Inside the Gala
Inside, champagne flowed and lies danced. They mingled. They laughed. But in reality they wanted to tear each other apart.
Zara was halfway through her second flute when a familiar voice whispered behind her.
"I warned you."
She turned, and there was "Logan". Her past that refuses to stop hunting her present. he stood before her dressed in a black tux. Smiling like the devil.
"What the hell are you doing here?" she hissed.
"Investors invited me. Seems I'm still useful after all." he said more of a matter of fact.
"You leaked the photos?"
Logan raised his brows. "You think I need to? Nah Damian's past leaks itself." I don't need to try.
"If it wasn't him, who leaked the photos then..who"?. This question buzzed in her head she hated how clueless she was. Zara's nails dug into her clutch.
"You're playing a dangerous game," she whispered.
"So are you," he said, eyes flicking toward Damian across the room. "Let me know when you're ready to switch sides." with that he vanished into the crowd.
Frustrated she gulped the remaining content of her drink.
---
Back at the Penthouse.
Zara and Damian didn't speak in the elevator.
When they entered the apartment, the silence stretched. Unable to hold it in any longer...
"I saw Logan," she finally said, slipping out of her heels.
"I know," Damian said. "I saw him talking to you."
"He thinks you're toxic."
Damian gave a humorless laugh. "I am."
She turned, frustrated. she hated how composed he was when literally everything was crumbling down. "Then why am I still here? wrapped up in this messy web with you?".
His voice was low. "Because I can't lose you."
That stunned her. obviously not expecting such a response.
Her lips parted, but words tangled in her throat.
Damian crossed the room in a heartbeat. His hand slid around her neck, not hard but anchoring. His forehead touched hers.
"I've done things I'll never be proud of," he said. "But the one good thing I've done… is you."
And then he kissed her.
He hasn't anticipated this, this emotions the feelings, he taught he's past it , over it, but no. it was still there buried beneath and she brought it out to the surface again.
His lips still on her's, they kissed, not with fire nor with rage.
But with passion. And she let him.
Because this, whatever this was, was starting to feel like the only truth either of them had left.
---
Next morning.
Zara was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast...
Damian walks in...
"We'll this isn't a scene you see on a reg".. he teased surprised that she could move around in the kitchen.
"I thought you only knew how to sign documents, wear classic suits and give orders". Never knew you had this side to you...
She chuckled. we'll get used to it cause in as much as the contract stands I'll be doing this but don't expect it often.
He smiled.
"... "
Stunned... it was the first time she actually saw him smile "genuinely". Not the type he showed in business meetings or conferences. No those were all fake. but this?... It was beautiful.
You should do that often she said. Stirring the amulet.
"Do what"?
"Smile" she said.
He chuckled... "Zara I'm a business tycoon, smiling isn't my thing". He said.
She nodded, putting down that pot... all set. Want some?
"Yeah I'm curious to know if it tastes just as good as the maker". He teased her yet again...
she laughed ignoring the last comment... she dished out for him, passing the plate to him while going over to the refrigerator to get juice.
They both ate in silence. None bringing up the incident from yester-night. "Not like they didn't want to, especially Zara... but for once they needed a normal day, a day without drama or secrets. One normal day which they both didn't get since they signed the contract".
---
Zara left for the office immediately after finishing her breakfast. she needed to know what's happening after the events last night. "Since she's not bringing up last night incident, she should at least know the outcome of the event".
Wolfe International.
Stepping out of the elevator on the top floor she encountered Bridget.
"perfect" she smiled and walked towards her
"Any news about last night's gala"?
"Yes ma'am" Bridget replied.
"Fill me the info" she said walking into her office with Bridget following behind her...
---
9:00.P.M. Back in the penthouse.
She walked in looking exhausted.
Damian was seated in the kitchen counter. wine in hand. Sleeve rolled up. He's gaze not leaving the file before him. "you're back..."
"Obviously" she said falling heavily on the couch..
"Tired"?
"Hm hmmm" someone left me to oversee the mess he created.
He said nothing...
She snapped... "Okay, can we stop pretending as if nothing happened last night"?
"Zara I... " He tried saying something but she cuts him off.
"Please Damian, if you're not gonna tell me what I want to hear then don't say anything more. I don't even know if I should believe anything you say anymore".... with that she went upstairs.