GAMES OF GLASS AND FIRE
1464 Words
The magnificence of Edward Moreau’s corporate headquarters consistently amazed.From the ceilings were hung spotless chandeliers like suspended lightening, the marble floors shone under spotlights, and the whispers of affluent influence reached off every surface. Scarlett entered the hall with glass panels with elegant poise, her deep green satin dress hugging her figure, and her heels creating a steady sound against the floor.
She doesn't like to be there.
She despised being noticed, particularly tonight—especially with her feelings so exposed, still smoldering from the dispute with Damien a few days ago. She hadn't encountered him since then and hadn’t received any communication from him. Neither a call nor a message. And still, each night, she had dreamed of his gaze, of that passion, of how he’d breathed her name as if it were composed of both sin and redemption.
Currently, the mansion's walls transitioned to corporate marble, yet the tension persisted.
“Scarlett,” Edward’s voice brought her back from her reflections. He walked over, tall and self-satisfied in his well-tailored black suit, his silver tie shimmering in the light. He pressed his lips to her cheek, causing her stomach to churn. "You appear… stunning this evening."
She smiled faintly. “Thanks.”
“I trust you’re ready for this evening’s introduction,” he remarked, leading her forward with a firm hand on the small of her back. "Damien is set to be named interim CEO." "It's time for people to recognize his true character."
She nodded in a noncommittal way. Her gaze scanned the assembled crowd.
That was the moment she noticed him.
Damien.
Dressed in a black tuxedo that hugged his shape like a second skin, his dark hair tousled just right, eyes shining beneath half-closed lids. However, it wasn't just him that captivated her; it was the woman standing next to him.
Lanky, stunning, and self-assured, the woman’s red dress hugged her figure as if making a statement. Her hand grasped Damien's arm possessively, and when Scarlett locked eyes with her, the stranger smirked icily—almost triumphantly.
Scarlett gasped.
Damien noticed her. His gaze held just a moment longer than needed before he pivoted to greet a shareholder with effortless charisma.
That is the game he wished to engage in.
She suppressed the constriction in her throat and compelled herself to move ahead as if it was all insignificant. Similar to the woman—who she would quickly discover was called Thalia—meant wholly nothing to her.
However, it wasn't so straightforward.
An hour later, she discovered herself at the edge of the event space, sipping from a champagne flute she didn’t recall grabbing. The audience blended in velvet and silk, cheers filled the air, and the aroma of luxurious perfume intertwined with jealousy and hidden truths.
"Scarlett," a voice spoke next to her.
She faced around. Thalia.
Up close, she appeared even more perfect—smooth skin like glass, vibrant red lips, and a thoughtful sparkle in her gaze.
“I believed it would be good for us to talk,” Thalia said gracefully.
Scarlett lifted an eyebrow. “Do you think we should?”
Thalia turned her head, her gaze dropping to Scarlett's dress. "You are stunning." Not precisely his preference, yet stunning. I understand why he became... sidetracked.”
Scarlett smiled serenely, undisturbed. "I notice he likes selecting from the same shelf twice."
Thalia blinked, surprised by her calm tone.
"I'm not here to have fun," Thalia stated. “Damien and I—” She hesitated, her voice getting quieter. "We mean it." He doesn’t require the chaos you introduce into his life.
Scarlett’s grip on her glass intensified, yet her smile remained unbroken. "Is that the case?" “Maybe you ought to allocate more time with him and reduce the time spent looking for me.”
Thalia stepped nearer. "I dislike sharing what belongs to me."
Scarlett pivoted to confront her, her voice a keen edge cloaked in softness. "Unless you possess proof of ownership, I recommend you concentrate on maintaining his interest rather than intimidating outsiders."
That glimmer of Scarlett shifted entirely to confront her, voice keen as a sword cloaked in silk. “Unless you possess proof of ownership, I recommend you concentrate on maintaining his interest rather than intimidating strangers.”
