The night hadn’t quieted, but inside Damien’s penthouse, the chaos of the world felt far away.
Celeste sat curled on the edge of the leather sofa, legs tucked beneath her, Damien’s black dress shirt hanging off her shoulders. Her hair was still pinned up in soft waves, makeup smudged from tears and hours of tension, but to Damien, seated across from her, elbows on his knees, looked like peace.
It was ironic, considering the storm that had nearly torn them apart just hours ago.
“I meant it, you know,” he said softly, watching her closely. “When I said I’d choose you over everything.”
Celeste looked up, eyes still wary despite the gentleness in his voice. “Even your empire?”
Damien didn’t blink. “Especially my empire.”
She exhaled, fingers tracing the edge of the porcelain mug in her l
