Amara's POV
I woke up with the biggest smile on my face.
Lying in bed, I couldn't stop the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. It felt unreal-me, dating the almighty Damian Knight. The man who once intimidated me with just a look was now the one who couldn't stop staring at me like I hung the stars.
And last night... when he asked if I would move in with him? My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. I didn't say yes-not yet-but I hadn't said no either. I needed time. But deep down, I knew I was falling-hard.
I reached for my phone and called Mia. She picked up after the first ring.
"Girl! I was about calling you," she said in her usual excited voice.
"Mia..." I sighed dreamily. "You won't believe it. I said yes. I'm dating Damian."
There was a long pause. "Wait-what?! You two are official now?"
"Yes!" I laughed, still in disbelief. "And... he asked me to move in with him."
"You better say yes before someone else tries to squeeze into that spot!" Mia squealed. "Ugh, I hate being away for all this juicy drama."
We chatted for a while longer, mostly about Serena and how I wasn't letting her ruin this for me. I had Damian now. Whatever she was plotting, I was ready.
After dressing up in my soft lavender blouse and sleek black pants, I headed to work. The moment I stepped into the building, I could feel the stares again. Maybe it was in my head, or maybe it was the way my cheeks refused to stop glowing.
Eric was already walking past the reception when I entered.
"Good morning, Eric," I greeted, trying to sound composed.
He smiled knowingly. "Morning, Miss Rivera. The CEO would like to see you before the staff meeting."
My heart skipped. Again?
"Okay. I'll drop my bag first," I replied, walking to my desk as casual as I could manage. I could already feel whispers rising around me. Whatever. Let them talk.
As I sat down to power up my system, I caught my reflection on the screen-cheeks still pink. Damian Knight wanted to see me. Again.
I took a breath, fixed my hair, and stood. I was getting used to this new life-slowly, sweetly, and definitely head over heels.
I stepped into Damian's office after Eric had passed along the message that he wanted to see me. The moment I entered, Damian looked up from his laptop, and his entire face lit up like he'd been waiting all morning just to see me.
"There you are," he said, standing up and walking toward me with that familiar softness in his eyes. "I was starting to wonder if you'd sneak past my radar today."
I smiled shyly. "I came straight to my desk. Eric said you needed me."
He closed the distance between us and gently took my hand. "I did. But not for work. Well, not entirely."
I tilted my head. "Then what?"
He let out a small sigh, the kind that came from someone who hadn't rested well. "I couldn't sleep last night," he admitted. "Kept tossing around, missing you. I even considered calling, just to hear your voice."
That made my stomach flutter.
"I missed you too," I said softly.
He squeezed my hand, then leaned in to kiss my cheek. "But aside from that, we have a client coming in later today-after the staff meeting. I want you to come with me for it."
"Me?" I blinked. "But I'm just your secretary. Shouldn't Eric or someone from management go with you?"
He shook his head. "I trust you, Amara. And you're organized, sharp, and professional. This client can be... particular. I need someone who won't panic when things change last minute-and that's you."
I felt a wave of pride rise in me. Coming from Damian, that meant more than any formal praise.
"I'll go," I said, smiling. "Whatever you need."
"Thank you," he said warmly, his eyes lingering on mine for a beat too long before he finally glanced away. "We still have the staff meeting first. Eric will announce it soon, but I wanted to let you know privately. And... I just really wanted to see you."
My cheeks flushed.
"You've already seen me more than anyone else has this week," I teased.
"Still not enough," he replied with a smirk.
Just then, Eric knocked on the door and peeked in. "Sir, the staff is gathering for the meeting."
Damian nodded. "We're coming."
He turned to me, his hand still holding mine for just a second longer than necessary before letting go. "Let's go, Miss Rivera."
I smiled as I followed him out.
Damian's POV
The staff meeting ended smoothly, but the moment I dismissed everyone, my mind drifted back to Amara.
She had sat quietly at the side during the meeting, taking notes like the professional she was-poised, graceful, and completely unaware of just how much space she took up in my thoughts. It was getting harder to focus on anything else when she was in the room. I kept catching glimpses of her from the corner of my eye, her soft blush whenever our eyes met, and that shy little smile that made me want to forget the rest of the day and just be with her.
I leaned against my desk, loosening my tie slightly as I stared out the glass window of my office.
Amara Rivera.
My girlfriend.
Even thinking it felt surreal. I'd never been this deep into anyone before-not even Serena, and I'd once thought I loved her. But loving Amara felt different. It wasn't just passion or attraction. It was peace. It was longing. It was wanting to be better, just because she believed in me.
A knock pulled me out of my thoughts.
Eric stepped in briefly. "The client will arrive in fifteen minutes, sir."
I nodded. "Thanks. Bring Amara to my office."
He left, and I glanced at the gift bag tucked beneath my desk-something small I picked up the day after our first real kiss. I hadn't found the right moment to give it to her. Maybe today would be the day.
After the meeting with the client, I planned to take her out. Nothing too fancy, just something spontaneous. Shopping. She needed new things for her apartment-if she was going to keep staying over. And I wanted to spoil her a little. Okay, maybe a lot.
I just hoped she'd say yes.
Because now that she'd said yes to being mine, I wasn't letting go.
Amara's POV
I adjusted my skirt and smoothed down my blouse as I walked toward Damian's office. Eric had just told me the CEO wanted to see me before the client meeting, and even though we were officially together now, my heart still raced every time I stepped through those tall glass doors.
I knocked lightly before pushing the door open. Damian was standing by his desk, one hand in his pocket, his jacket slightly open, and that usual calm confidence wrapped around him like armor. But the moment he saw me, he smiled-and everything else just melted away.
"You called for me?" I asked, trying not to let my voice sound as giddy as I felt inside.
"I did." His eyes swept over me slowly. "You look beautiful. As always."
I blushed and looked away. "Thank you."
He reached under his desk and pulled out a sleek, black designer bag with gold accents. It looked like something straight out of a high-end boutique.
"This is for you," he said, holding it out. "I noticed your bag strap has been giving you trouble... so I thought you could use something new."
My mouth parted slightly in surprise. "Damian, you didn't have to..."
"I know," he said gently, stepping closer. "But I wanted to. And I'll probably do it again. A lot."
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I took the bag from him. It was gorgeous-classic, elegant, and definitely expensive. I could feel the soft leather under my fingers and the weight of his affection behind it.
"Thank you," I whispered.
He leaned down, brushing a kiss on my cheek, and then murmured, "You're welcome."
We were interrupted by a knock. Eric peeked in, "Sir, the client is downstairs."
Damian gave a brief nod, then turned to me. "Ready?"
I nodded quickly, trying to hide the stupid grin on my face. We walked out together, side by side. I could feel the curious stares from some staff lingering in the corridor, but I didn't care. Not today.
With his hand gently guiding me as we entered the elevator, I knew something was changing. Not just between us, but within me.
Because somehow, with every little thing he did, Damian was pulling me deeper into a world I never thought I belonged in-yet with him, it felt like home.
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