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Chapter 31 - Crush On Billionaire Episode 32

Amara's cheeks were still warm as she walked out of the building, her heart fluttering at the memory of Damian's bold words. She wasn't used to this kind of attention-especially not in front of everyone at work. Yet, the thought of him waiting outside for her made her lips curve into a soft smile she couldn't hold back.

The midday sun touched her skin as she stepped through the glass doors, and there he was-leaning casually against his sleek black car, his eyes fixed only on her. The sight made her breath hitch. Damian looked effortlessly handsome, his tailored suit catching the light, but it wasn't just his appearance that made her heart race-it was the way he looked at her, like she was the only person that mattered.

As soon as she reached him, Damian didn't say a word. He simply reached for her hand and laced his fingers with hers, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver up her arm.

"Damian..." she whispered softly, glancing around, suddenly aware of the curious stares from a few people outside the building.

But Damian didn't care. He tightened his hold on her hand and opened the car door for her, his expression confident, almost possessive.

Sliding into the seat, Amara turned to him once he got in. "Wait," she said with a small frown, her voice gentle but curious. "Aren't we supposed to be eating at the cafeteria?"

Damian smirked, his eyes lingering on her face like he was savoring every detail. "No," he said in that deep, deliberate tone that always seemed to make her pulse skip. "I don't want us eating there today. I want something better-for you. For us. We're going to the eatery instead."

Her lips parted slightly at his words. He said it so simply, yet the meaning behind it was clear-this wasn't just about food. It was about him wanting to make their time together special, no matter how small the moment seemed.

"Damian..." Amara's voice softened as her heart melted a little more. She turned away, trying to hide the blush that colored her cheeks.

He chuckled lowly, reaching over to brush his fingers lightly over the back of her hand again, sending sparks dancing along her skin. "Blushing again, Amara?" he teased warmly, his gaze never leaving her.

She pressed her lips together, trying not to smile too widely, but it was impossible. Being with him like this-so open, so unashamed-made her feel both nervous and safe all at once.

As the car pulled out of the lot, Amara glanced out the window, her heart beating faster than normal. She wasn't just heading to lunch with her boss. She was heading to lunch with Damian-the man who made her feel seen in ways she had never imagined.

And deep down, she knew this lunch was about to be more than just a meal.

The ride to their destination was calm, yet charged with an invisible spark. Damian didn't let go of Amara's hand, and she didn't resist either. By the time they stepped into the elegant restaurant, their fingers were still intertwined, and Damian guided her to their reserved table with a quiet confidence that made her heart flutter.

The waitress, cheerful and quick, placed menus before them. Amara chose something light while Damian ordered without hesitation. Soon, steaming plates were served, the aroma filling the cozy corner where they sat. The moment felt intimate-almost as if the world beyond their table didn't exist.

But that peace was short-lived.

"Well, this is a surprise."

Amara's fork paused midair. She turned to see Clara, graceful as ever in a fitted dress, her eyes glinting with curiosity. Without waiting for an invitation, Clara slid into the chair beside them, her smile sharp.

"Clara," Damian said evenly, though his jaw tightened. "What brings you here?"

"I was actually planning to branch your office today," Clara replied smoothly, brushing an imaginary strand of hair from her face. "But I suppose fate led me here instead." She shifted her gaze to Amara briefly, then back to Damian. "My father, Mr. Simon Glover, asked me to personally hand this to you."

From her bag, she pulled out a cream-colored envelope and placed it in front of him. "It's an invitation. He would be honored if you attended his anniversary celebration tomorrow. I'll be expecting you there."

Damian picked up the envelope, his face unreadable. "I see."

They were still speaking when another voice cut into the moment.

"Oh, Clara."

All heads turned as Serena approached, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. She feigned surprise as though this was their first meeting that day. "What a coincidence," she said with an elegant smile, exchanging a polite kiss on Clara's cheek.

"Serena," Clara greeted, returning the gesture, her smile stiff but practiced.

"And here you are too," Serena said lightly as she pulled out the last empty chair and sat down, her eyes deliberately lingering on Damian and Amara. She leaned forward, tilting her head just so. "Quite the gathering, isn't it?"

Her tone was casual, but Amara could sense the undercurrent. Their private lunch had now turned into a table full of unspoken rivalries, and Amara wasn't naïve-she knew she had just become the center of attention.

Serena leaned back in her chair, a sly smile playing on her lips. "I see you're having lunch," she said smoothly, her gaze shifting from Damian to Amara.

Damian gave a short nod, but before he could speak, Serena added with feigned innocence, "Oh yes, you're here with your secretary. Wait-hold on." She let out a soft laugh as though she had just remembered something. "You don't know? They're actually a couple now."

Clara raised a brow, pretending to be surprised. "Oh, really? Damian, you never told me you were dating. That's... not very nice of you to keep such news from your friends."

The air around the table thickened. Serena smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief, but Damian only cast a quick glance at Amara, silently urging her to stay calm.

Then Serena turned to Amara, her voice laced with condescension. "So, Amara... why are you so quiet today? No words to share?"

Amara set her fork down gently, lifting her gaze to meet Serena's directly. Her voice was calm but firm, carrying an edge of grace that couldn't be ignored.

"I only speak when it's worth it," she said softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Not everyone deserves a response."

The words hung in the air like a challenge. Serena's smile faltered, her confidence cracking just enough for Clara to notice. A faint flush crept up Serena's cheeks, and for once, she didn't have a ready comeback.

Damian's lips curved into the faintest of smiles as he leaned back in his chair, pride flickering in his eyes. Amara had handled it perfectly-without raising her voice, without losing her composure.

And Serena, for all her attempts to rattle her, was left with nothing but silence.

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