Chapter 8
952 Words
I didn’t know how I made it through the next few seconds.
My knees wanted to buckle, but I forced myself to breathe—to act like I was still in control.
Even when I wasn’t.
I watched Tito Damien speak gracefully with Ms. Dianna Jean. He moved with effortless command.
His tailored black suit clung to him like armor—crisp, powerful, and intimidating.
One look, and you’d know immediately: this was a man of power. And someone you’d never dare cross.
Of all the companies he could have owned… why did it have to be Montier Luxury?
If I could walk out right now, I would.
But I couldn’t—because this was my moment.
And I wasn’t about to ruin it just because of my past.
I cleared my throat and took a deep breath, lifting my chin as I finally walked toward them.
“I’m glad you arrived in time, sir,” Ms. Dianna said as she admired the pieces. “Just look at these…”
“Some things,” Damien replied, his voice low and deliberate, “are better when unexpected.”
Then it happened.
His eyes flicked toward mine.
I froze.
It was just a second—but it was enough to make my breath catch in my throat.
What did he mean by that?
He looked back at my work, completely composed.
I clenched my fists.
I wasn’t going to let him rattle me.
I stepped forward and joined them fully.
“Ms. Dianna Jean, thank you so much for coming to my presentation,” I said with a polite smile.
She looked up and turned to me.
I offered my hand, which she took warmly.
“The star of the night. It’s my honor to finally meet you, Ms. Ferrer,” she said. “I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”
My cheeks flushed lightly.
“Thank you, Ms. Dianna.”
I glanced quickly at Tito Damien—and immediately regretted it.
He was still staring.
I quickly looked away.
God, why am I feeling like this?
Focus, Mikyla.
“Anyway,” Ms. Dianna said, “I wanted you to meet our new CEO, Ms. Ferrer.”
She turned toward Damien.
I wanted to stop her, but I knew that would’ve been stupid.
“This is Mr. Damien Grey. And I’m glad he’s here—because our company is considering a potential collaboration. And I think…” she smiled meaningfully at him, “our new CEO may have already found a candidate. Don’t you agree?”
Ms. Dianna turned to Damien, her grin widening.
I could hardly breathe.
I should’ve been thrilled. I should’ve been celebrating the possibility that our company might secure this partnership.
But deep down, a part of me was praying he wouldn’t go through with it.
A part of me didn’t want to be anywhere near him.
Tito Damien smirked.
“Yes. And I’ve heard you’re a promising, rising designer. Working with us will surely open more opportunities for you,” he said.
I forced a smile.
“That’s… a great opportunity, Mr. Grey. Well—” I drew a deep breath, “—Savarre Jewelry would welcome this collaboration too. That is, if you will.”
He stared at me again.
And this time, I couldn’t stop myself from looking back.
I don’t know if I was imagining it… But I saw it.
That familiar spark in his eyes.
The same desire I saw that night.
That night…
I quickly averted my gaze and took a slow, steady breath.
A pulse of heat spread between my legs as the memories came rushing back.
Damn it!
Why am I feeling like this again?
It was just one night.
One stupid, reckless night.
And yet it still had this kind of effect on me.
“So? What do you think, Mr. Grey?” Ms. Dianna asked.
Thank God she spoke. I felt like I was about to sink through the floor.
I turned back toward them, doing my best to stay composed.
“Well…” he began, “I won’t let this opportunity slide. You’ll hear from us very soon, Ms. Ferrer.”
I froze.
That smile… that damn smile.
There wasn’t even alcohol in my system right now, but suddenly I understood why I gave in to him that night.
I opened my mouth to respond, but my throat went dry.
Then I saw it—his smile shifting into a crooked smirk, eyes full of amusement.
I took a deep breath, trying to push the tension down.
“Thank you, Mr. Grey. I… I really appreciate this, and I look forward to hearing from you.”
I extended my hand for a handshake.
But instead of shaking it, Tito Damien took my hand—and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
My breath hitched.
I stood frozen as his lips touched my skin—soft, slow, and deliberate.
And the sensation sent a jolt of heat up my arm and straight between my legs.
Damn it!
I quickly pulled my hand back and forced a smile.
“I-I should go now. It was nice meeting you both.”
I didn’t wait for a response.
I turned around and walked away—fast.
My face was burning.
I rushed to the powder room and locked the door behind me, releasing a deep breath the moment I was alone.
Two years had already passed.
I thought I had moved on.
I thought I had buried everything—the night I never meant to happen and the guilt I tried so hard to forget.
But I was wrong.
And now… I had no choice but to face it all.
- Writer
