Damon POV
As I stood before the crowd, a smile plastered on my face, I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance bubbling within me. Despite my efforts to organize a good time, I found myself plagued by the absence of someone important. She had left me alone at dinner, disregarding my plea to be punctual. In that moment, I regretted granting her permission to leave.
I should have stood my ground and refused.
Yet, a part of me yearned to give her a day without my presence. A day where she could be free from my bad temper, my demons, and the chaos they brought into her life. Deep down, I knew she despised me, and though it pained me to admit, I didn't blame her. Perhaps she had lost faith in me, tired of my childish behavior. And in turn, I felt my sanity slipping away, revealing the w
