Edwin decided to drop the subject. His brother was right. This wasn't the best time and place to speak about such crucial information."I'll bring Nathy back to Miami—""You will do no such thing. Nathy will remain with me and keep me company." Eva immediately cut him off, frowning as she watched the scene unfold before her."Eva, Nathy needs to be taught a lesson-""For what? Helping me move on?" Eva angrily asked in disbelief.Damien fiercely glowered at her, "Moving on with what? Useless rebounds that would only waste your time?"She narrowed her eyes to glare at him. "She was just trying to help!" She tried to yank her hand out of his, but instead, he tugged her towards him. His pull was so strong, she would have fallen off the bed if he didn't haul her to his chest.Even when he stared down at her, she wasn't scared of him. A staring competition between the blizzard in his eyes and the raging fire in hers had started. At that moment, none of them planned to yield."Stubborn littl
She had fought hard to pursue her career in modeling, a path her family had initially resisted, but her persistence eventually won them over. This latest scandal, though, had brought fresh waves of disapproval from her parents. She feared their disappointment and, worse, the wrath of her formidable grandfather. If her parent's scolding is not enough, they would definitely send her to meet their grandfather and the thought of it alone was making her cringe. Her grandfather might have a soft spot but that old man was really scary and terrifying.“Nathalia is an adult,” Eva cut in, coming to her friend’s defense just as she had done so many times during their younger years. “She can go home by herself.” Her loyalty to Nathalia was fierce, and Eva had always shielded her friend from trouble, regardless of the consequences.Damien turned his gaze to Eva, a flicker of frustration evident in his intense stare. “If you keep coddling her like this,” he began, his tone edged with reproach, “yo
“Oh, really?” Eva raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a skeptical look. “How about that time you sneaked out at midnight to meet a stranger who promised to show you a dozen puppies? You slipped past security, left your bodyguards behind, and nearly got yourself into serious trouble.” “T-that was one time!” Nathalia stammered, her cheeks flushing as she remembered the incident. The incident happened when they used to be models together and the security detail had woken Eva in a panic in the middle, frantic after discovering that Nathalia had snuck out on her own. Eva had been furious, and Nathalia, although grateful for the rescue, had never quite heard the end of it. “And don't get me started on the other naive things you've done in the past because it would only confirm that you are naive." Eva shook her head with a tired sigh, rubbing her forehead. She caught herself as she brushed against the thick bandage, a reminder that she was still lying in a hospital bed. Glancing u
Damien scowled, his gaze simmering with irritation. The company can wait, he thought stubbornly. He’d rather be here with her, watching over her, than stuck behind a desk in some corporate boardroom.“I can stay here and—” he began, but she cut him off.“Damien,” She called, cutting him off. Her eyes scanned his entire body before meeting his gaze with a raised brow. “You look…awful. And it's very concerning.”“Pftt….” Edwin who had been quietly watching them almost couldn't control himself and nearly burst out laughing. Even Nathalia managed to not laugh out.Damien’s lips twitched faintly. “That’s rich, coming from someone who’s been unconscious for two weeks. If my look is your concern, I'd go home and change then come back-”“No need to come back here, Nathalia will stay with me. We have a lot of catching up to do,” she continued, her tone softening slightly. “Meanwhile, Cross Enterprise has thousands of employees who are depending on you. They need you more than I do.” Her voice
“Perhaps I am, perhaps I’m not,” Eva replied with a nonchalant shrug, a small smirk playing on her lips.Damien felt the breath leave his lungs as he stared at her. Her mischievous sweet smile lit up her face, and for a moment, he was completely caught in her gaze, looking at her like a man bewitched. She was such a mystery—this woman who could challenge him, unafraid and unabashed. It made his heart race in ways he could barely control.Beneath his admiration, however, a flicker of jealousy lingered. The thought of other men pursuing her, even if it was in the past or on harmless blind dates set up by Nathalia irritated him.“Now go back to your company and make more money,” Eva said, giving his chest a gentle push as she tried to shoo him toward the door. She was smiling, her teasing tone light, and the sight of her so relaxed with him made the tension in his chest ease.Damien let out a soft laugh, one that felt light and boyish even to him. She rarely treated him with this much wa
Finally, Nathalia stomped back to Eva's bedside, a childish pout settled on her face. “Eva, I seriously don’t understand what you see in such a stubborn man!”Eva's laughter filled the room, rich and warm, as she gave her friend a knowing look. “Nathy, you should know better than anyone that stubbornness runs in your family’s blood,” she teased. She’d missed Nathalia’s lively spirit and the fun they shared. It felt like ages since she’d seen her friend so full of mischief and life.Nathalia’s mouth dropped open, and she let out a dramatic gasp, her hand clutching her chest, while deepening her pout. “Eva! I am not stubborn!” She eyed Eva's arm, clearly itching to grab and shake it as she always did, but she held herself back, remembering her friend’s injuries.Eva rolled her eyes, a smile still on her lips. “Yeah, right.”“If you keep rolling your eyes, they’ll get stuck that way,” Nathalia countered with a playful stomp of her foot, crossing her arms in a pretend huff.Eva chuckled,
