His Christmas Present のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

Aria’s POVThe next morning felt very strange.Not heavy like before, not light either, just quiet in a way that made my chest feel tight. I got to the office early, earlier than usual, and his door was already open. Damon was inside, standing by his desk, sleeves rolled down, jacket on. He looked calm and polished, like CEO that he is.He looked up when I walked in.“Good morning, Aria,” he said, voice even.No pause, no look that lingered, no heat in his eyes.“Good morning, sir,” I replied, matching his tone.Sir.The word felt wrong in my mouth when it shouldn't.The day started like any other with meetings, emails, and schedules. He spoke to me when needed and only when needed. Clear instructions, professional distance, he did not touch me, did not brush past me, and definitely did not lower his voice.It should have been a relief. And part of me was relieved, but another part felt like something was slipping through my fingers.I kept wondering if Caleb had said something, if

Aria’s POVI woke up the next day with a heavy heart and eyes. I had barely slept last night as Aunt Mira's words kept tugging at my mind.“When did I ever go after Caleb or cornered Selene?" I asked myself, as I went about preparing for work.I couldn't have breakfast that morning, I just waved Aunt Mira a faint goodbye and forced a smile before leaving the house.“Good morning, Ms Hale,” Daniel greeted, beaming with smiles.I furrowed my brows. "Good morning, Daniel.”" No Ms Hale, come this way,” Daniel called, gesturing to the opposite direction of the office from where my desk used to be.I frowned. " Is everything okay, Daniel?”"Actually, Ms Hale. Mr Blackwood has hired a custom broker,” Daniel said, still smiling.I tilted my head. “But…I thought we had one already.”" Oh, he was transferred. He needed to be close to his sick wife so instead of laying him off, Mr Blackwood transferred him to our other branch.”My eyes widened. " We have another branch?," I asked, obviously sur

Aria’s POVI kept walking and didn't look back until I entered my new office. My chest felt tight with memories and resolve. Everyone went about their routine. Phones rang in different corners, the sounds of printers humming, people laughed while whispering, and the sounds of computers clicking. The office boomed with activities, and I tried to blend in. Selene's grin, the way Caleb put his arms around her, Damin stood there watching. Everything kept replaying in my head, too loudly.A few minutes later, I felt the need to pee so I made my way to the restroom and locked myself inside. I didn’t cry. That was the shocking part. No tears, no shaking hands, just a strange stillness, the kind that comes after a strong inner resolve.I rested my head against the stall door and closed my eyes.So this was Damon's plan. To keep me in the dark, ask me to endure and smile through discomfort, as if it were part of my job description.No. I straightened my skirt and checked my reflection before w

Aria’s POVThe building was too quiet, everyone stared at me like a crazy person. All thanks to Caleb.I was still shaken from the encounter with Caleb, my wrist was still sore, and my scalp still burned where his fingers had yanked too hard. I should have gone home, that would’ve been the same thing to do. Instead, I went back to Damon’s floor.Maybe because I had unfinished business, or maybe because I was anxious. Either way, my feet took me there before my courage could clock out.His office door was open, lights on, but he wasn’t inside. I exhaled slowly and stepped in, meaning to drop off a folder and leave.That was when I saw the glass.It sat on the corner of his desk, half full of water, untouched. Beside it was a small vial I hadn’t noticed before. It was so clear, and almost invisible against the dark wood. The kind you’d miss if you weren’t paying close attention.I frowned and moved closer.The vial was empty now, but faint residue clung to the bottom. My pulse picked up

Aria's POVThe morning sun filtered through the window, casting a soft glow on my face. My eyelids fluttered, as soon as I opened them, I used my hand as a shield from the sun. I moved to the other side of the bed and opened my eyes.“Fuck!” I cursed. " I spent the night at Damon's?”I reached for my phone and checked the time. 8:00a.m. my eyes widened in shock as I sprang up from the bed." Damon?,” I called out. "Damon.”I didn't get a reply, so I slipped into his shirt and went around every room, calling his name until I climbed down the stairs to the sitting room.“He left for work an hour ago," one of the maids informed.“Oh, I see."She paused, seizing me up for a moment. Not in a contemptible way, not with anger, but with concern. And maybe amusement. I looked down and realized the shirt was not properly buttoned. Just then, Damon walked in, carrying flowers in his hand. The maid bowed and walked away.“Good morning, sunshine," he greeted.I brushed back invisible strands of h