Damien Shaw As the call with Imogene ends, I sit back in my chair, staring at the screen as the seconds tick away. A pang of disappointment hits me. I’ve been looking forward to this night for days, us walking in together, making a statement. But I can’t control her. She’s got her own life, her own career, and I promised her that I trust her. Still, it stings.The office is quiet except for the low hum of the AC. I glance around at the polished wood surfaces, the neatly organized files on my desk, but it all feels a little empty without her tonight. I rub a hand over my jaw, exhaling slowly. Kia walks in, her heels clicking softly against the floor, holding a stack of freshly printed copies. “I’m done with the prints,” I nod. “Thank you, Kia.” She’s been doing a great job as an intern, more than just keeping up with the grunt work. I appreciate how she always goes the extra mile, helping around with little things that make my day easier. She lingers by the desk, glancing a
Imogene Scott When I arrive home, exhaustion hits me like a wave. My shoulders ache from the long hours spent hunched over the vision board, and my mind is buzzing. I barely hear Breonna greet me as she stands in the living room. But when her soft voice registers, I force myself to look up. “Lily’s asleep,” she says with a smile. Relief immediately washes over me, and I move forward to hug her tightly. “Thank you, Bre,” I whisper into her shoulder. “You look wiped,” she says, pulling back slightly. “Get some rest, yeah?” I nod because I’m too tired to say much. “Good night,” I manage, and she slips out, leaving me alone in the quiet house. I collapse onto the couch, letting out a long breath. My body sinks into the cushions, and I stare at the ceiling. It’s almost 11 p.m. The event must’ve ended by now. But why hasn’t Damien called or texted? Maybe he’s mad. I know I canceled last minute, but work couldn’t be helped, right? Just as I’m about to grab my phone, the doorbell r
Imogene ScotMorning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I blink slowly, my eyes adjusting to the gentle brightness. When I glance beside me, I see Damien lying there in sleep. I just watch him, taking in the steady rise and fall of his chest. He looks so calm and relaxed. I shift slightly, turning to face him. A stray lock of his hair has fallen across his forehead, and I can’t resist brushing it back. My fingertips barely graze his skin, but it’s enough to make him stir. His eyes flutter open, and he looks at me with that familiar, warm gaze that makes my heart skip a beat."Good morning," he says, his voice still husky with sleep."Good morning," I reply softly.I sit up and run a hand through my hair, trying to smooth out the tangles. My thoughts are already racing to the day ahead—getting Lily ready for school, the usual chaos of the morning routine.Damien watches me with a lazy smile, propping himself up on one elbow. "If only you knew ho
Damien ShawI pace back and forth in my office, the tension building with every step. My mind is racing, trying to process the mess from that article. I feel like I’ve been blindsided, like I let something slip through the cracks, and now, it’s hurting the one person who means the most to me. Imogene’s face flashes in my mind—her eyes filled with disbelief and hurt. That look... it cuts me deeper than I expected.The door swings open, and my crisis control team files in. I don’t waste time. "I want every single article taken down within the hour," I snap. They nod in unison, not a word spoken, and quickly waltz out of the office. I let out a long breath, sinking into my chair. My hands rake through my hair, and I close my eyes.But that image of Imogene’s hurt expression lingers. I feel like an absolute failure. I should’ve been more careful, should’ve seen this coming. How did I let this happen? Kia was just there for the event, just a simple introduction to a few people. But the m
Imogene ScottIt’s a relief that all this misunderstanding is cleared up. Even though part of me feels Damien could have countered the claims with maybe a of picture of us together or better still, announcing it. But it doesn’t matter, we’re having dinner together tonight at 8pm. Just the two of us and that’s enough for me.I really can’t wait.Damien has taken care of it so I have nothing to worry about. What I should be worrying about is meeting Allison Baker. Yes, hot supermodel Allison Baker who’s also Keith’s girlfriend. Keith wants to finally introduce me to her over a late brunch.It’s almost 6pm and I’m standing outside the restaurant. I take a deep breath and step into Montego’s Restaurants. It’s one of the best restaurants in LA—so Keith told me. Plus, it has a lot of privacy and a lot of celebrities often come here to dine. The restaurant overlooks the largest beach in the city. I’m in a blue strapless gown with a pair of black flats. My hair is in a tight bun wi
Imogene Scott“What?”Allison leans in closer, her voice dropping a pitch, “I don’t like this whole relationship you’re having with my Keith,”I narrow my eyebrows, “Keith and I are just friends and—,”“For now,” Allison interrupts. “I know the history between you two. He used to be in love with you. For all I know, he still might be.”I frown and say cautiously. “Keith no longer sees my like that.”Allison drags in a ragged breath, “Maybe, Imogene. But all I’m asking is for you to take a step back from Keith. Give us a chance to grow more,”Allison needs me to step back from Keith, I’m ready to go that in order for them to grow. But I can’t abandon my project with Keith either. It has barely started off.“I don’t think I can do that, Al.”“Don’t call me that.” she snaps in a low tone. “I know you and Keith were together all evening yesterday.”“Working.” I reiterate.“Were you?”I lean closer to her. “This is really not about me. This is about you trying to trust Keith. I habour n
Damien ShawThere’s an old adage that bad things come in threes, and if I wasn’t so scornful of superstitions, I might’ve believed it after this shit show of a day.First, the little scandal with Kia. Those hungry reporters will take anything for a scoop. Secondly, a ridiculous tech malfunction reset our email and calendar systems this morning, and we’d spent hours getting everything back in order.Then, one of my top traders quit because he’s “burned out” and “found his true calling” as a fucking yoga teacher, of all things.Now, an hour before U.S. markets closes, news leaked that a company we have a large position in is being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Stocks are in free fall, which means the value of our position is declining by the minute, and my plans to leave early have disintegrated faster than tissue paper in a washing machine. As the CEO of a major tech conglomerate, I don’t have the luxury of delegating crisis management.“Talk to me.” Brisk
