The Billionaire Dark Obsession

The Invitation

chapter two

An elaborate piece of paper the invitation rested on Elena's kitchen table seemed to be radiant in the subdued light of the room. She could not help but gaze at it; her head was a maelstrom of inquiries. What had been his source of inspiration for her art? Who was really Damien Blackwood? And why did it seem like he knew something about her that she hadn’t even noticed herself?

As she ran them across the embossed seal, following its graceful design as if it contained some kind of covert knowledge, her fingers shook. His words resonated in her mind.

I think we have things left unfinished. Unconscious of it, I believe you have been drawing me too much for quite a length.

Creating him The idea was nearly too eerie to believe. It felt impossible to believe, but it was as if Damien Blackwood was a character that had escaped her sketches into reality.

The need to find out why anybody like him—so strong and influential—was drawn to her art gnawed at her; she could not deny the curiosity. As for her

" Elena, you're overthinking this," she muttered to herself.

Still, she said the words even as the weight of the invitation felt to increase.

This James message had her phone buzzing once more. "Is it Damien Blackwood we are talking about here; are you going to that gala or something? You can't be seriously considering it, can you? "

Elena chuckled quietly, but there was still some anxiety in it. Rapid response by typing. "I'm not sure still. It seems to be... perverse. He's not only some random guy. The man is billionaire. Why would he want anything to do with me?"

The answer came almost straight forth. "Let me get it. You're an artist, and this is a great chance. Still, reflect about it. If you go, you are immersing yourself into a world you can't even fathom. People including Blackwood don't give "opportunities" without expecting a payback. Just make sure you pay attention.

Elena gaped at the screen and felt James's words' gravity. The thought of entering Damien's world—as reality did—pulled at her, so her heartbeat increased. Though at the same time it felt strangely seductive, it was so far away from her meager life of drawing in her small flat.

Still, James was correct; there had to be a reason for the invitation. People like Damien Blackwood didn't just invite everyone to their private celebrations. Here was more; something was below the surface.

She muttered, pushing the phone aside, "Get it together, Elena. She had to think logically to quiet the storm of ideas wracking her head.

A little aspect of her wanted to neglect the invitation and forget the whole idea. But the major part of her—that which had attracted Damien time and time again, that had felt a curious tug toward him—was already considering how she could react.

Once again her fingers flicked over the invite. The grand lettering appeared to ridicule her indecision. "RSVP as soon as possible."

Elena sighed, grabbed her phone, and called the invitation number.

The phone rang twice before a calm, deliberate voice answered. "This is the Blackwood Estate." "What can I help you with?"&$result

"Hello, I—I am phoning regarding the gala invitation. Elena Carter," she stuttered, feeling a flutter of apprehension in the pit of her stomach.

The voice coming from the other side didn not faltering. ""Ms. Carter, we're honored to have you as a guest. Mr. Blackwood is looking forward with great intent your confirmation.

At Damien's name, she shivered, as if it carried more weight than only a regular name—that it was a code to something unknown.

Certainly, right. I'll be there," Elena heard herself saying, the words rushing forth before she could suppress them.

"The voice remarked, great," with a grateful tone.

The call went dead, Elena now alone in her flat's quiet.

The truth of her choice sank within her, and her heart raced in her chest. She was headed.

Still, why did this event take place? &nb; Just what was the aim for it?

A gentle knocking on her door interrupted her thoughts. Anyone visiting would have found the time most unusual.

She stood, her brain whirling. Nobody knocked ever at her door. She was unexpected anybody.

She looked pensively through the peephole and moved to the front door.

As she spotted a form outside—a tall man clad in a dark suit—her breath stopped in her throat. He felt eerily familiar despite not being anyone she knew.

And Damien?

Absolutely not. Still, the way he stood with such calm assurance made her heart skip a beat.

Elena reached for the door handle without thought. The phone buzzed once more as she was preparing to open it.

James says, "I swear, if you go, bring someone with you. Not alone into that mansion walk."

Her hand still on the door, she hesitated.

Something occurred. Something she didn't fully understood quite yet.

Again came the knock on the door, now louder and more pressing. Though she had no clue who was outside, one thing was definite. Her entire life was going to be different from now on.