Chapter 3

Damien Black POV

I opened my eyes slowly. I reached for the other side of the bed. Empty!

I sat up slowly and looked around the room. Her things were gone. I sighed. She ran before I could wake up.

Liora…

I smirked. I am glad she broke up with that asshole. It gave me a chance…

My phone rang, bringing me out of my thoughts. My family assistant, Marcus.

I rolled my eyes. “Yes,” I said as I answered the phone.

“Young Master, the chairman and the CEO have demanded you return to the family estate…” he said.

“I am busy,” I cut him off.

He sighed. “Your grandmother is sick, and she needs to see you because she is dying…”

“How?! When?!” I asked as I climbed out of the bed.

“Will you be coming home now, Young Master?” Marcus asked.

“Yes, I am on my way…”

“I will send out our men to pick you up.”

“Okay…”

The call ended. I wanted to wait behind and find Liora, but I couldn't anymore. I ran my hands through my hair.

Liora… I could still smell her…

I clenched my fist. She dared to use me and ran…

My eyes caught a red stain on the bed, and I frowned.

Blood?

Was she a virgin?…

I dialed a number. “Coach…”

★★★

I arrived at the main city airport. My face was expressionless as I walked out of the airport.

My family men were waiting in black outside a black, expensive car. I hate going home, and I knew very well my grandmother wasn't sick. It was a trap. She wanted me home. She knew I wouldn't bear to see her sickly, or the thought of her being sick scares me.

“Young Master…”

I nodded as they took my bag. I climbed into the car. I leaned back and closed my eyes.

I couldn't forget her voice, her touch, and the way she said my name.

And it was her first time.

I am glad that asshole Victor had never touched her. I smirked. She is mine…

“Sir, we arrived at the Black Estate.”

I walked into the estate and met my family in the lodge. My father, grandfather, grandmother, mother.

I sighed. I had just walked into their trap.

“Good day…”

“My lovely grandson is back!” my grandmother said as she opened her arms.

I walked to her and hugged her.

“Grandma…” I said to her.

She patted my shoulder sweetly.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly.

She nodded.

“It is the only way to get you home,” she said softly.

“I know.”

She pulled back. My mother walked to me. I kissed her cheek. My mother smiled and stroked my face.

I gave a nod to the two older men watching.

My mother ordered the maids to bring refreshments. My grandfather cleared his throat.

“Since you are back, we want you to quit hockey…” my father began.

“No.”

“You are growing older, son. I thought it would end after college, and we gave you time to give up on those dreams…” my father said sternly.

“My answer will always be the same. That is my life, my dream, and my career. I am not going to leave the NHL because you wanted to take over…” I said, my voice cold.

“That career and dream will not last that long. You know that you need to learn the reins of your family lineage…” my father snapped.

“I will learn when I am ready…”

“Damien,” my grandfather called.

I looked at him.

“Grandfather…”

“I am getting older and weaker. Your father needs to take over as chairman so I can rest…” he said, coughing.

I sighed. “I am sure there's someone who can take over as CEO until I want to.”

“No, it has to be you…” my father said, raising his voice.

“Enough!” my grandfather snapped.

“I will give you a year more, and you must get married…” my grandfather said.

“No, no, not that.”

As soon as I finished speaking, an annoying voice came from behind.

“Damien!!!”

I rolled my eyes and turned with a polite smile, my face cold and expressionless.

“Celina,” I greeted.

The woman rushed towards me after she gave her things to the maid.

I stepped back before she could hug me. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

She smiled. “I am glad you are back in the city,” she said, ignoring my question.

“Aunty, uncle, grandpa, and grandma. My mother sent gifts,” Celina said softly.

“Thank you,” my mother said, smiling, and the others nodded.

“Am I intruding on something…?” Celina asked innocently.

I am sure she heard from the beginning, and someone in the house definitely told her I was home.

“Yes, you are. You should leave,” I said coldly.

“But… I just arrived. I can give you all some privacy…” she said, almost as if she was begging.

“I am sure this visit of yours is not something you do on a normal day.”

Celina turned to me, frowning. “I didn't know you were home, and I have always come here to visit the family,” she denied.

Celina then turned to my family for help. They all nodded their heads. Of course, they will.

“I don't care. We broke up already. There's no chance of you and me getting back together,” I said coldly.

“I only left to study abroad, and you know there's no way a long distance can work…” Celina said, almost crying.

“I am back now. Can't you just give us a chance? I can be the perfect girlfriend or wife,” she said, trying to hold my hand.

I moved back. Of course, she heard about the marriage part.

“I wanted to come along with you, Celina, but you decided to leave me behind. I was going to give up my dream to come along with you,” I said.

She smiled.

“I know, I know, but I care about you… I can't let you just give up on your dreams for me, Damien,” she said as if she was concerned.

Manipulative bitch.

“No, leave, Celina,” I said coldly.

She started crying.

“I still love you…”

“Since both of you are here…” my grandfather said, clearing his throat.

“I would like to arrange the engagement between you and Celina. You have to choose to get married or take over the company,” my grandfather added.

“No, I have a girlfriend already, and she is pregnant,” I said, not thinking.

Their eyes all went wide.

“What?!”