Chapter 6

I WAS surprised when Damon opened the door for me. I thought we would have a driver since this was a formal date. I looked up to see my mother at the top of the stairs, watching us leave. My father was busy with a meeting, so it was only my mother seeing me off tonight.

"I drive my own car. Even on dates," Damon said coldly, noticing my hesitation.

I sighed deeply and slowly got into his black, heavily tinted car. I almost forgot that he's different from me, having grown up with a driver. Even though I know how to drive, I usually have a driver and bodyguard. 

Now that I think about his status, I wonder where we'll live after our wedding? At home, probably... I don't think my father will let me live anywhere else. He may be punishing me now by marrying me off to this man, but the thought of living separately isn't in his vocabulary. We have a lot of properties, and after graduating, I told him I wanted to live alone in a condo, but he didn't agree. What about now? Maybe Damon will live in our mansion?

I glanced at him, seriously driving. We were both silent, and he didn't have any music playing. I thought about playing some party music, EDM, or chill tracks, but I don't think he's the type. Or maybe he is? After all, we did meet at a club that night.

"Don't you have any music or something?"

He glanced at me briefly before returning his eyes to the road.

"Feel free to connect your playlist."

I took my phone out of my purse and started scrolling. I was going to ask what kind of music he liked, but since I didn't really care about his answer, I just picked something I liked and played it. It was a chill track I usually hear at music festivals.

He tilted his head slightly as he looked at the car's screen, flashing the song I was playing. He started driving a bit faster, so I looked at him. I turned down the volume a bit, noticing his frown.

"What's wrong? You don't like my music taste?"

He glanced at me as we stopped at a traffic light.

"Is this what you listen to when you party and drink with your friends?" It wasn't just a question. I felt the insult in his tone.

"It's not too loud, and it's not too slow. Why do you sound annoyed with it?"

"I was just asking a question."

"Why don't you put on some music you like then? It’s boring and awkward just driving in silence."

He looked at me, clearly annoyed, but didn't say anything. He started driving again when the light turned green.

I rolled my eyes. "You won't because you probably like old songs. That would suit you better," I muttered, making sure he heard.

He still didn't respond.

"You should like this, too. This is played in clubs, and it seems like you're a frequent customer."

I couldn't help but bring up that night. He glanced at me before sighing and focusing on driving again.

"I go there when I'm bored. I'm not really into music, so..."

I rolled my eyes. I wanted to say he probably just goes there for the women, but I stopped myself. He changed the car's direction towards a nearby large hotel. It was my choice. It's close to our house and isn't owned by our company. We have stocks in it, but that's the only connection. Damon agreed with my choice because it's central, meaning more people compared to other hotels.

Since we needed to be seen, we didn't book a private room. We chose a table in a corner, private enough but still visible to others.

I looked at my phone and realized how annoying it was to see that I only had a few contacts on this new one. Besides my family, I only had Damon's contact, which was part of my father's plan.

Damon opened my door. The valet was waiting behind him. I hesitated for a moment before taking his outstretched hand. I almost smirked at how we both hated each other yet had to do this. I placed my hand in his before getting out of the car.

Just like earlier in the morning, he was still wearing a coat, with a white button-down shirt and black slacks. Even though it looked like what he wore this morning, I had a feeling these were fresh clothes. And with his fresh scent mixed with expensive cologne, I knew he went home from work before coming here.

Did he go home? Does he have a house?

He's rich, super rich. Richer than me. He probably accumulated wealth over the last five years or so. Maybe that's why my father trusts him so much; he must have worked under him for at least five years, so I'm sure he has accumulated a lot of fortune during that time.

We both walked straight ahead towards the restaurant, holding hands. Many people turned their heads to look at us, some even craning their necks. Damon walked ahead, leading the way while holding my hand. He's tall and commanding, so anyone would be intrigued by his presence.

"This way, Mr. Montero," the butler greeted us.

He replied with a cold "Thank you."

He showed formal courtesy with me, even though I'm sure he would gladly leave me behind. I accepted his gentlemanly behavior with a fake smile, even though I wanted to snap at him in the middle of all these niceties.