Damien ShawI don’t say anything at first, I just stare at Imogene. I keep my expression neutral, but a frown still crosses my features. Keith. The guy who almost ruined everything. I trust Imogene, I do, but the thought of her working closely with him again stirs something dark inside me.She’s watching me closely, reading my face like she always does. “You don’t have to agree,” I shake my head, forcing a smile. “I’m fine with whatever you decide.”Imogene gives me a long hard look. She’s probably contemplating whether I’m joking or not. But I’m not.“Really?” Her eyes search mine. She knows me too well.I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, trying to ease the tightness in my chest. I don’t like this, but what I’ve learned over these past few months—what we’ve learned—is that trust is the foundation of every relationship. And I trust Imogene. “I don’t like the idea,” I admit, letting my voice drop lower. “But I trust you, Imogene, and that’s what matters. I can’t control you, and
Imogene ScottWhen I get to the gallery the next day, Keith is already waiting. He must be really psyched about the project. What’s more concerning is that Damien doesn’t seem bothered by the idea. I had already overthought the whole thing and figured he would overreact. But he said, and I quote, “I trust you.”It actually means a lot to me that he does. Which is why I mustn’t fuck this up.“Good morning.” Keith’s says in a chirpy voice. I personally think he’s too happy for a Wednesday morning. He hands me a cup of coffe. “This is for you.”I take it, and we both walk into the gallery. Emmett greets me politely and continues with his workload. Keith and I walk to my office. As we both take our seats, we discuss the terms of our agreement. An affiliate company to KJ Tech is hosting their anniversary and they’re planning on using the same concept as the Tech Con project.Keith’s phone beeps and he gets on his feet and walks out of my office. I take that time check for any texts. Ther
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
Imogene Scott I slept through the night for the first time in weeks. No jolting awake. No sweat-slicked skin. No dreams of drowning in shadows. Just silence. Stillness. Peace.My eyes open slowly, blinking into the quiet morning light spilling through the gauzy white curtains. The ocean breeze flows in from the slightly open window. My head doesn’t feel like it’s been split in two.I pull the blanket down and sit up, cradling my growing belly with both hands. The twins will be here in a few weeks. Two heartbeats fluttering beneath my skin. Two tiny souls I haven't even met, but already love with an intensity that’s terrifying and beautiful all at once.My fingers press gently into the bump. “You two are going to be okay,” I whisper. “We’re all going to be okay.”A soft smile pulls at my lips. It’s real this time. Not the kind I force at dinner tables or mirror reflections. No, this one is real.“What are you smiling about?”Damien’s voice startles me. I look up as he steps into
Damien Shaw The sun spills through the curtains as my eyes flutter open. I groan, registering the soreness in my bones. I rub at my face, letting my hand fall onto the bed beside me…It’s empty.My heart kicks up, a sudden thrum against my ribs.Imogene is not here.The sheets are still warm, faintly scented with her shampoo and her pillow’s half-squashed. She couldn’t have gone far. But still… my throat tightens as I sit up fast, pushing the blanket off. My bare feet hit the cool wood floor and I stand, eyes scanning the quiet bedroom.I don’t call out. Not yet. My gut twists like it always does when she disappears from my line of sight. I step into the hallway, and I’m immediately hit with a warm, sweet and smoky smell.Pancakes?I follow the scent into the kitchen, tension loosening slightly with each step. And then I see her.She’s standing by the stove, her back to me, swaying ever so slightly to some melody in her head. She’s barefoot, in nothing but my oversized black T-shir
Imogene Scott“Mummy, how long are you going to be gone?” Lily’s small voice floats toward me.I pause, my hand hovering over the zipper of my suitcase. The last dress is folded neatly inside and I press it down before turning to face her. She’s standing by the edge of the bed.“Mummy will be back in a few days,” I say gently, kneeling in front of her and smoothing her curls with my palm. She looks at me like she’s studying me, trying to see if I’m telling the truth or just saying what I think she wants to hear.“Will Mummy be better by then?” she asks.My breath catches.Better.I nod, brushing my thumb across her cheek.“Yes, baby. Mummy will be fine.”Lily thinks about that for a second, then smiles. “Yes, then Mummy can go. Anty Kia will take good care of me.”A soft knock sounds on the door just as I press a kiss to Lily’s forehead. Sheila steps in. “Is there anything else you want to take to the water park, Lily?” she says.Before Lily can answer, Kia walks in right behind
Imogene Scott When I open my eyes, it’s dark outside.The ceiling fan spins slowly above me. My body feels warm as I place my palm on my forehead and try to register what time it is on the wall clock across the room. But my vision’s a little blurry and I can’t make out the numbers, so I sit up instead, blinking away the sleep.I swing my legs off the bed and the cold wooden floor kisses my bare feet. I tug Damien’s hoodie tighter around me before padding to the door. I didn’t mean to sleep that long. I was just going to close my eyes for a few minutes.The hallway is dim. I make my way down slowly, hand on the banister. My joints still feel a little stiff from laying in one position for too long.When I reach the last step, I spot him.Damien’s seated at the dining table, one elbow propped up, his head resting in his palm. His hair’s tousled like he’s run his hand through it a hundred times tonight.“Hey there,” I say, softly.His head snaps up.“You’re awake?” His voice is low.