After indulging in the hearty meal and feeling her energy begin to restore, Eva settled back against her pillows, her eyelids growing heavy with drowsiness. But just as she began to drift into a contented nap, Nathalia nudged her shoulder insistently.Groaning, Eva cracked an eye open, her exasperation clear. “What now?” Her voice was laced with irritation from being disturbed as she raised a brow at the expectant look on her friends face.Just as Nathalia was about to open her mouth and speak, her cell phone went off which interrupted her. When she glanced at her cell phone screen, she glanced back at Eva who was staring at her as well.“Who is it?" Eva asked.“Gwen. You know she always makes sure to visit everyday since you've been here. I wonder why she is calling me." Nathalia told Eva before she answered the call."Gwen, is there a problem?” Nathalia asked, after answering the call." Yes, there is a problem. I'm outside Eva's ward and the guards won't let me in. Though they loo
Gwen's worried look softened as she stared at Eva, she raised her hand up and helped Eva to tuck the strand of hair behind her ear while caressing her cheeks. However, the moment didn't last long as Gwen's expression switched. “Don't you dare tell me not to worry about you ever again! Apart from being your manager, I have a new job and that is to worry about you. Do you have the slightest idea of what I went through the day you disappeared? I was on the verge of dying out of worry!” Gwen scolded as she crossed her arm in front of her chest and glowered at Eva." She had everyone worried. Speaking of that, I have to let Kai know that you are awake as well.” Nathalia Interjected as she brought out her phone."Gwen, I'm sorry for making you worried. I should have told you where I was going.” Eva didn't bother to argue or explain and apologize to Gwen. She was fully aware that she was being scolded by Gwen because she was worried.After Gwen forgave her, the three of them engaged in a li
Kai leaned back in his sleek office chair, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Elite Entertainment’s Miami headquarters. His phone buzzed, and the name “Mr. Carl” flashed across the screen. Sighing, he answered the call, already bracing himself for what was to come.“Kai speaking,” he said curtly.“Good afternoon, Mr. Breaker,” Came Mr. Carl’s smooth and measured voice. “I appreciate you taking my call. I wanted to discuss a matter concerning Evangeline.”Kai’s posture straightened slightly, his instincts immediately alert. “What about her?”“Well,” Mr. Carl began, his tone calculated, “as you’re aware, Christine Carter has been facing some challenges following her recent scandal. While BTG industry has done its best to contain the fallout, her reputation has not fully recovered. This has raised concerns for us at HB Industry, given her collaboration contract with us.”Kai’s eyes narrowed. He said nothing, letting Mr. Carl dig his own grave.“To address this,” M
---The next morning, the media was ablaze with photos of their romantic outing. Paparazzi had captured them at the amusement park, painting them as the ultimate power couple. In every image, Damien’s protective nature was evident—his arm firmly around Eva, his gaze never straying far from her.The headlines praised their chemistry, their undeniable connection. While most media outlets dared not mention Eva’s past, a few foolishly brought up her previous engagement to Mark and unearthed unflattering photos from years ago.Damien was swift in his retaliation. The companies responsible were swiftly dismantled, their employees blacklisted, and the malicious articles erased from existence. His actions sent a clear message: any attack on Eva would be met with swift and merciless consequences.Unaware of the media frenzy, Eva woke up to a flood of messages. Most were from her estranged family, whose sudden interest in her life only deepened her disdain.[Mistress]: Ungrateful child! Why did
Her words seemed to shatter the last of his control. Damien’s movements became more deliberate, his hands exploring her body with a confidence that left her breathless. She felt the heat of his touch through the thin fabric of her dress, and when his lips found the sensitive spot at the base of her throat, a soft moan escaped her.The tension between them built with every touch, every kiss, until it was almost unbearable. Damien’s hands found the straps of her dress, and he slid them down her shoulders, his lips following the path they left behind. She felt vulnerable yet safe under his gaze, the intensity in his eyes making her feel like the most precious thing in the world.Just as they reached the point of no return, the shrill sound of Damien’s phone shattered the moment. He froze, his forehead resting against hers as he let out a frustrated groan. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered, his voice filled with irritation.Eva couldn’t help but laugh softly, her cheeks flushed a