Damien Shaw I pull into the parking lot, tires screeching a bit too loudly on the pavement. My pulse matches the speed I drove to get here. I check the time. It’s late, way too late for the dinner I promised Imogene. The meeting had lasted a bit too long and I got so caught up in the moment that I lost track of time.The empty pit in my stomach sinks even deeper.I park the car, ready to head into the building when I spot Imogene sitting in her car. Her eyes are closed, her head leaned back against the headrest. She looks tired, but it’s more than that—it’s the disappointment hanging off her shoulders. I’ve seen it before. Too many times.I knock on her window, soft enough not to startle her but loud enough to pull her from her thoughts. Her eyes open slowly, locking onto mine. She doesn’t say anything. Just stares for a long moment, her expression unreadable, before she steps out of the car and heads toward the building without a word.“Imogene, wait.” My voice feels rough. Sh
Imogene Scott I sit in the living room, wringing my hands together as I stare at the clock. The agency said they’d send the fourth candidate soon, but if she’s anything like the last three, I’m not sure I’ll survive the day. The first woman looked like she’d send me into an early grave with how tightly wound she was, and the second… I don’t even want to think about her. I could practically see her zoning out halfway through our conversation. The third one made me tilt my head in disbelief—a heavy coat, in this heat? On a blazing sunny day? What was she hiding under there? I shake my head, exasperated. A long sigh slips from my lips, and I sink further into the couch, staring at the sun-drenched curtains. Why is this so hard? I just want someone competent. Someone who can help me manage this house without driving me insane. The sharp ring of the doorbell jolts me upright. I spring to my feet, brushing invisible creases from my dress. Fourth time’s the charm, right? I don’t
Damien Shaw "I don’t even know who to trust anymore." The words are frustrating as they leave my mouth. I press my hands flat against the edge of my desk, gripping it harder. Gerald stands across from me, his expression carefully neutral, but I can see the tension in his jaw. “Weaknesses in our security?” I continue. “And now we’re sure someone on the inside helped with the leak?”Gerald nods. “Yes. The evidence points to internal involvement. Possibly more than one person.” The idea sinks into my chest like a stone. More than one person. It’s almost unthinkable. My team, the people I’ve trusted, built this company with—could they really be working against me? My throat tightens at the thought. “We need a full background check on every employee,” I say. “No exceptions. I don’t care how long they’ve been with the company, whether they’re at the executive level or just interns. Go through them all.”Gerald hesitates, just for a second. “That’ll take time,” he says carefull
Imogene Scott My mind is spinning as I step out of Lila’s office. Divorce papers. My father’s name on them. Lila’s isn’t. A billion-dollar check. For her? My heels echo sharply against the marble floor as I walk. In the lobby, I see the receptionist who texted me earlier and make my way toward her. She looks around nervously, then waves me over to a quieter corner. “You’re Mr. Scott’s daughter, right?” her voice low.“Yes,” I say. “Why?”She glances over her shoulder, then leans in, her voice barely above a whisper. “Your father was here the day before he was... you know. Killed. He and Lila had a huge fight in her office. I couldn’t hear what they were arguing about, but it was bad.”My stomach drops. “Do you remember anything else? Anything at all?” She shakes her head apologetically. “No, but... there’s something not right about her. She’s hiding something about this company. I’ve been here a long time, and I know when something’s off.”I blink, trying to process her word
Imogene Scott A week later… I sit in the stiff leather chair, my hands resting over my stomach. The waiting room is quiet and the door finally swings open. The doctor steps in, holding a folder. My breath hitches. This is routine, I remind myself. Routine. I’m here for my usual checkup. Alone this time. I had told Damien he didn’t have to accompany me since he’s been missing a lot work a lot lately because of me.“Mrs. Shaw,” The doctor says with a polite nod, gesturing for me to join him in his office. I follow, my heels clicking against the tile floor. His office smells faintly of antiseptic and lavender, maybe. I sit across from his desk, the folder now open in front of him. He doesn’t look alarmed, but there’s a wrinkle in his brow. “Imogene, I’m glad you came in today.” “Is everything alright?” He nods but steeples his fingers, leaning forward slightly. “The babies are fine, but your stress levels are higher than we’d like. It’s starting to show in your vitals
Imogene Scott The bedroom feels too big when Damien walks out. I sit up in bed, clutching the edge of the blanket. I let out a shaky breath, staring at the door he just closed. He’s going to ask me about therapy. I know he will. I don’t even know how to explain it. How do I tell him that sitting in that room felt like unpacking a suitcase only to realize you’ve brought nothing but broken things? That therapy didn’t feel like healing—it felt like dragging wounds out into the open and watching them bleed. I shake my head. I can’t stay in bed waiting for him to corner me. The quiet will drive me insane. I throw back the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed. My head spins as I stand, but I grip the bedpost and steady myself. I shuffle to the door, trailing my hand along the wall as I make my way downstairs. The faint hum of the stovetop reaches my ears, along with the rhythmic sound of Damien chopping something. I stop at the edge of the kitchen and watch him.
