Hidden Between Us

Chapter 7: Control

“Control is easy until something asks you to feel”

Damian's Pov

I did not come home for company, I came for my father.

Midday visits to the family house were rare for me now. Too many memories, too many expectations buried in the walls. Still, when he asked, I showed up. Documents, a conversation that could not happen over the phone

I stepped inside, loosening my tie slightly, phone already in my hand as I scanned through emails. The house was quiet, polished, familiar in a way that never really left you.

Then I heard laughter.

Not Sophie's usual dramatic laugh, Softer, Lighter, Female

I mean Sophie's laugh sounded like a choking Horse not very human like left alone sounding like a female

I slowed, the sound came from the lounge

When I stepped in, I expected to see Sophie sprawled somewhere, maybe on a call, maybe with a friend I would barely register before moving on.

Instead, I saw her...

She was sitting comfortably on the couch, drink in hand, posture relaxed like she belonged there. Not trying to impress, not trying to shrink either, just...present

Sophie was beside her, mid sentence, animated as always

For a moment, I stayed where I was, watching

The girl smiled at something Sophie said, tucking her leg slightly beneath her, eyes bright, expression open. There was ease in her movements. Familiarity, whoever she was, she was not nervous about being in this house.

That alone caught my attention.

Sophie noticed me then. Our eyes met, and immediately her lips curved into something knowing.

Of course

She glanced at the girl, then back at me.

"I forgot the textbook upstairs," Sophie said casually, already moving past me.

I did not respond

The girl did not look up right away. She adjusted the glass in her hand, unaware of my presence.

I checked my phone, grounding myself, posture neutral. This was my house. I did not owe anyone attention.

Then she looked up, Our eyes met.

The reaction was subtle but unmistakable. A flicker of surprise, a pause. Her breath catching just slightly before she recovered.

Interesting

She did not look away immediately. Her gaze held mine for a second longer than politeness required. Curious and Unfiltered.

I stepped further into the room, folder in one hand, phone in the other, calm expression firmly in place. Years of discipline kept my face unreadable.

She was attractive. That was obvious. But it was not just her face. It was the way she looked at me without calculation, without agenda and that was rare

Sophie returned moments later, breaking the moment, handing her a book.

"Ah, you're still here?" Sophie asked me

"Yeah," I replied lightly. "Just came to see if you're still alive"

I left the lounge immediately after. Not because I needed to but because staying felt unnecessary

I found my father, handled what I came for. Papers signed, brief conversation, Nothing emotional.

Yet my attention kept drifting.

When I returned to the lounge again, Sophie was gone.

She was still there, Alone this time.

I sat down across from her, keeping distance, phone in hand, posture relaxed but controlled. She shifted slightly, clearly aware of me now.

"Oh," I said calmly, breaking the silence. "You must be Sophie's friend."

"Yeah," she said. "I'm Sienna."

Sienna i said the name in my mind

I stood and offered my hand. Brief and Professional. Her grip was steady and confident.

"Damian," I said.

I watched the moment it clicked for her. The resemblance, the understanding of who I was in this house.

Her expression changed slightly. Not intimidated, just aware

Sophie returned almost immediately, dragging her away with a laugh.

"You were literally drooling, Sienna," Sophie teased as they walked away I could still see them

"I know," Sienna replied dramatically

"It kinda happened."

I leaned back slightly, phone resting against my palm, watching them disappear into the sitting room.

That was when it hit me. I had not planned to notice her. I did not do lingering thoughts. I did not replay moments. Attraction was usually simple. Physical and temporary and this was none of those things.

As their voices faded, one thought settled uncomfortably in my chest. Control was slipping and I did not like it.