SPECIE OF LOVE

THE NAME AT THE DOOR

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*CHAPTER 22*

*THE NAME AT THE DOOR*

_Ava’s POV_

“Isabella.”

The name hung in the air like smoke.

The housekeeper’s footsteps faded down the hall, but my heartbeat didn’t. Damien’s arm was still locked around me. Solid. Unshakable.

“Are you scared?” he asked again, thumb brushing my wrist.

“I have you,” I whispered. And I meant it.

He kissed me once. Deep. Anchoring. When he pulled back, the tension in the room broke like glass. Peace rushed in to take its place.

For ten minutes, the world was just us. His forehead against mine. My hands in his hair. The TV was still off. Football forgotten.

Then his phone buzzed. Once. Twice. A third time.

He didn’t let go. “Ignore it.”

“It could be important,” I said, even though I didn’t want him to move.

“Nothing is more important than this.” His eyes were dark. Sure.

The buzzing stopped. Silence. Then… footsteps. Light. Fast. Coming up the stairs.

Damien’s jaw tightened. He didn’t turn. “If anyone knocks again, tell them the CEO is dead to the world.”

The housekeeper’s voice came from the hallway, hesitant. “Sir… she says it’s urgent. She says she’s carrying your—”

“Don’t finish that sentence.” His voice cut like steel.

I stiffened in his arms. “Damien…”

“Shh.” He pulled me tighter. “Breathe with me. In… out…”

I did. Because his chest was the only thing that made sense right now.

“Baby, listen to me,” he said, low. “The Empress deleted the video. There is no proof. No leverage. Only rumors. And rumors don’t raise my child. I do.”

Tears stung my eyes. “What if she came to fight?”

“Then she’ll fight a wall.” He cupped my face. “You are my peace. Not my war.”

Another knock. Softer this time. Almost… afraid.

“Miss Isabella,” the housekeeper said, “he said he’s not on seat.”

A pause. Then a voice I’d never heard, but knew instantly. Smooth. Polished. Dangerous.

“Tell Damien… congratulations on the baby. Tell him… I hope it’s a boy. The empire loves heirs.”

My blood went cold.

Damien didn’t flinch. He stood, still holding me, and walked to the door. Not to open it. To block it.

“Thank her for her wishes,” he called through the wood. “And tell her the only heir this house recognizes is the one Ava carries. Good evening, Miss Isabella.”

Silence.

Then footsteps. Retreating. Slow.

When they were gone, he turned back to me. His mask dropped. His hands were shaking.

“Did you mean it?” I asked. “About the heir?”

He knelt in front of me. Right there on the living room floor. “Ava. Look at me.”

I did.

“I don’t want an empire split in two. I want a home. With you. With our son. If I have to burn every contract, every wedding, every threat… I will.” He pressed his forehead to my belly. “Junior, protect your Mama. That’s your first job.”

I broke. Not with tears. With laughter. Shaky, stupid, grateful laughter. “You’re insane.”

“I’m yours.” He stood, lifted me again, and carried me back to the couch.

We didn’t talk for a long time. He fed me strawberries from the kitchen. One by one. Like an oath.

“You switched off football for me,” I said between bites.

“You switched off fear for me,” he said.

Outside, the sun was going down. Inside, the war was over.

For tonight… we had peace.

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*AUTHOR’S NOTE*

Comment *Team DAMAVA* 💃

and as always loviesss 😘 *RIDE DINE AND READ* ❤️