AMARA POV
I straightened my shoulders and made my way toward the executive floor once again. The stares I got as I walked through the corridor didn't faze me this time. I kept my head high.
Eric opened the door as I approached. "You can go in."
Damian was seated at his desk, a tablet in front of him, papers spread across the surface. No flowers. No soft looks. Just business now.
He looked up. "Close the door, please."
I stepped inside and shut it quietly behind me.
"There's a new project I'd like you to take the lead on," he said directly. "It's a collaboration with a tech-driven interior space in Dubai. They're requesting something modern but locally inspired-bold colors, sharp finishes. I think your style fits."
I blinked. "You want me to lead?"
"Yes," he said, meeting my eyes. "From concept to execution. You'll report directly to me. The board will get updates through my office."
The words took a second to register. This was huge. A big step up. One of the most prestigious assignments.
"Why me?" I asked slowly.
His answer was immediate. "Because you're good. And I trust you."
I felt my stomach twist a little, but I masked it.
"Alright," I said. "I'll get started on the concept today."
"Eric will forward the briefing," Damian added. "And the client will be expecting a mood board in three days."
I gave a small nod, trying to keep my emotions in check.
"Is there anything else?" I asked.
He hesitated, then shook his head. "Not for now."
I turned to leave, but just before I reached the door, he spoke again.
"Amara..."
I stopped, slowly turning halfway.
"I meant what I said earlier," he sai
Amara – POV
The moment I stepped out of his office and the door closed behind me, a wave of regret hit me like a slap to the face.
"Maybe we shouldn't mix things up again."
Why did I say that?
I leaned against the hallway wall, my breath shaky. My fingers curled into a fist at my side. The way he looked at me-soft, patient, vulnerable. I had shut it all down with a single sentence.
God, what's wrong with me?
It wasn't that I didn't feel something for him-I did. More than I wanted to admit. But everything still felt so overwhelming. The rumors, the stares, the blurred lines between us... and now, that look in his eyes would haunt me all day.
I pulled out my phone without thinking and scrolled to Mia's contact. Even though she was out of town, I needed her voice.
She answered on the second ring.
"Amara? Finally! You ghosted me," Mia said, sounding like she was lying on a hotel bed somewhere, eating something crunchy.
"I needed space," I muttered, pacing slowly back toward my desk. "But I messed up."
"What now?" she sighed dramatically, then added, "Is this about the office drama again or your hot boss?"
I closed my eyes. "Both. I was just in his office. He said he didn't want things to be awkward... that he still wants to try. And I told him maybe we shouldn't mix things up again."
There was silence on the line, then Mia groaned.
"Girl, why do you always say the opposite of what you're feeling?!"
"Because I don't want to be the topic of gossip again! I don't want people to think I'm sleeping my way up!"
"Amara," she said firmly, "you're not some side piece. You're smart. You work hard. You care too much what people think."
I sank into my chair with a soft sigh. "I know. But when I saw his face after I said it, I just... ugh."
"He'll understand. And if he doesn't, maybe he's not as mature as we thought," Mia said, her tone softening. "But if you care about him, don't run."
"I think I already did."
"Then turn around. Talk to him again. Or at least... stop pushing him away like he's the problem."
I bit my lip, my fingers brushing the edge of the desk. "I don't know what to do."
"Yes, you do," Mia said knowingly. "You just don't want to do it."
Before I could reply, Eric walked past me and gave a polite nod. I straightened up quickly and ended the call.
"I'll call you back," I whispered and slipped my phone away.
I sat there for a moment, heart pounding.
Just as I slipped my phone into my drawer and sat upright, Eric appeared beside my desk with his usual calm expression.
"Miss Rivera," he said politely. "The CEO asked me to remind you that there's a department meeting scheduled in twenty minutes. He said you'd be sitting in."
I blinked. "Me?"
Eric gave a small nod. "Yes, ma'am. He personally requested that you attend. It'll be in the main conference room."
Great. Just what I needed-to sit across from him again after blurting out that awkward, stupid line in his office.
"Okay, thank you," I replied, trying to keep my voice neutral.
Eric gave a small nod before walking off to inform others.
I sat there for a moment, staring at the desktop screen I hadn't touched in the last few minutes. My thoughts were spinning. Why did Damian want me in that meeting? I wasn't from management or strategy-just a secretary. Was it just formality... or was he trying to keep me close without making it too obvious?
I stood slowly, smoothed down my blouse, and grabbed my notepad. I had to pull myself together and walk in there like I belonged. Like I wasn't unraveling on the inside.
---
Conference Room – Later
The room was already half full when I entered. A few heads turned, some eyes lingering longer than necessary-most pretending not to care but clearly noticing me.
I walked to an empty seat near the side and kept my head down. My palms felt damp.
Then he walked in.
Damian.
Sharp suit, confident steps, unreadable face.
Our eyes met for a split second before he looked away and began addressing the room. It was a general update-company goals, new policy shifts, upcoming deadlines. He spoke with such clarity and ease, like nothing had happened earlier. Like I hadn't shut the door on him just hours ago.
But every now and then, I caught his gaze drifting in my direction.
Not with anger. Not with disappointment.
With something else.
Something that felt like he wasn't done yet.
And deep down, neither was I.
Maybe it wasn't too late to fix what I said.
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