Lila's POV I felt the ground tilt beneath me as the conference room brimmed with laughter. I know there's a limit to how far I can go with adjustments but I still palmed my hair a little with my hands, hoping that most of the dishevelled parts would fall into place. Just when I thought I had done that swiftly and stylishly enough, they laughed even more. It seemed that for a moment, I forgot that I am the spotlight here and their eyes are glued to me.Every bit of my actions seemed to amuse them because they wouldn't stop laughing even if I simply took a breath. I just gave up trying to make any other adjustments before them. Why do things keep going wrong for me?I became an object of ridicule even in my late parent's company. Could my life ever get any more pathetic?I couldn't even bear to look at these shameless grown people who would not stop acting like kids despite their ages. “It's not their fault,” I thought, my eyes fixated to the ground, my mind a swirling tempest of
Damian's POV As the door was thrown open when the meeting just started, my attention was immediately riveted to the door and the person that came from the door. Here she comes, the heiress who is supposed to take over the company, sabotaging my well structured plans.But that's not happening. Well, even if I let that happen, I won't let her last long on that seat. But wait, why is she dressed like this? Is she a stand up comedian or what?Before I knew what was going on, the whole conference room brimmed with laughter. A kind of laughter that crescendoed the more she tried to make some adjustments to her terrible appearance. Even I wondered if it's so terrible in her house that they couldn't afford a common mirror I had to put in so much effort to stifle the impulse I had to laugh. I should let her have a good impression of me so that I can get closer to her for my own gain. “How will she wear something like this to the company?” I still wondered When Victor came and announce
Lila’s POVI couldn’t stop staring at my reflection in the mirror this morning. Yesterday, I had asked Damian to choose which dress I should wear today from the ones he bought for me. The dress Damian chose for me—a tailored, navy-blue office dress—fit perfectly, highlighting my features without being too revealing. For the first time in a long while, I looked like someone who belonged in an office, in charge of things, someone important. My fingers grazed the soft fabric, and a wide smile spread across my face. Maybe today would be different. Maybe today, I’d prove I could handle this new world.The cab ride was also a smooth one, unlike the chaos of yesterday. I actually had time to relax and think—mostly about Damian. A soft warmth settled in my chest as I thought of him, his firm but kind way of guiding me through everything, his insistence that I could do this. I never would have guessed that behind his polished exterior, there was someone genuinely willing to help. I was grat
Damian's POVI relaxed in the back seat of the car as we cruised down the busy streets, the soft hum of the engine blending with my thoughts. I stared out the window, the city's pulse racing around me, but my mind was somewhere else—focused on Monroe Corporation and, more specifically, Lila. Right now, I'm just a shareholder in that company and although Monroe corporation is a big company on its own, it is nothing compared to the large conglomerate that I own. What I get as a shareholder In Monroe corporation is something I would classify as a little bonus to what I have. As the CEO of my own large conglomerate, I have quite a lot of things to oversee, but now that I've partnered with Monroe corporation and even promised Lila that I'll come and assist her, I know that I have signed in for more stress. Normally, I only go to Monroe Corporation once a week for now as I'm trying not to rush my plans but here I am, going there another day because of Lila.Well, I shouldn't complain.
Damian's POVI gave Lila my most reassuring smile, leaning in just a bit as if to emphasise my sincerity. “I’m offering you a special partnership,” I said, my voice smooth and comforting. Confusion was evident on Lila's face still. “Special partnership? Apart from being a shareholder, what other partnership are you talking about “Let me handle the heavy lifting for you,” I told her. “You’re a Monroe—you deserve to enjoy the wealth, the legacy, without getting lost in the cutthroat details that can trip anyone up.”Will she ever stop looking confused? “While I manage the business side of things,” I further clarified, “you can take your time to learn at your own pace. There’s no rush. And I’ll make sure you’re protected every step of the way.”It seems I'm at least making progress. There was a pause, a silence that felt like it stretched on forever as she processed my words. I could practically see the gears turning in her mind—the doubt, the desperation, the longing for someone to
