All Chapters of Broken Vows, Rising Flames : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Damon’s POV I turned toward her and my heart skipped a beat. The entire room melted into silence, time itself stopping for her graceful entrance. I couldn’t believe it, was this real? “Clara,” her name slipped from my lips in a whisper, so soft like it would shatter if I said it any louder and as if she heard it, her eyes drifted to me. Our gaze lingered for a while. I expected to see the fear in her eyes, or for her to look away, but she remained still, holding on like her life depended on it. I slowly became uncomfortable as I tried to hold on, my body froze on the chair, then a smirk broke her tense lips and the sounds in the room erupted. She crossed the path, each step felt deliberately slow and precise like she wanted the entire room to notice her. She weaved through the chairs toward the only empty seat. There was something about her, something felt different, the aura radiating from her pores felt stronger. She sighed and ran a hand through her perfectly neat hai

Damon’s POV “What the hell are you trying to prove?” I pushed my chair backward, the loud scraping sound tore through the almost quiet room. My heart thumped loudly with each heavy breath I took. She turned slightly, just enough for me to catch the side of her face. “What am I trying to prove, you ask?” She scoffed, then turned fully toward me. “I'm not trying to prove anything, Mister Adams. I am just simply securing my investment.” “Bullshit! You walk into this meeting late like you own the place and try to one-up me?” “Try?” She chuckled, and it made me more angry. “I didn't try, Mister Adams, I did. They tossed you aside like filth without even thinking about it twice. Does that ring a bell?” I scrunched in confusion. So that's what all of this was for? “So you're here to take revenge?” I asked. She shrugged. “Revenge, my pound of flesh, karma, whatever they go by, I am here to stay.” “Where have you been all these years?” The question burst through my mouth before I could e

Clara’s POVThe elevator dinged, opening to the hallway that led to my hotel room.“I love the way you handled everything, Clara,” Desmond said as we stepped out and made our way down the corridor.I paused, resting a hand on his shoulder. “It wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you.”“I was only doing my job,” he replied, continuing forward.And he was right—it was his job.Still, he’d had a choice. He could have refused. He could have chosen not to work with me at all. We turned another corner, my suite just two doors away. I was sure Maurice would already be dying to see me. We hadn’t seen each other since I left for the meeting. He begged to come with me. I just couldn’t afford such a mistake. Revealing him wasn’t just going to raise questions, but put him in harm’s way. The thought of it alone made my stomach churn. That was a risk I wasn’t ready to take. We finally stopped in front of room 205, my suite. I turned to him, wearing a beautiful smile. “Good night, D

Clara’s POVThe elevator shifted once, then completely went still. It felt like we were caught in a time portal, with no way of returning. I strained my eyes in the dark elevator, my heart pounding against my ribcage.Composure fled from me. I was panicking on the inside. Not until a sharp light cut through the darkness. Apparently, Damon had turned on his flash light.I followed, turning on mine without a word. Damon cleared his throat, ending the suffocating silence. “It happens sometimes. I’ll get them to fix it.”I said nothing.He glanced away toward the wall, pressing the phone against his ear after what looked like he was dialing a number.The light went off. Then a voice came through. “Adams Group Security. What seems to be the problem?” “We’re stuck in the elevator,” Damon said calmly. “Elevator D. Twenty- floor shaft.” “Understood, sir. Technicals are on their way. Please remain calm.” The call ended. I leaned back against the wall, crossing my arms. I kept my eyes

Damon’s POV “You’re pathetic,” Camilla spat again, her eyes blazing. “I always knew there was something between the two of you.”“It’s not what you think—” “Shut up, Damon,” she cut in sharply. “Why were you trying to kiss her in that elevator?” Seconds dragged. I said nothing. She let out a humorless laugh. “You don’t have a single explanation for your action.”“Listen Camilla,” I said calmly, reaching for her hand, but she yanked it away like it burned her and strode toward the door. The click of the latch echoed through the room, sharp and final. I pressed my palm to my face, frustration curling like fire in my chest. How did she even get that video?I finally dragged myself to bed that night. I was exhausted from the day’s work, and with everything that had happened, it was only wise to get some sleep.I left the door unlocked, and when I woke at midnight, Camilla still hadn’t returned. I couldn’t even blame her.****Early in the morning….My eyes blinked a few times as