LOGINSimon had been distracted for a while now. The company was struggling, so he dedicated the entire day to the office—no distractions and interruptions. Everything was finally going according to plan. Even though he missed Chelle, he pushed the feeling aside and forced himself to focus on what mattered. For now, work had to come first.The universe disagreed.Shouting ripped through the hallway.“I said let me in!”Simon’s pen paused mid-signature.Outside his office, security voices overlapped, but one voice cut through them, sharp and hysterical.“Do you know who I fucking am?”Victoria.Simon exhaled through his nose, already tired.”ugh”A scuffle followed. Footsteps. Then silence—too sudden.The door flew open.Victoria burst in like a storm, hair disheveled, eyes blazing, security right behind her. She planted herself in the doorway, chest heaving, as if she’d just won something.Simon stood slowly. “Victoria?” His voice was calm, but his jaw tightened. “You’re really pushing me to
Lilian had worn a path into the hardwood floor.Her phone was warm in her hand now, screen smudged with fingerprints, the call log a quiet accusation. Simon. Simon. Simon. Straight to voicemail every time.She stopped near the staircase, dragged in a breath, then started pacing again.Damon came downstairs for water, hair still messy, hoodie half-zipped. He was already turning back toward the fridge when he noticed her movement. His brow creased.“Mom,” he said, grabbing a glass. “What’s going on with you now? Why are you walking around like you lost something?”She didn’t look at him. Just stabbed the call button again.“I’ve been calling your brother all day,” she said. “He’s ignoring me.”Damon exhaled slowly and leaned against the counter. “Then leave him alone. Accept it. He’s gone rogue.” A pause. “It happens.”That got her attention.She turned toward him, eyes narrowing as she stepped closer. “What are you saying?,The girl you and simon keep defending? She’s a whore. I have to
Simon walked into a quiet house.Too quiet.Chelle’s shoes were gone. Her side of the closet stood half-empty, hangers swaying slightly as if they’d been touched moments ago. His chest tightened.He didn’t sit. He didn’t breathe long enough to think.He grabbed his keys and drove.He found her at her old place, a suitcase by the wall, her shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world had finally pinned her down.“Chelle,” he said, rushing to her. “What’s going on?”She didn’t look up. “I can’t do this anymore, Simon.”The words landed hard.He ran a hand through his hair, frustration flickering across his face. “I’m trying. I’m really trying to love you the right way, to be there—but it feels like you’re pushing me away all the time .”She laughed softly, bitterly, and tears spilled over. “You think this is easy for me?” Her voice cracked. “Your mother hates me. There’s another woman hovering around you because of who you are. I’m fighting battles I never signed up for.”“Victoria?”
Damon pushed through the front doors, jacket slung over his shoulder, the faint sting of alcohol still warm on his tongue. His mouth curved once at the memory of chelle’s face. The smile vanished just as quickly. The image of her staying Simon replaced it, sharp and unwelcome.His steps slowed.“Hello, Damon,” Victoria’s voice chimed behind him, polished and sweet. “How are you enjoying the city?”He didn’t respond, fingers tugging harder than necessary, then took two more steps before stopping. Slowly, he turned.“What is it you do?” he asked.Victoria blinked, caught off guard. “Oh—um. I have my own makeup brand. And my dad is very rich, so I don’t really—”“—work?” Damon finished, folding his arms across his chest. His gaze swept over her, assessing. “You seem… very available.”Her smile stiffened.“Or,” he continued, head tilting slightly, “you’re always where you shouldn’t be for a reason.”“Lilian wants me around,” she said quickly.Damon let out a short breath through his nose
Chelle couldn’t take it anymore. The drama and tension had gotten too much for her .She got home, shut the door behind her, and finally broke down. Tears poured freely as she began throwing clothes into her suitcase—hers, then her sister’s. She didn’t even know where she was going. She just knew she had to leave. Anywhere but here. Anywhere far from all of them.A knock sounded at the door.She ignored it.Another knock. Louder.Still, she didn’t answer. She didn’t care who it was. After a while, the knocking stopped. She exhaled shakily, folding a dress with trembling hands—Then a voice came from behind her.“Chelle.”Her heart nearly stopped.She wiped her face quickly, already sure it was Simon. She turned—And froze.It wasn’t Simon.It was Damon.Shock hit her so hard her knees gave out, and she fell back onto the bed.“What are you doing here?” she gasped. “How did you even find this place?”He looked at her carefully, like she might shatter.“You’re really running away from m
Damon had been awake too long.He paced the living room, phone clenched in his hand, every passing headlight pulling his attention toward the window. The clock on the wall ticked louder than it should have. His thoughts were worse.Chelle.Simon.Same house.His jaw tightened. Whatever had happened between them before didn’t matter. Not now. Not if Simon was still breathing the same air as her.A car engine finally cut through the silence.Damon was out the door before it fully parked.“What took you so long, man?”Johnson barely had time to shut the door before Damon was in his face. “Relax,” he said, tossing his keys aside. “I was busy.”“Busy doing what?” Damon shot back. “Did you get it?”Johnson hesitated—just a fraction—then nodded. “Yeah. I got the address.”Damon exhaled sharply, like he’d been holding his breath all night. “You sure she didn’t see you?”“It wasn’t easy,” Johnson said. “She didn’t want to tell me herself. But no—she didn’t notice.”Damon didn’t think. He pulle