Damien Shaw I help Imogene off the examination table slowly, my hands gripping her waist. She's light and it unsettles me more than I let on. She sits up and swings her legs over the edge, her fingers resting on my forearm to steady herself."I'm okay," she says softly.She’s not. But I nod anyway. We walk out of the room together and back into the office, where Dr. Rogers is typing something into her computer. The click of the keys fills the silence.She looks up and smiles, though there's a trace of something behind her eyes. Concern, maybe. Caution."Everything looks good so far," she says. "But we’re entering the home stretch now. Just a few more weeks. You both need to be careful, especially you, Imogene."Imogene nods politely. “We will.”I thank her and reach for the door handle, ready to leave. I’m already thinking about the drive home, when Dr Rogers calls out to me. “Damien, could I speak to you for a second?”I stop and glance at Imogene.“I’ll wait in the car,” she
Damien Shaw“You worry too much,” she says. “I’m fine.”I don’t believe her. But I let it slide. For now.I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it gently, holding on a little longer. Then I lean back and press on the gas, taking us the rest of the way.We pull into the hospital’s underground lot. I park, unbuckle, and rush around to open her door. She steps out slowly, her hand finding mine. Her fingers are colder than usual.Inside, the halls are clean, overly bright. We walk in silence to Dr. Roger’s office.She’s waiting when we arrive. “Glad to see Damien’s with you today.”I offer a hand. “Nice to see you too, Doctor.”We sit side-by-side, the chairs squeaking slightly beneath us. Imogene sits with perfect posture, her dress flowing around her legs.“So,” Dr. Roger says gently, “how are you feeling about everything?”“I’m fine,” Imogene says with a small smile.Her hand is in mine. I squeeze it.The doctor nods slowly. “Let’s go to the examination room. I want to check on the tw
Damien Shaw Returning to the living room, something feels...off.Imogene’s still sitting at the dining table, arms wrapped tightly around Lily. Her head turns the moment she hears me, and just like that, she lets go.I step closer. “Everything okay?”She lifts her face and gives me a smile. It's warm but it doesn’t reach her eyes. I see it immediately. “Just feeling a little emotional,” she says.I nod slowly. I don’t push, even though every instinct in me is screaming that something’s not right. “Eat up,” I say instead, nodding toward her plate.She nods and picks up her fork. I head to the counter, grab Lily’s pink backpack, and step outside. The spring air hits me as I open the back door of the car and slide Lily’s bag inside. My phone buzzes in my pocket, but I ignore it. By the time I’m back inside, Imogene’s finished eating. She wipes her lips gently, her eyes briefly flickering up to meet mine. I offer my hand.“Let’s go,” I say.She places her hand in mine. Lily ski
The last chapter has been edited. Read before you proceed. Imogene Scott Sunlight spills across the bed like golden syrup, warm and soft against my skin. I shift under the sheets, groaning quietly as I feel the heat against my eyelids. I blink once, then again, and finally push myself up on my elbow. Damien stands by the window, arms folded, wearing that smug little smile he always wears when he thinks he’s caught me being adorable. He’s already dressed in a gray fitted T-shirt and black joggers. His hair is damp from a shower, and he looks annoyingly refreshed. “Rise and shine, sweetie.” I groan and drag the covers over my head. “Ugh… it’s too early in the morning.” “It’s almost eleven,” he says with a chuckle. I fling the duvet back just enough to peek at him. “How did I sleep for that long?” He walks over, sits on the edge of the bed, and leans in with a playful glint in his eye. “Because I cuddled you in my arms all night.” I snort. “No. You’re not my sleeping pill.” “S
Imogene Scott As soon as Damien walks out the door, I let out a slow breath. It’s soft, almost soundless, like I’m trying not to break something fragile that still lives inside me. Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m what’s fragile now. He really cares about me. I know that. Every word, every touch, every look tonight, he’s trying. He always has. But the truth is, I’m struggling. I don’t know where I’m at anymore. Everything feels fuzzy, like the world has gone slightly out of focus and I’m squinting to make it make sense again. I sit up slowly, brushing my hair back from my face. It’s still damp from the shower earlier, curling at the ends in soft, stubborn waves. I reach for my slippers and slide my feet in. They make a soft shuffling sound against the hardwood as I walk toward the door. It’s just 8 p.m. The hallway is dim and the air smells faintly of pancakes, probably and something else... cinnamon maybe. Damien must’ve added cinnamon. I smile a little at the thought. He always adds t