CHAPTER EIGHT: THE STRANGE WOMAN

Damien’s POV

I stepped into the dining area, adjusting my cufflinks as I prepared to leave for work. My gaze landed on Ariana, already seated at the table, casually sipping her coffee.

"Good morning," she said, her tone light.

I arched a brow. "I thought I made it clear that I don’t want you anywhere near me."

She didn’t even flinch. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and set down her cup. "Well, you weren’t here when I got here. You met me here, so technically, you’re the one invading my space."

I exhaled sharply, reaching for the coffee Martha had just set down for me. "That doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want to see you first thing in the morning."

"Trust me, the feeling is mutual," she shot back, rolling her eyes.

Her attitude irritated me more than it should have. I set my cup down with a little more force than necessary and pushed my chair back abruptly.

"Martha, forget the breakfast. I’ve lost my appetite."

Ariana smirked. "Aw, am I ruining your morning already?"

Without another glance at her, I strode out. Alex was already waiting by the car, standing with his usual stiff posture. As soon as I got in, I noticed his eyes flicker to the rearview mirror, hesitation evident on his face.

I sighed, already anticipating his question. "What is it, Alex?"

"Umm… Boss," he started carefully, "are you sure about this?"

"About what?"

"This fake marriage with Miss Ariana." He hesitated before continuing. "I get that you don’t want to be controlled by your grandfather, but won’t this complicate things for you? For the company?"

I leaned back, rubbing my temple. "Are you tired of your job, Alex? It’s not hard to replace you."

He quickly forced a nervous smile. "I was just joking, Boss. I’m sorry."

I scoffed. "I can’t let my grandfather dictate my life forever. Marrying Cindy would mean stepping into his trap. If I give in now, he’ll own me for the rest of my life."

Alex nodded. "I understand, Boss."

The rest of the ride was silent.

****

Ariana’s POV

After Damien left, I finished my breakfast and picked up my plate, but Martha rushed forward, her eyes widening in alarm.

"I got it," I said, standing up.

Martha looked around before lowering her voice. "Miss Ariana, you shouldn’t do that. Mr. Logan will be furious if he finds out. He ordered all the staff not to let you lift a finger in this house."

I laughed lightly. "Martha, it’s just a plate. Besides, you work so hard. You cook all his meals, so you deserve some help."

She hesitated, then sighed. "You’re kind, Miss Ariana. But Mr. Logan has strict rules."

I shrugged. "Well, he’s not here right now, is he?"

Martha’s lips twitched, as if she wanted to smile but was holding back. "You’re not like his ex-fiancée," she murmured.

That caught my attention. I leaned forward slightly. "Oh? Ex-fiancée? What was she like?"

Martha gave me a knowing look. "Glamorous, high-maintenance, and only interested in his status and billions. She never once stepped into this kitchen."

"Did they break up?"

"Mr. Logan called off the engagement himself. He never loved her, but the engagement was a business arrangement set up by his grandfather."

I smirked. "Well, I’m not interested in his money. Just the part he owes me."

Martha finally let out a small chuckle and led me to the kitchen.

As I leaned against the counter, curiosity bubbled inside me. "So… how long have you been working for him?"

"Ten years," Martha said as she arranged some dishes.

I blinked. "That long?"

She nodded. "I’ve been his personal cook since he took over the company."

"Has he always been this cold?"

Martha sighed. "Yes, Miss. He lost his parents at a young age. His grandfather raised him, but let’s just say… it wasn’t a loving home. He learned to be strong, but also to push people away."

I was about to respond when my phone rang. Julie.

"Hey, come meet me at the coffee shop," she said excitedly.

"Okay, on my way."

I turned to Martha. "I have to go. See you later."

"Okay, Miss. Enjoy your day," Martha said with a smile.

I returned her smile before heading to my room to get dressed.

---

As soon as I stepped out of the taxi, my phone buzzed. A bank notification.

$1,000,000 credited to your account.

I froze.

I read the message again.

My upfront payment.

A scream burst out of me before I could stop it.

The taxi driver shot me a weird look. "Uh… you good?"

I covered my mouth. "Sorry, sorry! I just—uh, never mind!"

Grinning, I rushed inside the coffee shop. Julie was already at a table, waving excitedly.

"Look who’s here! Mrs. Logan," she teased.

I groaned. "Stop that."

She grinned. "So? How’s the rich wife life?"

I rolled my eyes. "It’s just a contract, Julie. And he's a cold, arrogant jerk. So many ridiculous rules."

Julie sighed dramatically. "Must be hard. But hey, as long as the money’s good, who cares? And who knows, maybe… just maybe, you can tame him." She wiggled her brows and laughed.

"Never. I already hate him," I muttered.

Julie was about to respond when she checked the time and gasped.

"Oh crap! I’m late! I lied about just grabbing a quick coffee—I gotta get back to work, pookie!"

She hugged me quickly before rushing out.

I sighed, deciding to stay a little longer to work on some designs. I needed to start applying for jobs again. I couldn’t give up on my dreams yet.

---

When the clock struck 4:50 PM, I packed my things and headed out.

That’s when it happened.

I turned a corner, and someone collided into me. Hard.

A coat slipped from her hands, dropping to the ground.

Before I could react, a sharp slap landed across my cheek.

My head whipped to the side, my skin stinging. What the hell?

Stunned, I looked up at the woman standing before me. She was dressed in designer from head to toe, glaring at me like I’d committed a crime.

"How dare you?" she hissed.

I touched my burning cheek, my heart pounding.

"You should watch where you’re going," she spat.