Damian's POV
I watched her from the hallway for a long moment, hoping she'd look up again. But she didn't. She was avoiding me-just like I expected.
After everything, I couldn't blame her.
She hadn't responded to the gifts or the note I sent. The flowers, the bracelet... even the custom tea set from that little shop she once mentioned in passing. I tried to speak without showing up in person, to let her breathe. But part of me itched to walk over, say her name, and make it all right again.
But I didn't.
Instead, I turned and walked into my office. The door clicked softly behind me.
I had back-to-back meetings, but none of them mattered. I was distracted. My mind kept going back to her-the way she looked as she walked into the building, head high, quiet confidence, but her eyes... they were different. Guarded.
And that was my fault.
Eric walked in with a few files, his tone clipped. "Sir, the staff are much calmer today. No one's posted or mentioned anything since your memo. But there are still quiet conversations happening."
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. "Let them talk. I don't care about whispers. I only care if she's okay."
Eric blinked, clearly surprised. "Amara?"
I didn't reply. I didn't need to.
After he left, I stared at my phone. I wanted to message her again, but something told me she wouldn't reply. Not now.
But I had to try.
> Damian: Lunch today? You don't have to come to my office. I'll have something sent to your desk if you'd prefer. Just... let me know you're okay.
I stared at the message for a few seconds before hitting send. And then, I waited.
---
Amara's POV
I saw the message pop up on my screen, his name bold and impossible to ignore.
I read it three times.
My heart wanted to say yes.
But my head was still bruised from all the noise, the judgment, the whispers.
I hadn't spoken to him since the day I left. I didn't know how to act around him anymore. Was I supposed to pretend nothing happened? That a single post didn't flip my world upside down?
Still, something inside me softened. Maybe it was the way he said "Just let me know you're okay."
So I typed back:
> Amara: I'm okay. Thank you for lunch. You don't need to send anything today.
I didn't send a heart or a smiley face. Just that.
Simple.
Clear.
Distant.
Because even though my heart still ached for him, I needed space to protect it.
---
Later That Day – Knight Tech Break Room
Staff members gathered during the late afternoon break, whispering as usual.
"She actually came back. That's brave."
"I heard she didn't even flinch when she walked in today."
"Damian has never done this before for anyone. Not even Serena, and they used to date!"
"Well, whatever is going on... she must mean something to him."
"I just hope she doesn't end up heartbroken. CEOs like him don't usually settle down."
They didn't know I was standing just around the corner. Listening.
Maybe they were right.
Or maybe they didn't know Damian Knight the way I was starting to.
And maybe... I didn't either.
---Amara's POV
The buzz of the office had settled into a steady rhythm after lunch. I was calmer now-my heartbeat no longer racing every time someone walked by my desk or glanced in my direction.
The stares hadn't completely stopped, but they were softer. Less judgmental. Maybe Damian's memo really did have an effect.
Or maybe people had simply moved on to the next juicy topic.
I sipped from the glass of cold water Mia had forced me to drink that morning before she left for her trip. Her words still echoed in my head-"You deserve to be happy, Amara. Don't let fear choke the good things out of your life."
Maybe she was right. Maybe... I should let things unfold. Carefully.
Then my phone buzzed.
> Call: Damian Knight
I froze.
My fingers hovered above the screen. For a second, I debated ignoring it. But something inside me clicked. I exhaled quietly and answered.
"Hello?" I said softly.
"Amara," his voice was low and firm, but I could hear the restraint behind it. "Can you come to my office now? Just for a minute."
There was no pressure in his tone-just a quiet request.
"Okay," I whispered before I could second-guess myself.
She stood, adjusted her blazer, and walked calmly toward his office. This time, no racing heart. Just... nerves buried under controlled steps.
The knock on Damian's door was soft.
"Come in," he called immediately. He was already standing, like he had been waiting.
When Amara stepped in, his expression shifted. Relief flickered across his face.
"Thank you for coming," he said.
"I'm here," she replied, standing near the door.
He took a slow breath. "Amara, I wanted to say this in person. I'm sorry. For everything-the photo, the rumors, how all of this exploded. It wasn't supposed to go public, and I take full responsibility."
She stayed quiet for a beat before walking further in. "I know you didn't post it. But people treat me differently now... and I wasn't ready for all this attention."
"I understand," he said sincerely. "And if it helps, whoever leaked that photo-we're still investigating. But I want you to know... I'm not ashamed of it. Or of you."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"I like you, Amara," he continued, voice steady now. "More than I planned to. But I also respect you. So if you want distance, I'll give it to you. Just don't shut me out completely."
She looked at him, torn between staying guarded and lowering her walls.
"I just need time," she said honestly.
"I'll give you time," he nodded. "But when you're ready, I'd like to take you somewhere. No drama. No company gossip. Just you and me."
A small smile crept onto her lips-barely there, but it was something.
"I'll think about it," she murmured.
And with that, she turned and left the office-leaving Damian staring after her, heart both aching and hopeful.
I resumed work the next morning feeling a little more composed than the day before. The storm of emotions had dulled slightly, replaced by a quiet resolve to focus on what I came here for-my work.
Whispers followed me as I walked through the hallway, eyes pretending not to notice me but lingering long enough to sting. Some offered tight-lipped smiles, others just stared. I ignored them all and headed straight to my desk.
Damian hadn't shown up since morning. His office door remained closed, and Harper was stationed outside as usual, nodding when he saw me pass.
Lunchtime came and went quietly. I stayed at my desk, nibbling on a granola bar and sipping juice, just grateful for a moment of peace.
Then came the call.
My office line rang, and I hesitated for a moment before picking up. Harper's voice came through.
"Miss Rivera, the CEO would like to see you after your break."
There was no explanation. Just like that.
"Okay," I replied softly, placing the receiver back down.
I didn't know why he wanted to see me again. Maybe he wanted to explain more. Maybe he wanted to apologize-or maybe he just wanted to see if I was still upset.
Either way, I needed to keep it together. I straightened my blouse, took a deep breath, and prepared to face him.