Lila's POVThe ride home felt like a dream as I sat in the back of my brand-new car, watching the familiar streets blur by through the tinted windows. It was hard to believe how much had changed in just a matter of days. I could still feel the weight of the CEO documents I’d signed earlier today, the sense of responsibility that had settled on my shoulders. But right now, I didn’t want to think about the company or deal lost—I just wanted to share my little victory with the people who mattered most.As we pulled up to the house, I could already see the curtains twitching. Mom was peeking out, curious and anxious as ever. She had no idea I’d be arriving in a brand-new luxury car, let alone one with a driver. I smiled, my heart swelling with excitement and pride as I stepped out of the car.“Mum!” I called out, waving as I walked up to the front porch.Mum had already wheeled herself to the door and she opened the door, her eyes widening when she saw me. “Lila!” she exclaimed, one ha
Lila's POVDamian came in early today. Despite being the CEO of a massive company himself, he somehow found the time to help me with my workload. Sometimes I feel guilty—like I’m burdening him, pulling him away from his own responsibilities. But every time I mention it, he just brushes it off with a smile, telling me it's no trouble at all.I think what amazes me most is how willingly he takes on the chaos of Monroe Corporation. There’s no obligation for him to help, yet he steps in without hesitation. I catch him focused and diligent, tackling the most complicated tasks, even the ones that make my head spin. I can't help but admire him for that.Damian Left early today after helping me out with most of the strenuous tasks, leaving me with much easier ones to get familiar with. He had tried, but today took a turn I wasn’t expecting.Not long after Damain left, It was early afternoon when I got into the car with my driver. We were heading back to the office after a quick lunch meetin
Lila's POV I immediately took out my hand from the cocoon of the blanket and quickly grabbed the pillow, pressing it firmly over my ear. But it only did little to cushion the sound of the loud thunder that came after the lightning. I winced.My next train of thoughts was rueful.Although the rain clouds weren't palpable early enough to herald the arrival of rain, I still blamed myself for not paying enough attention.If I knew that it would rain tonight, despite the long day and exhaustion, I would have just ran home to mum. Whenever there's thunder and lightning like this, having someone beside me helps me ease my astraphobia. I remember how mum will always tease me to go get a man whenever I cling to her in fright, but I still used to find comfort in her embrace whenever there's thunder and lightning. But what would I do now when I'm all alone and it's quite late? My chest tightened with a knot of frustration that I couldn't shake off. Suddenly, my phone rang and I checked t
Lila's POVMy heart thudded violently against my chest as Connor’s words sank in. A surprise? What could he possibly mean? I barely had time to process it when he motioned to his armed men to fetch something.“No... please, no...” I whispered, dread creeping into my voice.But before I could dwell further on his intentions, my attention snapped to Valerie. Connor’s slap had sent her sprawling onto the cold floor, and my stomach churned as I saw the dark, unmistakable stain of blood pooling beneath her. My breath caught in my throat.“Valerie!” I screamed, my voice trembling with horror.Her lips moved faintly, but no sound came. My heart ached for her—even after all she had done, no one deserved this.“Let her suffer,” Connor sneered, his grip on my arm like a vice.But then my eyes darted to Damian, crumpled on the floor, his chest rising and falling weakly. Panic surged through me as I called his name. “Damian! Damian, wake up!”There was no response. His eyes were shut, his face pa
Damian's POVConnor’s laughter echoed in my ears, a cruel sound that grated against the raw edges of my resolve. The pain from his blows radiated through my body, but I refused to let him see how much it affected me. The two men holding me tightened their grip as Connor swung the metal rod again, slamming it against my ribs.“You know what’s funny, Damian?” he said, his voice dripping with mockery as he paced in front of me. “It’s that you thought you were such a hero that night. Beating me to a pulp for trying to have a little fun with your precious Lila.”He leaned closer, his breath hot against my face as his smirk widened. “But here’s the kicker—you remember Valerie, don’t you?”I didn’t respond, my jaw clenched tightly against the wave of anger and shame threatening to bubble over.Connor laughed again, a dark, sinister sound. “Of course, you do. You two had a real cozy night together at that bar, didn’t you?” He turned to Lila, his grin widening. “Oh, you didn’t know, did you?