Damien Shaw “Please, keep the investigation discreet for now,” I say firmly, meeting Gerald’s gaze. My voice is steady, but my insides churn. Gerald nods and gathers his notes before leaving my office. The door clicks shut and I sink into my seat, pinching the bridge of my nose as my temples throb. Five meetings, all back-to-back in one morning. Each one is a battlefield of strategy, damage control, and trying to piece together what the hell is happening with this damn leak. My head feels like it’s about to split open, and the office suddenly seems unbearably warm. I loosen my tie and lean back, closing my eyes for a brief moment. I need just a second—one second to breathe— My phone vibrates against the desk, shattering the silence. I grab it immediately, hoping it’s Gerald with an update, but instead, I see Imogene’s name. It’s a text: Imogene: "I don’t think therapy is good for me."My stomach twists. Therapy. The session. What happened? My thumb hovers over her nam
“Yes,” I say with a little more heat on it than I would’ve liked. “Because he believed in me. He believed I could do it.”“Okay.”“He believed in me.”“I understand.”Beat.“Can you tell me what happened after you helped him save the company?” Annie pauses to find the right words. This one I don’t want to answer but I feel like if I wiggle around it Annie will just come right back for the jugular with her follow up. I tread with caution.“Well… he got married again.”“And you?”“Yes, what about me?”“Were you in touch with him?”“Well, he had his new life. We barely kept touch.”Annie holds another of her trademark unreadable stares at me. Even though I can’t gauge the specics, I can tell there’s a lot of speculation going on. I feel theneed to add more.“Plus, we started keeping in touch again recently.” I give a little nod to punctuate my statement. I’m hoping that moved the dialon Annie’s judgment, but after a few seconds I can tell it didn’t.Annie purses her lips. “Who reached
Imogene Scott I sit down in the tufted chair opposite Dr Annie Eddie and let out a sigh. This is my first therapy session with her and I’m a little nervous. I’m only here because of Damien. Because I want to be better for him, for Lily and the twins. I tell her a few things about my life I’m comfortable telling anyone and she tells me in order to get to what’s underneath those emotions, what’s driving it, we need to unpack my life in a more comprehensive way.“Okay…” I’m hesitant. What will this entail? I hate the uncertainty.“And please, address me as Annie.” I nod. “Sure.”“Now, I want to understand more about Little Imogene,” she says tenderly. “I understand your mother died of cancer when you were just ten.”Always with the childhood, these therapists. I’ve seen enough movies and TV shows to know that this is the classic therapeutic scapegoat. Some shit happenedin your childhood, it messed you up, that’s why you are the way you are.But not me. I didn’t have an alcoholic d
Damien Shaw The kitchen smells like butter and eggs as I stand by the stove, flipping the omelette in the pan. The sizzle fills the air, and I catch the faintest scent of parsley—Lily insists she hates green things, but I sneak them in for her anyway. I glance at the clock above the sink. It’s later than I thought. Imogene is still upstairs with the doctor. I hope that goes smoothly, but something tells me it won’t. “Mummy says eggs make you strong like Superman!” Lily’s voice cuts through my thoughts as she rushes into the kitchen.“Is it ready, Daddy?” she asks.She’s peering up at me with those wide, curious eyes that make me feel like I’m doing something right in this whole parenting thing. “Just in time,” I say.I slide the omelette onto a small plate, cut it into smaller pieces, then hand it to her. “Thank you!” she chirps before scampering into the living room. I follow her with my eyes as she climbs onto the couch, settling in with her plate. A faint movement ca