Ellaine sat across from Damian in the vast office, the city lights stretching endlessly behind him. The silence between them was sharp, like glass waiting to shatter. She had thought the hardest part would be seeing him again, but now she realized the real challenge was surviving the conversation that followed.
Damian leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled, eyes fixed on her as if dissecting every breath she took. You walk back into my life after years, and the first thing you say is business.
Ellaine forced herself to meet his gaze. Because it's the only way you'll listen.
His lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. You think I wouldn't listen otherwise?
I know you wouldn't, she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. Not after what I did.
Damian's silence was more dangerous than his words. He rose from his chair, walking toward the window, his reflection merging with the glittering skyline. You left me with nothing but questions, Ellaine. Do you know what that does to a man?
Her chest tightened. I thought I was protecting you.
He turned sharply, eyes narrowing. Protecting me? Or protecting yourself?
The accusation stung, but she didn't flinch. Both. I was reckless, Damian. I was poison. You deserved better than the chaos I carried.
Damian stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. And yet here you are, standing in front of me again. If you were poison then, what are you now?
Ellaine's breath caught. Someone trying to make things right.
For a moment, his expression softened, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. You can't erase the past with apologies.
I'm not asking you to forgive me, she said firmly. I'm asking you to see me. Not the girl I was, but the woman I've become.
Damian studied her, his silence stretching until it felt unbearable. Finally, he spoke, voice low and dangerous. Show me.
Ellaine blinked. What do you mean?
Show me you've changed. Prove it. Otherwise, this is nothing but another game.
Her pulse raced. And if I do?
Damian's gaze locked onto hers, unyielding. Then maybe I'll consider letting you stay.
The words hit her harder than she expected. Stay. Not just in his company, but in his life. The possibility was terrifying and intoxicating all at once.
Ellaine straightened, determination flickering in her eyes. Then give me the chance. Let me work with you. Let me prove I'm not the same girl who ran away.
Damian's silence stretched again, but this time it felt like a test. He circled her slowly, his presence pressing against her resolve. You think you can walk into Blackwood Industries and earn my trust with contracts and promises? Trust isn't built in boardrooms, Ellaine. It's built in scars.
Her voice trembled, but she held firm. Then let me carry mine beside yours.
Damian stopped behind her, so close she could feel the heat of him. You broke me once. If you fail again, there won't be a second chance.
Ellaine closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself. I know. And I'm willing to risk it.
The air between them thickened, charged with something neither of them dared name. Desire, anger, longing — all tangled into a storm that threatened to consume them both.
Damian moved back to his desk, his expression unreadable. Tomorrow. Nine a.m. My office. We'll see if you're as changed as you claim.
Ellaine exhaled, relief and dread colliding inside her. I'll be here.
He leaned forward, eyes piercing. Don't disappoint me.
Her heart raced, but she nodded. I won't.
For a moment, the tension eased, replaced by something quieter, more dangerous. The city lights flickered behind them, silent witnesses to a battle neither had won. Ellaine knew this was only the beginning. The past was clawing its way back, demanding answers, demanding truth.
As she turned to leave, Damian's voice stopped her cold. Ellaine.
She froze, glancing back. Yes?
His eyes burned into hers, unreadable. You may have changed. But don't forget — so have I.
The warning lingered in the air long after she walked out of his office, heels clicking against the marble floor. She had wanted a chance to prove herself, and now she had it. But Damian Blackwood was no longer the boy she remembered. He was a man forged in silence, power, and scars.
And Ellaine knew — if she failed him again, she would be the one to break him twice.