65 Chapter 68
Chapter 68 – Sparks, Speculation, and a Shared Meal
“That’s wonderful news, Hazel,” Damien’s voice was warin through the phone. “You deserve this closure.”
Standing by my car outside the cemetery, I felt lighter than I had in years. “Thank you. I…” I paused, gathering my courage. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to have lunch today? As a thank you for everything
ve done.”
The silence that followed made my heart race. Had I been too forward?
“I’d be delighted,” he finally answered, his deep voice sending a flutter through my chest. “What time works for you?”
We settled on meeting at noon, and after hanging up, I immediately called Victoria. “I need a private room at Imperial Garden,” I blurted as soon as she answered. “Well, hello to you too,” she laughed. “What’s the occasion?”
I hesitated. “I invited Damien Sterling to lunch.”
Her squeal nearly burst my eardrum. “Finally! The ice
queen melts!”
“It’s just a thank–you lunch,” I insisted, feeling my cheeks warm. “For helping with my father.”
“Mmm–hmm,” Victoria’s voice dripped with skepticism. “A private room for a ‘thank you.‘ Sure.”
“Victoria…”
“Fine, fine! I’ll arrange it. Noon?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Wear something pretty,” she added before hanging up.
I spent the next hour agonizing over what to wear before settling on a simple navy dress that hugged my curves without being obvious about it. Professional but flattering. After all, this wasn’t a date. Definitely not a date.
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So why couldn’t I stop my hands from trembling as I applied my makeup?
The Imperial Garden was Victoria’s family’s crown jewel–an upscale Chinese restaurant frequented by the city’s elite. I arrived ten minutes early, only to find Victoria waiting for me in the lobby with a mischievous grin.
“Don’t start,” I warned her.
“I didn’t say anything!” She linked her arm with mine as she led me to the private dining room. “But you look gorgeous for someone who’s ‘just saying thank you.”
I glared at her. “It’s called basic respect.”
“It’s called you have a crush on the most eligible bachelor in the city.” She stopped outside an ornate door, decorated with hand–painted peonies. “The room is ready. I’ve instructed the staff to be discreet.”
“There’s nothing to be discreet about,” I insisted.
Victoria just patted my arm. “Whatever you say, sweetie.” She checked her watch. “I’ve got a meeting, but I expect a full report later.”
After she left, I entered the private room to wait. The space was elegant–traditional Chinese décor with modern touches. A round table was set for two, with a lazy Susan in the center. Floor–to–ceiling windows overlooked a serene garden.
At precisely noon, I heard voices approaching. The door opened, and Damien entered -but he wasn’t alone. A young woman with striking features followed him, her eyes immediately finding mine with unconcealed curiosity.
“Hazel,” Damien greeted me warmly. “I hope you don’t mind, but my sister insisted on joining us when she heard where I was going.”
My heart stuttered. His sister? The young woman smiled brightly and extended her hand.
“Chloe Chase,” she introduced herself. “I use my mother’s surname professionally. I’ve heard so much about you!”
I shook her hand, trying to hide my surprise. “It’s lovely to meet you. I didn’t realize you’d be joining us…”
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“Oh, I’m not crashing your romantic lunch, am I?” Chloe’s eyes danced with mischief. looking between Damien and me.
“It’s not romantic,” I said quickly–too quickly. “Just a thank–you lunch.”
Damien pulled out a chair for his sister, then one for me. “I took the liberty of pre–ordering. I hope you don’t mind, but I have a meeting at two.”
“No, that’s perfect,” I said, settling into my seat and trying to calm my racing heart. “I’m glad you could make time.”
“He made time,” Chloe corrected with a knowing smile. “Rescheduled an entire conference call with Beijing.”
Damien shot her a warning look that she cheerfully ignored.
“So,” Chloe leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands, “how long has this been going on between you two?”
I nearly choked on my water. “There’s nothing-”
“My sister lacks subtlety,” Damien interjected smoothly. “But she means well.”
“I’m just curious,” Chloe shrugged. “You two seem to have your own private world whenever you look at each other.”
Heat flooded my cheeks. “We’re just friends,” I insisted, though the word ‘friends‘ felt inadequate for whatever was happening between Damien and me.
“Friends,” Chloe repeated skeptically. “The same way you’re just a ride–share driver?” I blinked, confused, until recognition dawned. “Wait–that was you? In the Porsche?” She grinned. “Guilty as charged. Damien was worried about you, and I was curious.” Before I could process this revelation, servers arrived with our first dishes–delicate dim sum, aromatic soups, and platters of beautifully prepared seafood.
“This looks amazing,” I murmured, grateful for the distraction.
As we ate, Chloe dominated the conversation, telling stories about growing up with Damien that painted him in an endearingly human light. I found myself laughing more than I had in months.
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“He was so serious, even as a child,” Chloe was saying. “While other kids were playing video games, he was reading economics textbooks.”
“Someone had to be the responsible one,” Damien replied dryly, but his eyes held affection when he looked at his sister.
a
I watched their interaction, feeling a pang of longing. This was what family should be- warm, teasing, supportive. So unlike my own experience.
“Hazel?” Damien’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, sorry,” I smiled. “Just thinking how nice this is.”
Chloe’s expression softened. “I heard about your father. Are you okay?”
The question caught me off guard. “I’m… processing it. It’s strange to feel relief about someone going to prison, especially your own father.”
“Sometimes the people who should protect us are the ones who hurt us most,” Chloe said quietly. “It’s okay to feel relieved when that pain stops, regardless of how it happens.”
Her insight surprised me. “That’s exactly it.”
“Our grandfather was similar,” Damien explained, his expression darkening slightly. “Not criminal, but… difficult.”
I felt a connection form between us–another thread binding us together through shared understanding.
As dessert arrived–delicate mango pudding shaped like koi fish–Chloe fixed me with a direct gaze.
“So, is this really just a thank–you lunch?” she asked. “Because from where I’m sitting, it seems like more.”
I froze, the spoon halfway to my mouth. “I-”
“Chloe,” Damien’s voice held a note of warning.
“What? I’m just asking what everyone is thinking.” She turned back to me. “My brother doesn’t rearrange meetings for just anyone, Hazel.”
I set down my spoon, suddenly unsure how to navigate this conversation. “I’m grateful
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for Damien’s help,” I said carefully. “Without him, I’m not sure I could have stood up to my father.”
“And that’s all?” Chloe pressed, earning another sharp look from her brother.
“That’s what Hazel has said,” Damien answered for me, his eyes meeting mine across the table. “If she says this is a thank–you lunch, then that’s what it is.”
My breath caught at the intensity in his gaze. There was something there–a question, perhaps, or a challenge.
Chloe looked between us, a smile playing at her lips. “So if Hazel called it a date, then…?”
Damien didn’t break eye contact with me as he answered his sister.
“If Hazel says so,” he said softly, “then it is so.”
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