The flash of uncertainty flickered in Thalia's eyes, but she concealed it swiftly. “Watch out,” she murmured. "You do not wish to turn me into your adversary."
She twirled in Thalia’s sight, yet she concealed it swiftly. "Take care," she murmured. "You wouldn't want to turn me into your foe."
Scarlett inclined closer, her eyes sparkling. "Sweetheart, I already possess plenty of foes." "Another simply enhances the taste."
With that, she pivoted and strode away, head held high and shoulders back, denying Thalia the pleasure of glancing back.
As the official announcement approached, Scarlett positioned herself by the balcony exit, attempting to soothe her anxiety. Within the hall, Edward approached the podium, lifting his glass of champagne.
"Many of you are aware," he started, "this evening signifies the next phase for Moreau Industries. It is with immense pride that I present to you the individual who will advance this company—my son, Damien Moreau.”
The audience erupted in applause. Scarlett stayed silent, observing from the darkness as Damien approached his father. He took the microphone, flashing a charming smile at the audience.
His eyes scanned the room… before finally settling on her.
For a moment that felt like an eternity, he maintained her gaze.
“This business was founded on strength, on heritage,” Damien started. "However, it's time to accept transformation." I feel privileged to carry on my father's legacy and... to develop it further.
The audience roared once more, yet Scarlett scarcely noticed. Her heart thumped like a drum within her chest.
And then it occurred.
When Damien got off the podium, Thalia approached him, but his gaze remained fixed on Scarlett. There was an element in that look—something intense, hurt, perilous. As if he was challenging her to experience.
She was unable to remain.
Scarlett glided through the glass doors and into the tranquil night air, the city humming below the balcony. She gasped slightly while resting against the railing.
Why did this cause pain? What was her concern?
The sound of footsteps resonated behind her.
"You sprinted."
She pivoted. Damien.
His jacket was open now, his eyes inscrutable.
“I required fresh air,” she stated calmly.
He walked up gradually. “Or perhaps you simply didn't want to see me together with her.”
“I’m not concerned about who you’re with.”
He let out a brief, chilly laugh. “Of course you don’t.”
She turned her gaze elsewhere. “Damien, why are you acting this way?”
"You mentioned you didn't want me," he said softly, his voice strained. "That I was merely a... sinful being."
Her breath hitched.
"I felt rage," she murmured. "I didn't intend—"
"Indeed, you did," he interrupted, moving nearer. "You truly meant each word." “And now I’m providing you precisely what you indicated you desired—space.”
Scarlett felt a tightness in her throat. Thalia is not aloof. "She’s vindictive."
Damien c****d his head, offering a slight smile. "You're still watching, right?"
She didn’t utter a word.
“Do you know what the most frustrating part is?” he went on, his voice quieter now. "She has no significance to me." She is a piece. "A method to help you experience the emotions I've had since you left that hotel room."
Scarlett’s eyes sparkled. “Then what is the reason for your actions?”
He got closer, their bodies mere inches away. "Because if I can’t possess your heart, I’ll accept your envy."
A silence hung between them, tight and intolerable.
Then—Damien extended his hand and wiped a tear from her face. His voice faltered, quieter now.
“However, the reality is… I desire neither." "I only desire you."
And before Scarlett had the chance to talk, before she could inhale—
Thalia walked out onto the balcony.
“What is this?” she asked pointedly, her voice shattering the enchantment.
Scarlett took a step back. Damien spun around, his expression stiffening.
Thalia’s eyes were aflame. "You mentioned that this was completed." That she meant nothing.
Scarlett's heartbeat surged. She noticed the storm brewing—and she found herself in the eye of it.
Damien remained silent.
And that silence—oh, that silence—was more powerful than anything he could have uttered.
Thalia’s gaze shone with treachery. She moved ahead and spoke, making sure Scarlett could hear:
“Do you believe I arrived here without anything, Scarlett?" "Do you believe I lacked evidence?"
- Writer
