The drive to the office was quiet but filled with unspoken emotions. Damian's hand never left Amara's, his thumb brushing across her skin in soothing circles. The morning sun streamed through the tinted windows of the car, casting soft golden light over her face. Amara felt her heart flutter each time she caught him stealing glances at her, as if he couldn't believe she was sitting beside him, safe and sound after everything that had happened the previous night.
By the time they pulled into the company's parking lot, Eric had already jumped out to open the door for them. But before Amara could step out, Damian leaned closer and whispered, "Stay close to me today, Amara. No matter what happens." His voice carried a blend of protectiveness and warning. She nodded gently, touched by his concern.
As soon as they stepped out, Clara was already waiting by the glass doors at the entrance of the tall office building. Her posture was elegant, but her expression betrayed the storm brewing within her. She plastered a smile on her face the moment she caught sight of Damian, but her eyes darted to Amara with thinly veiled disdain.
"Good morning, Damian," Clara greeted sweetly, brushing an invisible strand of hair from her face.
Damian ignored the softness of her tone. He turned immediately to Amara, guiding her by the small of her back toward the doors. "Let's go," he said firmly, as though Clara hadn't spoken at all.
Clara's smile faltered, but she quickly recovered, her heels clicking as she followed closely behind them. The tension was thick enough to slice through.
Inside, employees stole glances at the trio. Whispers erupted almost instantly, passing from one desk to another. Some staff exchanged knowing looks-news of Damian's closeness with Amara had already spread, but seeing them arrive together in the morning, with Clara trailing like a shadow, confirmed the rumors even more.
Amara lowered her gaze, uncomfortable with the stares, but Damian didn't flinch. His presence was commanding as always, daring anyone to question his actions. He paused halfway down the hallway and turned to Clara.
"Come to my office," he ordered in a tone that allowed no room for protest.
Clara blinked, then forced another smile. "Of course," she replied smoothly, though her insides churned with anger.
When they reached his office, Damian opened the door and ushered Amara inside first. He closed the door behind them, leaving Clara to follow reluctantly. The atmosphere immediately shifted the moment they were enclosed within the luxurious space-Damian's sanctuary, where his decisions shaped the company's empire.
"Sit," Damian commanded. He guided Amara to his chair and, without hesitation, pulled her gently onto his lap. The gesture was bold, intimate, and deliberate.
Clara froze, her fists clenching at her sides. "Damian..." she started, her voice laced with disbelief.
But Damian silenced her with a sharp glance. His hand tightened protectively around Amara's waist as he said, "Clara, let me be clear. I haven't signed the contract with your father yet, and I won't. If he insists that it must come with me marrying you, then tell him I'm no longer interested in any business or investment with him."
Clara's jaw tightened, her smile slipping into a scowl. "You're making a mistake," she said coldly.
"No," Damian corrected firmly, his voice like steel. "The only mistake would be allowing anyone to think they can manipulate me with business deals and fake engagements. As you can see, Amara is my fiancée. We're getting married soon-either next week or the week after. So, if you want to keep working here, you'll stay away from her. If you want to remain in this building, you'll respect my decision."
For a moment, Clara simply stared, her face pale but her eyes blazing with suppressed fury. Then she let out a small laugh, brittle and sharp. "Really, Damian? You think you can just cut ties with my father like that? You think declaring your little love story makes everything perfect?"
Damian's eyes narrowed, the danger in his gaze undeniable. "Next time you try to harm me or Amara, I won't hesitate to send you to prison."
Clara's laughter grew louder, almost hysterical, echoing off the office walls. "Harm you? Harm her? I don't know what you're talking about." She tilted her chin arrogantly. "But we'll see how this ends. Don't be so sure of your happy ending, Damian." With a final smirk directed at Amara, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the office, the sound of her heels fading down the hall.
Silence filled the room once more. Amara shifted slightly on Damian's lap, her brows knitting together. "Don't you think that was a little harsh?" she asked softly.
Damian's arm tightened around her waist, his other hand brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I don't care about Clara. She's nothing to me. What matters is you, Amara. And I'll protect you no matter what it takes."
Amara's lips parted, her worry still lingering. "I'm not afraid of Clara... but I am worried about Mr. Simon Glover. He's powerful, Damian. If he decides to fight you-"
"Leave that to me," Damian interrupted gently but firmly. "When the time comes, we'll handle it together. For now, focus on us. Let's arrange our wedding. I want everyone to know you're mine."
Her cheeks flushed at his words, her heart pounding. Damian leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a tender but demanding kiss. Amara melted against him, her hands clutching his shoulders as he deepened the kiss. A soft moan escaped her lips before she could stop herself, making Damian's smile curve against her mouth.
Finally, she pulled back, breathless and blushing. "Damian, it's time for work. Let me go," she whispered.
But Damian only tightened his grip, his lips teasing hers again. "Work can wait. You, on the other hand, can't."
Amara laughed softly, her face burning as she buried it against his chest. For a fleeting moment, the office felt like a world of their own-safe, untouchable, and filled with the promise of a future together.
After Damian finally let her go, Amara hurried to her office. The moment she stepped in, whispers filled the room. Gossip spread quickly-some colleagues were shocked, some envious, others smiling knowingly. "So it's true... she's marrying the boss," one muttered. "Her charm really worked," another added. Some words were harsh, others kind, but Amara didn't let them sink in. This was her new reality, and she knew she had to face it with strength.