SADIE’S POVI walked fast. Not because I was in a hurry.But because if I slowed down, I knew the tears would catch up.I kept my head down as I stepped out of the building, past the cold glass and steel that had somehow become my world. Past the place where I thought, just maybe, I was starting to belong.But I didn’t.Not really.Not in his world.The wind bit at my cheeks, but it wasn’t the weather that made me shiver.It was the way he looked at me—like I’d crossed a line he’d drawn in the sand with military precision. Like I had made a mistake by caring.It was just breakfast. Just eggs. Toast. Coffee. But for me, it wasn’t just anything.It was a thank you. A gesture. A quiet, trembling hope that maybe he’d smile differently. That maybe he’d look at me and see something more than just another assistant.Instead, he reminded me—clearly, coolly—that his kindness was not for me to read into.Don’t get the wrong idea, he said, without even needing to say the words.And maybe he was
SADIE’S POV.Typical bullies—they only have courage when they outnumber you. The moment someone stronger appears, they scatter like roaches.I caught a glimpse of Angelica’s face—this isn’t over. I don’t know when I’ll finally be free of them.When they finally left, I realized I was still wrapped in Damon’s arms.I stepped back quickly, lowering my gaze as my fingers brushed away the lingering touch of his suit. “Thank you,” I said quietly, the words catching on the tight knot in my throat.I bowed slightly, more out of instinct than grace.I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. My cheeks burned, and I hated how exposed I felt. Like he could see every part of me I tried so hard to hide.He didn’t move. His voice came a moment later, calm but firm.“You’ve left their house, haven’t you?”I nodded. “Yes, sir.”A silence followed—not sharp, but heavy. Like something was trying to settle between us and neither of us wanted to name it.“I’m sorry if… if my personal life has interfered w
DAMON'S POVIt was ten o’clock.The hallway outside my office was dark, quiet—the way I liked it. Everyone had gone home hours ago. I preferred it that way. Cleaner. Sharper. No noise to disturb my thoughts.I was reaching for my suit jacket when I heard her voice.Faint. Soft. Somewhere outside my office door.I stopped.“Yeah, I already ate earlier,” she was saying. Her laugh was quiet—real. Not the professional kind she wore like armor around me. “No, I can’t tonight. He’s still here. I’ll leave after Mr. Prince does.”I froze mid-motion.Every word tightened like a vice around my throat.She waits.Every goddamn night, she waits until I’m gone.I tried to remember—how often had I passed her desk, thinking nothing of it? How many times had I left without realizing she was still sitting there, quiet, composed, always a step behind me? Not because she had to.Because she chose to.And now she was laughing for someone else. Soft. Familiar. Warm.Jealousy crept up my spine like cold fi
DAMON’S POVI wasn’t sure why I called her in. Not really.I told myself it was about the breakfast issue—that idiotic little mishap that wouldn’t have even made it to my desk if it weren’t for the fact that it involved him. My grandfather.But somewhere between checking my watch and hearing her knock, I knew the truth.I just wanted to see her.“Sit,” I said, and watched the way she moved—like she was trying to shrink and disappear but couldn’t help carrying herself like she had a spine made of glass.Breakable, maybe. But still sharp.She sat.Her eyes flicked toward me, cautious but steady, and that infuriatingly calm face didn’t flinch.I leaned forward slightly, studying her. “You should be afraid of me,” I said again, voice lower this time. Then I added, “Especially if you keep playing with the truth.”A flicker crossed her face. Subtle, but I caught it. A crease in her brow. She disagreed.My jaw tensed. “You don’t agree?”She hesitated. I could see it—her instinct to fire back
DAMON’S POVMy throat tightened, just slightly.“She didn’t know who I was. Didn’t hesitate. Just handed it over.”I didn’t say anything. I could picture her standing there, probably panicked, probably worrying it wasn’t enough. And yet still giving it away.Kindness like that didn’t fit in my world. Not without bleeding.The door opened again.Sadie walked back in with the last paper bag held carefully in both hands, but as soon as she looked up and saw who was sitting across from me—her steps faltered.Her lips parted slightly. Recognition dawned in her eyes.She didn’t speak.Didn’t stammer or rush into apologies.She just stood there, quiet and composed—like always—but her fingers clutched the paper bag a little tighter.She’s terrified of saying the wrong thing. Even now.My grandfather looked over his shoulder at her, his eyes lighting with warmth.“You,” he said gently. “Thank you again, miss. That breakfast was the best part of my morning.”Sadie gave a small, respectful bow o
SADIE'S POVThe city hadn’t even fully woken up yet, but there I was—hair still damp from a rushed shower, clutching my tote bag like it could anchor me to the earth, standing in line at DeVine’s, the fancy brunch place Damon liked.Trying not to think about yesterday’s sorrow.But grief had a way of clinging—like steam on glass or the ache in a cold bruise.I focused on the polished counter ahead. The clink of cups. The shuffle of designer shoes against marble.Three breakfast sets. No substitutions. His rules.The air inside smelled like truffle butter and quiet judgment. Polished men in thousand-dollar suits read their emails like scripture. Women with sleek buns and perfect nails clicked through their phones, pretending not to notice anyone—but noticing everything.I stepped up and made the order. “Three truffle eggs with smoked mushroom and croissant combo. Takeaway, please.”The barista nodded, all efficiency and zero warmth, and rang it up.Behind me, a voice. Older, gentle, li