Chapter 4: Damage control
437 Words
The flash from Serena’s phone felt like a slap.
Damian moved faster than I thought possible. He stepped between me and the hallway, his body blocking hers from view.
“Delete it,” he said, voice low enough that only I could hear the threat in it.
Serena smiled, slow and cruel. “Or what? You’ll sue me like you sued everyone else who crossed you?” She held the phone higher. “The board’s already getting this.”
My legs felt weak. If that photo went out with the caption she was probably typing, the board would call the marriage a fraud. My brother’s surgery money would vanish. Kemi would go to jail.
And I’d have given Damian everything for nothing.
“Get out,” Damian said to Serena. When she didn’t move, his expression darkened. “Now.”
She left, but not before shooting me one last look. You’re dead, it said.
The moment the doors closed, I spun on him.
“Explain,” I said. “Now.”
Damian didn’t speak for a long time. He just stared at the file in my hands like it was a loaded gun.
“Your brother didn’t ruin the deal,” he said finally. “I did.”
I should’ve been angry. I was angry. But the way he said it—like it cost him something to admit—made my chest hurt.
“Why?” I whispered.
“Because you wouldn’t have married me otherwise.”
The honesty was worse than a lie.
He stepped closer, close enough that I could see the tension in his jaw. “Six months ago, my father changed the inheritance clause. I don’t get the company unless I’m married. I tried every other way. The board wouldn’t budge. Then I met you. Your brother worked for me. I knew you’d do anything for him.”
“So you ruined his life.”
“I saved it.” His eyes burned into mine. “If you hadn’t signed, Kemi would be dead right now. The surgery was only approved because I paid for it before you ever walked into that hospital.”
The room tilted.
Outside, my phone buzzed. One text.
Unknown number: The board meeting is in 2 hours. Want to see your husband’s downfall live?
I looked up at Damian.
“Is that true?” I asked. “Did you really save him before I signed?”
He didn’t answer.
The elevator doors opened behind us, and two men in suits stepped out.
“Mr. Blackwood,” one said. “We need you to come with us.”
- Writer
