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Chapter 30 - Crush On Billionaire Episode 31

Serena's heels clicked closer as she entered the living room, her eyes darting between Amara and Damian. Though her lips curved in a smile, there was nothing warm about it-it was sharp, mocking.

"Well, well... this is interesting," Serena said, her gaze landing on Amara with deliberate slowness. "I never thought I'd see her sitting here like she owns the place."

Amara's chest tightened, but before she could speak, Damian's arm pulled her closer. His hand rested firmly on her waist, making his message clear-Amara wasn't going anywhere.

"Serena," Damian said, his tone cold, "choose your words carefully."

But Serena only smirked, turning her attention fully to Amara now. "Tell me, Amara... do you really think you can handle this life? Living in his world, under his roof, wearing the role of the woman at his side? You don't belong here, sweetheart."

The words stung, but Amara lifted her chin. Just as she parted her lips to reply, Damian cut in, his voice sharp as steel.

"She belongs here more than you ever did."

Serena's eyes widened briefly, but she quickly recovered with a laugh that sounded forced. "Oh, Damian... you always did like playing savior, didn't you? Picking up strays, dressing them up, making them think they matter."

That was enough to make Amara's fingers curl into fists on her lap. Before she could stand, Damian's hand covered hers, squeezing gently as if to calm her. His eyes locked on Serena's, blazing with warning.

"Say one more word against her," he said slowly, his voice low and dangerous, "and you won't leave this house with your dignity intact."

For the first time, Serena faltered, her smirk slipping. She glanced at Amara again, this time with barely concealed anger, before turning back to Damian. "Fine. But remember, Damian... you can't protect her from everything. One day, she'll realize she doesn't fit in your world."

With that, she spun on her heel and strode out, her perfume lingering unpleasantly in the air.

Silence fell for a moment. Amara exhaled shakily, her emotions a swirl of hurt and relief. But before doubt could creep in, Damian tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Don't you dare listen to her," he said softly but firmly. "You're mine, Amara. And I'll remind you every single day if I have to."

Her heart melted at his words. Without thinking, she leaned forward, pressing her lips softly against his. Damian deepened the kiss, his hold on her protective yet tender. When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers, whispering, "You're exactly where you belong."

The sunlight slipped gently through the curtains, filling the room with a soft golden glow. Amara stirred first, blinking against the brightness as she felt the warmth of Damian's arm wrapped firmly around her waist. He was still asleep, his breathing slow and steady, his face calm in a way she rarely saw at the office.

For a moment, she just lay there, watching him. The man who commanded boardrooms and silenced entire rooms with a single glance looked boyish now, almost vulnerable. Her lips curved into a faint smile. Carefully, she reached up and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.

But Damian wasn't really asleep. His eyes fluttered open, catching her in the act. A smirk tugged at his lips. "Admiring me so early in the morning?" His voice was husky, still laced with sleep.

Amara flushed, quickly pulling her hand back. "I was not."

"Liar," he whispered, leaning closer until his lips brushed her ear. "But I don't mind. In fact... I like it."

Her heart skipped, and before she could argue, Damian pulled her closer, pressing a soft kiss against her lips. It wasn't rushed or demanding-just slow, sweet, and warm enough to make her melt against him.

When he finally pulled away, he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Good morning, my love."

Amara smiled shyly, whispering back, "Good morning."

The moment lingered between them until Damian sat up, stretching before glancing at her again. "Come on, let's get ready. I'm making breakfast today."

Her eyes widened. "You? Cooking?"

He chuckled, sliding out of bed. "Don't sound so shocked. I can handle more than board meetings, Amara. Just watch."

Soon, the two of them were in the kitchen. Damian insisted on taking over, shooing her to sit while he moved confidently around, preparing toast, eggs, and coffee. Amara couldn't stop smiling as she watched him-his expensive shirt sleeves rolled up, his movements surprisingly natural for someone who had staff at his beck and call.

When he finally placed the plates down, he leaned over and kissed her temple. "See? Sweet breakfast, made just for you."

Her heart swelled as she tasted the food, finding it delicious. She looked at him with admiration. "I didn't know you could cook like this."

Damian grinned. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me yet... but you will."

As they ate together, laughter and light conversation filled the room, washing away the bitterness of Serena's visit the night before. By the time they finished, Amara felt lighter-safe, cherished, and exactly where she was meant to be.

---

The drive to the office that morning was wrapped in a comfortable silence, the kind only two people growing closer could share. Damian's hand rested easily over Amara's as he drove, his thumb brushing across her skin every so often as though to remind her she wasn't dreaming.

When they pulled into the company parking lot, Damian turned to her before stepping out. His eyes softened, the usual commanding edge giving way to something more tender. "Remember, you don't have to let anyone's words get to you. Not Serena's, not anyone's. You're with me now, Amara. That's what matters."

Her chest warmed at his words, and she gave him a small nod. "I'll remember."

Inside the building, whispers followed them-employees glancing, some in surprise, some in admiration, and others with envy. Damian, as always, walked with his usual confidence, completely unfazed by the stares. Amara, though nervous, found her strength in the way he stayed close, making it clear she wasn't just another staff member-she was his.

Once they reached her department, he paused, leaning in just slightly, his voice low so only she could hear. "Lunch is on me again today. Don't run away this time."

Her lips curved in a soft smile. "I wasn't planning to."

He gave her hand a brief squeeze before heading to his office, leaving Amara's coworkers buzzing with questions they dared not ask aloud. She slid into her seat, her heart still racing from the little moment they shared.

The morning passed with reports, meetings, and emails, but no matter how busy she tried to stay, Amara found her thoughts drifting back to Damian. She caught herself smiling at the memory of breakfast, of his soft morning kiss, of the way he looked at her as though she was his entire world.

By the time lunch hour came, she was already anticipating his call.

And when her phone buzzed on her desk, flashing Damian's name, her lips curled into a smile she couldn't hide.

"Ready?" his voice came smooth and direct.

"Yes," she answered softly.

"Good. Meet me outside. I want everyone to see."

Amara's breath caught at the boldness of his words. Damian was making a statement-not just to her, but to the whole office.

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