FATED TO YOU, MR DAMON

Chapter Five

ELENA’S POV

“I don’t understand why he’s acting like he doesn’t know me.”

I sighed, taking a slow sip from my drink as I sat across from Adele.

“We worked together in college. Same team. We even won an award together.” I shook my head, frustration creeping into my voice. “And now… he’s acting like I don’t exist.”

Adele burst out laughing.

I frowned. “Would you stop laughing? I’m serious.”

“Okay, okay,” she said, raising her hands. “But how are you so sure he was the one who asked your boss to send you away? Maybe he just didn’t recognize you.”

I gasped, offended. “Have I changed that much?”

She raised a brow, clearly entertained.

“I only care because we were teammates,” I added quickly, looking away. “Not because it matters whether he acknowledges me or not.”

“Hmm,” Adele hummed, unconvinced. “Were you even close back then?”

I paused.

“Not really,” I admitted. “We only started talking when we got paired during sophomore summer. Group work, a few dinners… that was it.”

“And after that?”

“He didn’t come back with us when school resumed,” I said quietly. “I tried asking around, but no one knew where he went.”

Adele leaned forward, a teasing smile forming. “Are you sure there were no feelings involved?”

I rolled my eyes. “Please. Do you think someone like Ace would ever like someone like me?”

“And I definitely don’t have feelings for him.”

“Then why do you care so much?” she pressed.

“Because we were teammates,” I said quickly.

Adele smirked. “Or maybe you just don’t want to admit something. Don’t forget—you have Alex.”

“Just stop,” I snapped, irritation rising. “I love Alex.”

The words came out sharper than I intended.

Without waiting for her response, I grabbed my food and walked into my room, shutting the door behind me.

But even in the silence…

My thoughts didn’t stop.

***

Five Days Later

“ELENA!”

I turned as I stepped into the party hall.

The atmosphere was alive—music, laughter, soft golden lights reflecting off polished surfaces. Tonight’s celebration marked LULU’s success.

“Michelle,” I smiled, walking toward her.

“You look stunning,” she said.

“Thank you. You too.”

“There are so many people here,” she whispered. “I think it’s because the investor is coming.”

Before I could respond—

The room shifted.

Applause filled the air.

I turned.

Daniella walked in.

And beside her—

Ace.

Her hand rested lightly on his arm.

Something inside me tightened.

Unexpected.

Unwelcome.

I looked away quickly.

Why should that bother me?

Daniella stepped onto the stage, thanking the team—and especially Ace Damon for his support.

Despite myself…

My eyes drifted back to him.

He looked different.

Sharper.

More distant.

And undeniably… more attractive.

Back in college, people used to call him a Greek god.

Now?

He looked untouchable.

As if he belonged to a world far beyond mine.

And then—

He looked at me.

Our eyes met.

And just as quickly—

I looked away.

Ace was called up to speak.

Confidence radiated from him effortlessly.

“The real stars tonight,” he said, his voice calm yet commanding, “are the people behind LULU.”

Applause filled the room again.

“God, he’s so handsome,” Michelle whispered. “Those eyes… I could drown in them.”

I forced a smile.

But something inside me felt… off.

A few minutes later, I stepped outside.

The noise faded instantly.

The quiet felt better.

Safer.

I walked slowly toward the display area, letting the cool air calm my thoughts.

“Don’t you like the atmosphere inside?”

The voice came from behind me.

I turned.

Ace.

Closer than I expected.

My heart skipped—annoyingly.

“I just came out for some air,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

He nodded.

“And you?” I asked. “Don’t you like it inside?”

“Actually—”

“Ace.”

Daniella’s voice interrupted.

She walked toward us and slipped her hand around his arm naturally.

My gaze dropped briefly to where she touched him.

Then I looked away.

“Everyone’s waiting for you,” she said.

He nodded.

Then—

His eyes flicked to me.

Just for a second.

Unreadable.

Before he turned and walked away with her.

I stood there, watching them leave.

“That’s it?” I muttered under my breath. “Not even a word?”

Maybe Adele was right.

Maybe… he really didn’t remember me.

I stayed outside longer than I planned before heading back in.

As I turned—

I bumped into someone.

“Oh—sorry, Director Zen,” I said quickly.

“It’s alright,” he replied, his gaze lingering on me in a way that made my skin crawl. “You look even more beautiful tonight.”

I forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”

I tried to move past him.

But his hand caught my wrist.

“Elena, have a drink with me,” he said, his tone too familiar.

I gently pulled away. “I’ll have to decline.”

His smile didn’t fade.

“Why so distant?” he said. “I just want to talk.”

Before I could react—

His hand moved inappropriately toward me.

For a split second—

My body froze.

Shock.

Disbelief.

Then—

Something snapped.

SLAP!

The sound echoed sharply.

His head snapped to the side.

Silence fell around us.

Before he could even react—

SLAP!

Again.

Harder.

My hand trembled slightly, but my eyes didn’t.

I stared at him—fury burning through every inch of me.