Chapter 3: The Weight of a Promise

Damien watched Noah glide out of his office. Her hips would catch in a swing, and it enthralled him-everything done with a poise that spoke volumes. He couldn't help but note how beautiful she was, his thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, its rhythm so fast he knew only one person could do that.

Vincent James walked into the room without waiting for an invitation. His familiarity was a comfort to Damien.

"Hey, James," Damien greeted, though he knew Vincent preferred his full name.

Vincent looked at Damien's face with concern. "You okay? You don't look so great."

"Yeah, I'm fine," Damien said, trying to shake off residual distraction.

So, did you wrap up the meeting with the new team for Miller's Enterprise?" Damien asked with a click of his tongue as he tucked into his sleeve, as if to anchor himself.

"Yeah, all wrapped. All under control. Here is the meeting review," Vincent said, handing him a blue file, that air of efficiency that always had impressed Damien.

"Thanks," Damien said, appreciating Vincent's consistency. All these years of friendship, and Vincent could still combine personal loyalty with professional acumen.

Vincent's curiosity got the better of him as he scratched his chin. "So, who was the stunning woman I saw leaving the floor?"

Damien deflected, "I'm not familiar with everyone who comes in to visit this floor."

"She was coming from your office, Damien. And we both know yours is the only office on this floor. Who was she?" Vincent demanded, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Damien sighed, relenting. "That was Noah Miller. She came in for the contract meeting."

Vincent's surprise was clearly readable as he shook his head. "Noah Miller? I had no idea she was so striking. She is absolutely beautiful."

"Yeah, I guess, but appearances can be so deceiving," Damien conceded, still burdened with his musings from earlier.

Vincent teased, his smile balancing out the concern in his voice. "Didn't expect you to admit that, but I guess that's a good thing?"

"I'm just saying," Damien returned, not liking this direction the conversation was taking.

"So, you're really going through with this wedding? I just can't believe that you're doing this all for the company. Couldn't a merger have worked?" Vincent sounded so concerned.

It was then that frustration seeped into Damien's voice. "This is exactly what we wanted, Vincent. Full control over the Millers, and marrying Noah is part of the process."

Vincent crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back in his chair. "I understand. I just want you to be happy. I'm also worried about how this will affect Clara.

Understanding Vincent's concern for Clara, his girlfriend, Damien reassured him, "This marriage won't change what I have with Clara."

Vincent got to his feet, his expression solemn. "I'll hold you to that, Damien. Got a meeting in 30 minutes. See you later?"

"Sure," Damien replied as he leaned back, and Vincent was out the door.

At home, Damien was greeted by his butler, Mr. William. "Welcome back, sir. Miss Clara is waiting for you in your bedroom."

"Merci, William," Damien said, his mind already caught up in the inevitable talk.

Clara lay on the bed, her gold hair strewn over her face as she slept. Damien watched her for a moment, guilt nudging him. She really didn't need all this hassle, yet Noah had to be in the picture somewhere.

Refreshed from a cold shower, Damien returned to find Clara awake and less than welcoming in her stare.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked softly, sat down beside her on the bed.

"No, Damien," she said, her anger and sadness both equaled. "You really would go through with this contract!"

Her voice cut sharply as she rose, frustration evident.

"I am sorry," Damien murmured, reaching for her hand. "I have told you how important that is to my family and me."

"That's not fair, Damien, we can't just sacrifice our relationship for this. You've already given up so much," Clara's voice shook as she looked away, her hurt concealed by none.

"I can't believe I have to watch you stay married to her for the next two years," she said, her shoulders sagging in despair.

Damien bowed his head low, not even able to look at her. "My father wanted a five-year contract, not two."

"What?!," Clara's eyes had widened with incredulity, and her eyes welled up with tears. "Five years? That is just so not fair, Damien. Two years was, like, already too long; now it is five?!

She continued, her voice breaking with sorrow, and she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

"Do not cry," he said, his own voice cracking. "I cannot bear to see you so distressed. I am so very sorry."

Torn by heartache himself, Damien knew he would still have to go through with the arrangement. They had sacrificed enough, and he had to follow through with his promise.

"I hate this, Damien!" Clara wailed, beating his chest before collapsing into his arms.

"I love only you, Clara. When this is all done with, you shall have me to yourself. We will get marry just as we have planned," Damien said, sounding sorrowful while holding her close. She was worth better, yet this was the path they had to take.

Soon enough, Clara slept in his arms. As Damien watched her face now at peace, his mind wandered to Clara spending the next five years and to Noah Miller for no reason.