Enough Distance To Swim In.

Naomi walked into Damon's office, the weekly report clutched in her hand after placing a gentle knock on his door. She didn't wait for him to tell her to come in before she pushed the door open and shut it behind her.

It's been a week since that night and Naomi was keeping her distance as requested by him. No pies either and she made sure to place pillows in between their bed to make sure she never accidentally stumbled to his side of the bed.

She was starting to consider moving to a different room at this rate, then she wouldn't have to see his face all together. How beautiful and less infuriating is that?

“Good morning, Ms Naomi.” Patrick greeted with a smile.

“Good morning, Mr Patrick.” Naomi replied, earning a small smile from Damon's assistant.

He knew they had a fight again. How? No pies. He had no clue what his stubborn boss did again that led to a permanent ban on their daily pies but he was trying to get on her good graces regardless.

His boss might be an asshole, he wasn't. He really hoped and prayed that she could see that. Giving him a pie instead, is set to make Mr Damon jealous too!

Patrick exhaled, he just wants her pie so badly he's willing to throw his boss under the bus for it..

Naomi felt the weight of Seth's gaze on her, even though he was looking down at his desk. She placed the report on the corner of his large table.

"Here's the weekly report, sir," she said.

He glanced up at her from the edge of his reading glasses; sir? Did she just call him…sir? What happened to Mr Damon?

She didn't meet his eyes, her gaze fixed on the table, arms folded behind her back. She wanted to get in, and get out.

That's it. Strictly business..

“Uhm.” He replied, picking up the document.

The entire room went dead silent. Patrick swallowed, the tension in the air was enough to suffocate him and he wanted to get out of here!

The rustle of papers was the only sound that echoed throughout the room as he silently scanned the pages.

"Page three, the projected budget for the Vertia project," Damon finally said, his voice clipped. "Are these figures final?"

"Yes," Naomi replied simply, finally glancing his way.

Her eyes held no warmth, no spark, nothing. His eyes returned back to the sheets, this was his punishment for hurting her feelings…

For being an asshole, the captain can't.

He nodded, turning to another page.

"And the material sourcing for the Lagos design?"

"Confirmed suppliers are listed on page five."

Another nod. He turned the last page, then closed the report with a soft thud. He looked up, his gaze daring to meet hers again.

It was as cold as ever, a mirror reflection of him. He looked away, picking up his stamp to certify her report had been read and approved.

"It's all good," he said dismissively. "You can go."

"Understood," Naomi replied, already turning before he finished speaking.

She walked out of the office, the door closing softly behind her, leaving him in silence.

Patrick sighed. “You did something to upset her, Mr Damon.” He said simply.

Damon leaned back in his chair, the report still in his hand. Something about her keeping her distance stung, he had to admit. He wanted her to stay away but now that she's actually staying away….

The way she had brushed past him earlier that morning just as he was about to walk out of the dining area and she, about to walk in.

She didn't say a word, didn't spare him a glance but left the trail of her perfume in the air, reminding him of what he was missing and likely what he'd never get back..

He stared at the closed door, a muscle twitching in his jaw. He's starting to regret it but he…he can't be this selfish.

Patrick sighed as his boss gave him no reply. “No pies for us, I suppose.” he muttered.

Damon frowned. “Don't you have work to get to?”

“My apologies, sir.” Patrick walks out of the office almost immediately. The last thing he wanted was for Damon's frustration to be directed towards him.

《Naomi's Office》

Later that afternoon, Naomi was engrossed in a new architectural sketch . The past few days, she has been throwing her focus into work and nothing else.

And at home, she wasn't talking to him either. Not out of spite but embarrassment. He left her yearning that way, in a way she's never done with anyone only for him to walk out on her?

For no bloody reason?!

Her office door swung open without a knock. She looked up, startled, to see Seraphina leaning against the doorframe, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Well, well, if it isn't the mysterious Mrs. Sinclair," Seraphina drawled, her voice holding a hint of mocking amusement, but her eyes when they met Naomi were surprisingly playful.

Naomi stared at her, shocked. She was possibly the last person she wanted to see and possibly the only person she wouldn't mind having as a guest either.

"Mind if I come in? Or are you as 'busy' as my dear brother?"

Naomi straightened, “Sorry. I…I wasn't expecting a guest. Come in"

Seraphina pushed off the frame, walking casually into the office, her gaze sweeping over Naomi's workspace before settling back on her.

Silence enveloped the atmosphere as the duo sat in silence. Naomi wasn't sure what to say. She was the one who stopped by her office, that means she is here for a reason right?”

“Should I get you a cup of tea or…”

“Do you care about Damon?”

Naomi went silent, her eyes staring at Seraphina in surprise. She wasn't expecting that sort of question from her.

“I’m sorry?”

“Do you care about Damon enough not to hurt him?”

Naomi opened her mouth but no words came out of it. What was she supposed to say? Seraphina wasn't the nicest person that night and now she's here concerned for Damon? It was quite odd.

“You don't?"

“I'm just..confused is all. Judging by what happened at that dinner. I didn't think you were fond of me is all..”

“I'm not fond of anyone.” Seraphina explained and Naomi nodded.

That should explain why this is very awkward.

“Look, about the other night. The dinner. The circus." She waved a dismissive hand. "Apologies. For all of it. Especially Rosie's little performance."

Naomi blinked. "You don't have to apologize. It wasn't your fault."

"Oh, believe me, it was all our fault for even showing up," Seraphina scoffed, pulling up a chair and straddling it backward, resting her chin on her folded arms.

"But seriously, Naomi. I came here to tell you something. And I'm only saying it because Jordan won't shut up about how 'decent' you are, and frankly, you looked like a deer caught in headlights."

Naomi tilted her head slightly, she didn't think Jordan was fond of her in any way. They've only met once..

"I don't know how you feel about Damon but if you want that to last, stay away from Rosie." Seraphina continued, her tone suddenly serious, though still blunt. "Avoid the family house. Avoid Rosie. All together. Do not answer her calls. Do not accept any more invitations. Nothing."

Naomi frowned. "But she's Damon's mother. She invited me to get to know me."

Seraphina let out a short laugh. "Get to know you? Please. Rosie doesn't 'get to know' people. She tears them down. She's a professional humiliator, darling. And you, my dear, were her new project. A convenient scapegoat for Damon's continued rebellion."

"I... I don't understand," Naomi admitted, feeling a chill creep up her spine as Seraphina's words painted a picture of Rosie's true intentions.

"You don't need to," Seraphina said, standing up. Her voice softened slightly.

"Just trust me on this. Stay away. You don't owe her anything. Damon certainly doesn't. He tolerates her because he has to, but you don't."

She walked to the door, then paused, looking back at Naomi, a flicker of genuine concern in her eyes.

"Seriously. Take it from someone who's survived a lifetime of Rosie's 'love'. Stay far, far away."

With that, Seraphina gave a curt nod and left Naomi alone in her office, stunned.

What just happened?