She trembled at his words, their certainty sending a ripple through her. He spoke with such confidence, so assured that she would stay by his side for the rest of their lives, and to her surprise, she found comfort in it. There was something deeply reassuring about his unwavering resolve, about knowing he was the kind of man who would cross oceans and move mountains to keep her close—even if it meant chasing her to the ends of the earth just to bring her back."I never intended to run," she whispered, her voice soft but resolute. Her words made his heart race. He tightened his arms around her, unwilling to let go.Eva remained nestled against Damien’s chest, her breath steadying as his strong arms cocooned her in warmth. For a moment, the world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them in the magical ambiance he had created. The distant hum of the city and the lingering scent of roses faded into the background, replaced by the quiet, steady rhythm of his heartbeat
Okay, now remove your hands."Eva hesitated for a moment before doing as Damien instructed. When she opened her eyes, confusion flickered across her face. Darkness engulfed her entirely, so thick she could barely make out his silhouette ahead of her."What's going on—"Her words faltered as Damien pressed a button. In an instant, the oppressive darkness was replaced with a breathtaking display of shimmering lights.The scenery before her was magical, like something out of a dream. Majestic archways adorned with twinkling lights stretched as far as her eyes could see. Each arch was intricately designed with delicate white metalwork, interwoven with clusters of vibrant flowers. Fairy lights danced across the vivid blooms, their colors blending into a mesmerizing spectrum. String lights cascaded above them, adding to the enchantment.Her gaze drifted downward, and her breath caught. The ground was a carpet of roses—red, white, and pink—arranged in a heart-shaped pattern so intricate it s
Suspicious, Eva pulled out her phone and opened the camera. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw the glaring red marks on her neck—two perfectly visible hickeys."You!" she gasped, smacking Damien’s arm as he burst into laughter."You… you…!" she stammered, completely flustered. Her thoughts raced in a whirlwind of panic. ‘Oh my goodness! Has it been there this whole time? Is that why people kept staring at me?!’"It’s not funny!" she scolded, now using her purse to hit him, much to the amusement of his bodyguards."If it makes you feel better, you can leave some on me too," Damien teased, winking playfully. She retaliated by swatting at him repeatedly, but he was far too amused by her adorable expression to take her seriously. The mere thought of her leaving a mark on him filled him with excitement, his eyes glinting with anticipation and unspoken hopes."You wish!" she snapped, instantly crushing his hopes, though his smirk only deepened."Careful what you wish for," he murmured,
After the haunted house, Eva eagerly dragged Damien from one ride to another—towering roller coasters, spinning swings, and even a few kiddie rides. For her sake, Damien endured the sweltering heat and the endless lines. He’d thought a regular FastPass was fine, but Eva insisted they live like “normal” people for the day.He glanced at her flushed cheeks and noticed her eyes drooping slightly from the heat. With a sharp flick of his wrist, his bodyguards stepped forward. One handed him a hat while the other awaited further instructions."Get iced drinks," Damien ordered, placing the hat gently on Eva’s head.Her curious eyes peeked up at him, and she began to speak, but he cut her off with a sigh. "You're overexerting yourself, silly." Pulling out a pristine handkerchief, he wiped the beads of sweat forming on her forehead with surprising tenderness."But it’s so much fun…" Eva mumbled, reaching for his arm. To her dismay, he dodged her touch at first, only to surprise her by intertwi
Before she could respond, he kissed her with a fierce urgency, his lips claiming hers with an intensity that left her breathless. His mouth was rough and demanding, pulling her closer, but there was also an undeniable sweetness in the way he tasted her. Despite the forceful kiss, a warmth spread through her, igniting a growing heat within her body.A sharp gasp escaped her when he nipped at her bottom lip, the sudden sting quickly soothed by his tongue, the tenderness of his touch both punishing and soothing in equal measure. His kiss deepened, and as promised, her mind spiraled into blankness, consumed by the sensation of his lips on hers. His hand slid behind her, giving her a gentle but possessive squeeze that made her heart race.The soft sound of her breath hitched as he continued, kissing her mercilessly until her lips were tender and swollen. Her legs were barely holding her up, but he was there, steadying her, marking her with every kiss, every touch. When he finally pulled aw
“Don’t worry, Big Boss. If you’re scared, you can always hide behind me!” Eva smirked, seizing the rare opportunity to tease Damien. When she saw his face darken, the corners of his mouth pulling down into a displeased frown, her laughter bubbled out uncontrollably. The sound was like a melody that softened his rigid expression, a faint smile threatening to break through.“Oh, and here—” she extended her hand toward him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You can hold my hand too. Don’t worry, dear prince, This knight will protect you.”Her challenge was met immediately as Damien grabbed her hand, his firm grip tugging her toward him. He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, his voice low and husky, “Teasing me like this won’t end well for you.”Eva’s stomach flipped at the sensation of his breath on her skin, but she refused to give in. Smirking, she countered, “Not before I teach you who’s in charge today.” She was amused that, even though he was clearly scared, he