Chapter 5: She Has My Eyes
362 Words
The next morning.
Aria was in her office, signing papers, when her secretary knocked frantically.
"Ma'am, there's a Mr. Damian Reyes here. He says it's important."
Aria's pen stopped. Of course it was him.
"Let him in," Aria said coldly.
Damian walked in. No suit today. Just a white shirt and jeans. He looked like he didn't sleep.
"Where is she?" Damian asked. No hello. No small talk.
"Where is who?" Aria played dumb.
"Don't do that, Aria," Damian said. His voice broke. "Emma. My daughter."
Aria stood up. "She's not your daughter. She's mine."
Damian slammed his hands on her desk. "She has my eyes! The whole internet saw the photo from the gala!"
Aria froze. Photo? What photo?
Damian pulled out his phone. There they were. Aria, holding Emma's hand at the gala. And Damian, watching from afar.
The caption: "CEO Aria Santos and mysterious man at charity gala. Is this the ex-husband?"
Damian looked up. "The whole world knows now. So can I please see her?"
Aria's heart dropped. This was getting out of control.
"Take it down," Aria said. Her voice was sharp.
Damian shook his head. "I didn't post it. Someone from the gala did."
Aria walked to the window. Her hands were shaking. She hated that he could still affect her like this.
"Why are you here, Damian?" Aria asked quietly.
"Because I miss you," Damian admitted. "And because I want to be a father to Emma."
Aria turned around fast. "You gave that up 3 years ago!"
"I know," Damian said. He looked broken. "I was angry. I was hurt. I thought you cheated on me."
"And now?" Aria asked.
"Now I know I was wrong," Damian whispered. "Please. Just let me see her. Once."
The office was silent.
Aria looked at him. Really looked at him. The man she used to love was standing in front of her. Begging.
But she couldn't forget the pain.
"I'll think about it," Aria said finally. "Now get out of my office."
Damian nodded slowly. "Thank you. For even considering it."
As he walked out, Aria sat down. And for the first time in 3 years, she cried.
- Writer