Damian's POVThe night was heavy with silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves as I moved closer to Connor’s house. My body protested every step, the dull ache in my abdomen a constant reminder of my unhealed wound. But the pain was insignificant compared to the anger surging through me.The dim light spilling from a window guided my path as I crouched behind a low hedge. My heart hammered in my chest, each beat echoing like a drum in the stillness. Finally, I saw her. Valerie.After she and Connor had a little argument and he left, She stood alone near the back door, her posture casual, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. That sight only fueled my rage. She looked calm now, unbothered—like she hadn’t been the one to lie, to extort, to string me along for months with the weight of a secret child.My vision blurred with fury. Before I even realized what I was doing, I stepped out of the shadows and grabbed her. My hand wrapped tightly around her neck, not enough
Lila's POVThe sound of the car door slamming jolted me slightly in the cramped, dark space of the trunk. I held my breath for a moment, listening carefully for any sign that Damian might have realized I was here.Nothing. Just the low hum of the car’s engine as it roared to life.I adjusted myself slightly, making sure the trunk wasn’t fully closed so air could filter through. The space was stifling, and every bump in the road sent a dull ache through my body as I shifted uncomfortably against the hard interior. But this discomfort was nothing compared to the swirling storm of thoughts raging in my mind.Damian’s face flashed before me—those fiery eyes, sharp with fury and something else I couldn’t quite place. His reaction earlier felt... different. It was more than just his usual protective instinct flaring up because of Connor. It was deeper.Rage radiated off him like heat waves in the desert. Even in his weakened state, he seemed utterly consumed by it.I swallowed hard, tryin
Damian's POVThe moment I heard the faint hum of Lila’s car fading away, I exhaled deeply, my resolve hardening. The doctor had been insufferable, his protests grating on my nerves as if I didn’t already know my own limits. My body was screaming for rest, the pain in my abdomen a constant, gnawing reminder of my injury, but I didn’t care. The only thing that mattered now was to track Connor and Valerie—especially Valerie.“I’ll need painkillers,” I told the doctor curtly.He hesitated again, clearly torn between his professional duty and the icy glare I shot his way. “Sir, I—”“Now.” My voice left no room for negotiation, and he finally relented, fetching the medication and handing it to me with a resigned sigh.As soon as I swallowed the pill, I stood, my knees wobbling slightly. The painkillers wouldn’t kick in immediately, but I’d endure. I always did. I managed to make my way to the parking lot, each step a sharp reminder of what I’d just been through. Yet, my focus was laser-s
Lila's POVThe soft beeping of the heart monitor was a constant backdrop as I sat by Damian's bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow over his pale but peaceful face. His strong features, though slightly softened by his current state, still held that captivating strength that made my heart ache.It had been a long night, and now an even longer day. Watching him fight for his life had been agony. The doctors had assured me this morning that he was out of danger after they removed the bullet. And when his eyes fluttered open earlier, I had cried tears of relief. He had slipped back into sleep in the afternoon, and I spent those quiet hours keeping watch, unable to leave his side.The doctor’s words replayed in my head: It will take time for him to recover fully. I sighed, resting my head on the chair’s back, exhausted but determined. Seeing him like this made me realize how deeply I loved him.Suddenly, Damian stirre
Lila's POV The room felt suffocating, every word Nicholas spoke laced with venom. Damian had stopped struggling for a moment, his chest heaving as if he were holding back the storm brewing inside him. Beside him, I remained frozen, barely able to process the revelation Nicholas had just dropped on us like a bomb.Nicholas’s smirk widened as he noticed our silence. “Ah, you’re quiet now, aren’t you? Finally sinking in, Damian? Your precious mother isn’t the only casualty in my pursuit of control.”My heart pounded against my ribs. I didn’t want to hear more—I couldn’t. But Nicholas leaned closer, his voice a sinister whisper that seemed to echo off the walls.“Your beloved Diana,” he drawled, drawing out her name as if savoring it. “Such a sweet girl, wasn’t she? So curious, so eager to uncover the truth. But curiosity,” he said with a wicked smile, “comes at a price.”My breath hitched, and I saw Damian stiffen, his head snapping toward Nicholas.Nicholas straightened, his tone shif
Lila's POVNicholas pulled a gun from his pocket, the cold glint of metal catching my eye. My breath hitched, but I refused to show fear. He sauntered toward me with a sickening smirk, his gaze full of condescension and malice. When he stopped directly in front of me, I felt the bile rise in my throat.“Such a brave little bird,” he mocked, crouching so that we were at eye level. His fingers reached out, trailing along my cheek like a predator savoring its prey.My stomach churned. His touch was repulsive, vile. I clenched my fists against the ropes binding me to the chair, my nails digging into my palms. The disgust inside me bubbled over, and without thinking, I leaned forward and spat directly in his face.“Get your grubby hands off me!” I snapped, my voice trembling with fury.Nicholas froze, stunned by my defiance. His smirk faltered for the briefest moment, replaced by a flicker of surprise.Even I was taken aback by my reaction. There was a man with a gun in front of me, someo
Damian's POVNicholas took a step closer, his expression triumphant. “That’s right,” he said, his voice quieter now but no less cutting. “You don’t have a single drop of my blood in you. So it’s no wonder, really. You’ve never been like me, and you never will be.”The room seemed to tilt, my mind struggling to comprehend his words. I had despised him for as long as I could remember, but this... this revelation shook me to my core.Nicholas stood there, his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched me struggle with the weight of his words. The room felt smaller, the air thicker, as the gravity of what he was saying sunk in. I wanted to believe it was a sick joke, some twisted game he was playing to throw me off balance.“You’re lying,” I spat, my voice hoarse but defiant. “You’re trying to manipulate me.”His smirk widened, and he shook his head slowly. “Oh, Damian,” he said, almost pityingly. “Do you think I’d waste my time on a lie? You can feel it, can’