HIDDEN FATE AND FRAGILE HEART.

CHAPTER SIX.

The following week, Elysian sat cross legged on her white sofa, red pencil in hand, sketchbook balanced on her lap. Most people did not know she sketched. Modeling was her profession, her public mask, but drawing was her quiet rebellion against the constant scrutiny. Her pencil moved idly on the paper, shading the fine curves of a shoulder, the slope of a back. She was sketching him.

Not his face, because she had not seen it. Just the broad shoulders, the outline of a black suit jacket, and the distinct tilt of his head as he disappeared through the studio door. Even from behind, the image radiated existence.

"Don't tell me that's another faceless mystery man."

Elysian glanced up. Willam leaned against the doorway, a glass of wine in his hand, eyebrows raised.

"Maybe," she said lightly.

He moved closer, stealing a glance from the page. "Hmmm, broad shoulders, expensive suit, no face? . Definitely a man." He said as he sipped his wine. "I think we're finally making progress. Are you secretly in love?" He teased, with a smirk.

Elysian rolled her eyes, snapping the sketchbook shut. "It is just a...a moment that is stuck in my head."

William tilted his head. "From the Blackwood shoot?"

Her silence was answer enough.

"You know, if you want to meet the guy, you'll have your chance." He continued.

Her brows knit. "What do you mean?"

He set his wine glass down, rummaging through his black bag, until he pulled out a folder. "They confirmed. Not just a campaign shoot this time. They have requested a personal dinner meeting with the CEO to discuss creative direction."

Dinner? With the CEO?

"So soon?" she murmured.

"They wanted it next week, but I pushed for Friday. You need time to breathe between shows."William grinned. "I knew you would say yes."

Elysian set the sketchbook aside, her fingers tightening around the edge of the sofa. She wanted to protest, to say no, to say she do not need to meet any CEO, or even cancel the contract. But the truth twisted in her chest. A part of her wanted to. She wanted to see that man, that figure that has never left her head desperately.

"Elysian," William called softly, noticing her hesitation. "This is huge, this is not just any company. This could change everything, get more deals and opportunities for you."

She forced a smile. "I know."

But somehow she is still unable to feel happy, or excited, she was not able to accept it. And she did not know why.

Across the city, in the Blackwood estate, Damian stood in his study, Ralph at his side.

"She is coming coming, Friday," Ralph reported. "Dinner meeting, officially business. Unofficially..." He trailed off, watching his Alpha closely.

Damian's silver-blue eyes glowed faintly in the lamplight. His wolf stirred at the word, growling low.

"Unofficially," Damian said, voice like steel, "it's the beginning."

Ralph crossed his arms. "You need to tread carefully. If you lose control in front of her—"

"I won't." He cut in immediately.

"You almost shifted in your office yesterday," Ralph reminded him. "You think she will not notice if your eyes start glowing at the table?"

Damian's gaze snapped to him. "She is mine,Ralph. She will notice, and she will feel it. That bond is not one sided. It has never been, and will never be"

Ralph held his stare. "And if she's afraid?"

A long silence.

Damian's jaw flexed. "Then I will earn her trust. No matter how long it takes."

"Patience is for men. Your wolf does not know patience." Ralph gave him a look. "And you're somewhere in between."

Damian's gaze drifted back to the window. The city glowed, unaware of the storm brewing above it. His voice dropped, almost a whisper. "She will come to me. And when she does, there will be no going back."

Friday arrived faster than expected.

Elysian smoothed her dress in the mirror, a sleek black gown that clung in all the right places, showing every curve, without screaming extravagance. William hovered behind her, fussing with her hair until she his hand away.

"It is just dinner, not a coronation," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"With Blackwood," he corrected. "Do not make it seem less important. Do you know how many models would kill for this invitation?"

"Do you know how many models have died trying to look perfect?" she shot back dryly.

He smirked. "Touché. But still, tonight, you are untouchable."

Her gaze lingered on her reflection. Untouchable meant alone. And for reasons she could not explain, she wanted to be reachable by someone and not alone.

"Let's just get this over with," she said softly.

William squeezed her shoulder gently . "You've got this Ely. He reassured as usual