The First Spark
611 Words
Chapter 8
The mansion was unusually quiet after the letter arrived.
Extra security guards patrolled the grounds, and every entrance was locked.
Amara stood on the balcony outside her bedroom, staring at the stars.
She had entered the mansion as a stranger.
Now someone wanted to use her to hurt Damien.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
The door opened slowly.
It was Damien.
He looked tired. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, and the top button of his shirt was undone.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you."
She smiled faintly.
"I thought billionaires never knocked."
A small smile appeared on his lips.
"I was raised to."
For a moment, they simply looked at each other.
"I came to apologize," he said.
She blinked.
"For what?"
"For dragging you into this."
"You didn't know this would happen."
"No... but I should have protected you better."
His voice was sincere.
It was the first time Amara had seen the cold billionaire speak with regret.
"I'll be fine," she replied softly.
"I promised your father I would keep you safe."
Amara's expression changed.
"My father?"
"He begged me to protect you."
She frowned.
"That doesn't sound like him."
Damien nodded.
"People often make desperate choices when they're afraid."
Amara didn't know what to believe anymore.
---
The next morning, Mrs. Evelyn announced that a charity gala would be held that evening.
"The entire business community will be there," she explained.
Damien looked at Amara.
"You'll come with me."
She nearly dropped her cup.
"Me?"
"Everyone knows I'm married now. If I arrive alone, people will ask questions."
"I don't even have anything to wear."
Mrs. Evelyn smiled.
"Leave that to us."
---
By evening, Amara hardly recognized herself.
She wore a floor-length emerald-green gown that shimmered under the lights.
Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders.
She stared at her reflection.
"Is that really me?"
Mrs. Evelyn beamed.
"Mr. Black has excellent taste."
Just then, Damien appeared at the bedroom door.
He stopped walking.
For several seconds, he simply stared at Amara.
She felt her cheeks grow warm.
"Is... is something wrong?"
He cleared his throat.
"No."
Another pause.
"You look... beautiful."
It was the first compliment he had ever given her.
She smiled shyly.
"Thank you."
---
The ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers.
Business executives, celebrities, and politicians filled the room.
As Damien and Amara entered hand in hand, conversations stopped.
"That's his wife?"
"She's gorgeous."
"I heard it was an arranged marriage."
Vanessa Reed stood across the room, holding a glass of champagne.
The moment she saw them together, her smile faded.
She walked over confidently.
"What a lovely couple," she said sweetly.
"But tell me, Amara..."
She leaned closer.
"Does your husband also tell you he loves you before he goes to bed?"
The room fell silent.
Everyone waited for Amara's reaction.
Amara took a deep breath.
Then she smiled politely.
"I wouldn't know."
Vanessa's eyebrows rose.
"Why not?"
Amara slipped her arm through Damien's.
"Because my husband believes actions matter more than words."
Damien looked at her, surprised.
A few guests nodded in approval.
Vanessa's smile disappeared.
Before she could respond, Damien gently placed his hand around Amara's waist.
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
For the first time...
They looked less like two strangers forced into marriage...
And more like a couple beginning to choose each other.
But from the balcony above, a man dressed in black watched them carefully.
He lifted his phone.
"They're getting closer," he whispered.
A cold voice answered from the other end.
"Good."
"The closer they become..."
"The more painful it will be when we tear them apart.
- Writer
