A deal with the devils heart

Chapter 4

Mia’s POV

“ Pardon?” He asked.

“ You asked me to marry you and I say I will. But only on my terms and conditions. And trust me, Damien—you’re not going to like them.” I said.

“ Are you…” But before he could finish, the door burst open.

Asher walked in with Celine trailing behind him.

“I tried stopping him,” she said breathlessly, her face flushed.

I waved her off. She nodded and left quickly, leaving Asher standing there

He looked at Damien then at me.

“After yesterday’s mess, I expected a call from you,” Asher began, his voice icy. “A little explanation would’ve been nice. I even gave you the benefit of the doubt by coming here But I guess I interrupted… whatever this is.” He gestured at Damien and me, his jaw tight.

“ Excuse us.” I said to Damien.

“But what about our discussion?” Damien asked, hesitating.

“Meet me at seven. The café near my office,” I replied.

Reluctantly, he left, brushing past Asher with a deliberate shove. Asher didn’t react, his eyes locked on me.

Once we were alone, I tried to apologize. “Asher, I’m sorry I didn’t call. I was busy…” but he cut me off.

“ Busy with your ex-husband.” He said, as he moved closer to sit down.

“ I don't care about whatever happens in your personal life, what I care about is courtesy and striking a balance with personal life and professional life, my face is plastered all over the news because of what happened yesterday” He said.

“And after everything that happened, you didn't even bother to call nor I apologize, I am sorry to say that I am afraid my company and I won't be able to do any business with you anymore.” He said angrily as he stood up.

“ Sir…Asher please let me explain.” I said but he cut me off

“ It was nice doing business with you and I would also inform Mrs Ryan of the cancelled contracts.” He said as he headed towards the door then he turned.

“ You know,” he said, his voice quieter now, “I liked you, Mia. I still do. But whatever this is—whatever you’re caught up in—I want no part of it. If you ever want to talk… as two people, not business partners, let me know.” he said.

As he opened the door, Celine was outside, clearly eavesdropping. She stumbled forward, caught red-handed. He just looked at her and left.

“ So what are you going to do?” She asked as she closed the door.

I spinned round the chair as I sighed.

“I honestly don't know.” I said.

“ We have to find another investor or wait for Asher's temper to calm down.” I said.

“ And what is the talk about you getting married to Damien, Mia are you out of your mind?.” She asked .

“Maybe I am,” I admitted.

“Mia,” she pressed, “are you serious about marrying him?”

I sighed deeply. “Celine, I’m exhausted. Just get me a coffee, please.”

“You’re not thinking this through!” she snapped. “He hurt you once—what makes you think this time will be different? You still love him, don’t you? You’re setting yourself up for disaster and you know it Mia, can you please for once….”

“ Celine!!!” I shouted.

“ You are really unbelievable.” She continued. “ You know getting involved with him would lead you to serious trouble…”

That’s enough!” I snapped, my patience gone. “Do your job, get me a coffee, and stop overstepping your bounds as my secretary.”

She glared at me, her jaw tight. “As you wish, ma’am.”

As she turned to leave, I added sharply, “And if you ever speak to me like that again, you’re fired.”

She stormed out.

I know staying in the office was not an option.

I grabbed my bag and left. “Cancel my appointments,” I told Celine as I passed her.

“I’ll drive myself,” I told the driver, grabbing the keys and heading to my car.

I drove aimlessly until I spotted Damien a few blocks away, walking down the street. Without thinking, I pulled over.

“Get in,” I said flatly.

He hesitated but eventually climbed in. I drove to the nearest pub, parking hastily before heading inside.

Once inside, I headed straight to the bar and ordered a drink. Damien followed but stayed silent, watching as I downed the first glass in one go.

“I regret the day I ever met you,” I said, my voice low.

He didn’t respond, but I could see the nervous look in his eyes.

“You know, I loved you once,” I continued, pouring myself another drink. “And it was the biggest mistake of my life. You ruined me, Damien. You destroyed everything I cared about.”

I took another gulp, the alcohol burning my throat. “And now, after ten years, you come back and ask me to marry you? Fine. I’ll do it. But don’t think for a second it’s out of love. I’ll break you, Damien. I’ll make you regret everything you ever did to me, I will make you miserable just like you did to me”

Before Damien could respond, a man stepped up to our table. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a scar and a cruel smile .

“ Well, well we meet again.” He said as he patted Damiens shoulder.

“ Who is this friend of yours, is this our fianceè?” He asked as he moved closer to me but Damien held his hand stopping him from coming closer to me.

“ Let her go, just give me time and besides this is between the two of us…” but before he could utter another word the scarface guy gave him a punch, sending Damien crashing on the floor and then he moved closer to me.