His to Consume

Meeting Again

Lena's POV

Verena then redirected her look at Damien, elongating her lips in a faint smile. "And Damon, the pleasure is all mine, as always. You are in great company tonight," she addressed him, albeit with an underlying tone that was slightly off.

Damien tactfully avoided any further engagement by absorbing the atmosphere. "Vivian," he turned to me and acknowledged. "I trust the night is treating you well."

"Oh, of course," she retorted with an attitude while turning back to face me. "I must commend you for being here, Lena, with your... let's say resources are severely limited. I can only imagine how difficult such levels must be for people like you."

There was an uncomfortable pinch on me, but I managed to keep my voice emotionless. "That's why no one fears Mrs. Wells, because every challenge makes us better. I do believe that everyone present understands the significance of the grit and the will that goes into every worthwhile endeavor."

Verena raised her eyebrows slightly as a wider smile broke on her lips. "Quite so. Though, as I have always maintained, some things are not acquired and are rather ingrained – it is all a matter of one's... social class." Those words seemed expectant.

I was about to answer, but before I did, accordingly, Damien interjected. "Vivian, I believe everyone here is ill-aware that crass horsepower is not the only metric of success. Lena has justified her place in this gathering and that is why she is seated here tonight." His tone was controlled yet overlaid with a sharp undercurrent, and I felt great appreciation and affection towards him for intervening.

Verena did seem at first surprised, but she soon regained her composure and offered us both an insincere smile. "Yes, of course. However, I shall not detain you any longer. I am sure you two have a lot of people you wish to talk to."

After that, she faced us sideways and left, the sound of her heels echoing on the polished floor. I let out my breath feeling both relieved and pleased at the outcome.

I replied with a small nod, brushing away the annoyance that had been left behind. "Thanks a lot Damien, I'm glad you had my back."

He smiled faintly, and his hand hovered over mine for a second. "I'm with you Lena. I won't allow anyone to treat you that way."

The rest of the night proceeded without a hitch. We socialized, made new friends, and finally settled down when the awards ceremony kicked off. The house lights went down, and a speaker emerged on stage, which was the start of the awards presentation of different categories.

Eventually, when we reached the point of our section, I could not breathe as I was overwhelmed with fear and thrill. The announcer narrated the nominated companies and the moment the name of my company was called, I felt my heart swell. After that, I surprisingly heard the words 'and the winner is...' associated with us.

I glanced at Damien elated and that nod of his was filled with pride.

Wanting to escape back to my seat, the pounding in my chest became unbearable. Then I looked up, and before Grant Wells had drunk all the drinks, I couldn't believe it – he was actually standing there waiting to present me with the award.

The image made me freeze in place. Everything around me disappeared for a second, and I felt tension flood through my whole body. I hadn't gotten the opportunity to lay eyes on him for weeks, not since that one particular evening. And here, he stood, dressed sharply and exuding a calm confidence that was almost infuriating.

Grant's eyes found mine as he held the award out to me, his lips forming a smirk that made my stomach flip. I forced my legs to move forward, willing away the anxious sweat that coated my palms. I cannot allow him to spoil this bliss. Not now, not here.

At long last, I strode across the stage, and as I moved up towards the mic, I noticed Grant's eyes raking across my figure. His gaze lingered on me and for some reason I felt discomforted but also a bit at ease. As if I was challenged to cower in his presence, to disappoint him by showing any signs of weakness.

He held out the award to me and as I reached for it, he held onto his hand for just a bit more than was necessary. I could feel his planning touch, but I schooled my face so that he wouldn't see how much he was getting to me. But before I could pull away, he moved a bit closer and spoke just above a whisper.

"Congratulations, Lena," he said to me with an obviously amused tone. "I knew you would do it."

Lena, may you prickle at such a condescending, patronizing statement. The award was not simply a matter for him; it was attached, like a reminder of the leash within which he believed he still was. I plastered a cold reluctant smile on his face and pulled away, turning to the audience backing the achievement.

I delivered a very brief acceptance address, apologizing to my colleagues, my parents and everyone who assisted in our project. I even looked for Damien, who sat in the audience and stared at me proud, still confident, and comforting. He was enduring me and what mattered in particular, and at that time, I welcomed the feeling of confidence that I had lost.

The audience responded with applause prior to my exit from the stage and, bearing in mind the distance I wished between Grant and myself, I focused on the retreat, occupying the least time possible. As I was walking past him, though, he leaned closer for one last time, speaking even quieter this time.

"As I have said, Lena. This isn't finished yet. We'll meet again." He said with his gaze directly at mine.

I shivered, my heart clenched.