, why hadn’t he shown up at the wedding?

"Where did you even hear that?" I asked.

"Sera, turn on the television! Right now!"

My heart raced; there was an unusual tone in her voice, which suggested shock rather than excitement.

I seized the remote and switched on the TV. Flipping through the channels, I found that every single one was broadcasting the same story.

Breaking News: Monarch Velocity CEO Revealed. The headlines flashed across the screen.

"After years of secrecy, the identity of the world's most elusive executive has finally been disclosed."

I gripped the remote tighter.

"Sources have confirmed."

Then, a photograph appeared. It was Damian.

The reporter continued speaking, but all I could focus on was the sound of my own heartbeat.

No.

It couldn't be him. As the camera zoomed in, I noticed his sharp jawline, dark hair, and eyes that appeared calm amidst the surrounding chaos.

He looked young—far younger than the rumors suggested. Handsome enough that social media was likely in a frenzy as I watched. This was not an elderly billionaire or an AI figure; this was a man.

A fine young man…

"Oh my," Isla murmured through the phone.

I remained silent as the anchor appeared just as stunned as we were. Damian Sinclair, who not only owns Monarch Velocity but also oversees numerous other international enterprises, one after another.

"This revelation indicates that Damian Sinclair may wield more power over the global market than any private individual in contemporary history." The reporter added.

A chill ran through me; after all this time, he was indeed telling the truth. Lyndon was merely a pseudonym to conceal his identity.

He was the genuine Damian Sinclair.

"I didn't realize you were that fond of me."

I swiftly turned around and spotted Damian, standing behind the sofa, dressed in the same attire he wore on screen. I chose not to respond, feeling a surge of anger. I stood up and hurriedly ascended the stairs.

Damian grasped my hand before I could take another step. "Did I do something wrong?"

My headache felt as if it were about to burst at any moment. As my breath began to quicken, I still had the energy to ask. "Why didn't you attend the wedding?"

Damian remained silent and gradually released my hand, causing my heart to plummet. I was surprised to discover how attached I had become to a man like him. To someone, because of that stupid race.

"You know what, there's no need for you to respond—"

"I want you to know who I really am before anyone else does." Damian's tone softened, capturing my attention.

I remained silent, simply gazing at him.

"I don't wish to show up at that wedding as a stranger."

I cannot comprehend why I reacted this way; perhaps a part of me desired his presence, while another part felt relief that he was absent.

Damian remained silent, and I hurried upstairs as quickly as I could. I was uncertain of my feelings; I should feel relieved that I was not marrying an older man.

"Arghh!"

I was so frustrated that I could feel my cheeks flush when suddenly I heard a gentle knock on the door.

"What?" I snapped.

"Can we please have a conversation?" he asked.

I took a deep breath to calm myself and opened the door.

"May I come in?" Damian's eyes were full of emotion.

I did not respond and walked directly to the balcony. He quietly followed me. The moonlight illuminated our surroundings, and a gentle breeze was present.

"I didn't intend to miss you at our wedding, Sera..." He sighed. "I was involved in an accident after our race."

I turned to him, my heart racing. "What? Are you alright now?"

"Yes. If not, who is this person talking to you?" he said, his tone sharp.

I rolled my eyes and turned away from him, attempting to leave. However, his strong hand grasped my waist, turning me to face him. Our bodies gently collided.

Damian chuckled softly. "I apologize," he said, looking into my eyes. "I want the people to know that I am worthy of being your husband."

"What do you mean?"

Damian caressed my face and gazed directly into my eyes. The distance between us gradually diminished, and I could feel his warm breath.

I closed my eyes and felt a soft kiss on my forehead. "I don't want anyone to mistreat my wife.”

I slowly opened my eyes and saw him smiling at me. I pushed him slightly, but my body rebounded against his.

"Am I forgiven?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes at him and forcefully released his arm that was wrapped around me, simultaneously pulling him out of my room.

“W-wait—”

"Forgive your face!" I exclaimed as I slammed the door shut.

I exclaimed, "This Damian will be the end of me, I swear!" as I attempted to soothe myself and cool my flushed face.