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Chapter 108 – Hotpot Revelations and a Heart Laid Bare
I felt heat rush to my cheeks at Damien’s question. Just a friend? The implication hung
ribs. in the air between us, making my heart pound against my
“You want me to add ‘boyfriend‘ to your contact name?” I asked, finding courage didn’t know I had. The word felt strange on my tongue, yet oddly right.
Damien’s eyes lit up, but he maintained his composed expression. “Only if you mean it, Hazel.
Taking a deep breath, I looked directly at him. “I think we’ve been dancing around this for too long. But I have a condition.”
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I’m listening.”
“You’ve been taking ninety–nine steps toward me,” I said, the words tumbling out before I could second–guess myself. “I want you to stop at step ninety–nine. Let me take that final step.”
A slow smile spread across his face, transforming his features. “Are you saying you want to be the one to make things official between us?”
I nodded, suddenly feeling both terrified and exhilarated. “Exactly.”
“Then I’ll wait at step ninety–nine,” he agreed, his voice low and warm. He reached across the console and squeezed my hand. “For as long as you need.”
The tension between us shifted into something comfortable yet electric. As Damien drove, I found myself stealing glances at his profile, marveling at how quickly he’d become essential to my world.
Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to a small, unassuming building tucked away on a quiet street. If not for the subtle signage, I would have missed it entirely.
“Where are we?” I asked as he helped me out of the car.
“The best seafood hotpot in the city,” Damien replied, guiding me toward the entrance with his hand lightly resting on the small of my back. “It’s a well–kept secret. The owner only accepts reservations from regulars.”
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Inside, the restaurant was intimate and surprisingly elegant. Dark wood paneling covered the walls, and private booths were separated by ornate screens. A hostess greeted Damien with a deep bow.
“Mr. Sterling, your usual room is ready.”
She led us to a private room at the back, where a circular table with an inset copper pot awaited us. Through the windows, I could see a small Japanese–inspired garden illuminated by soft lanterns.
“This place is beautiful,” I murmured as we settled in.
“I thought you might appreciate something quiet tonight, Damien said. “After everything with your grandmother.”
My heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. “How did you discover this place?”
“Business dinner years ago. The owner used to be a chef for my family before he started his own restaurant.” Damien glanced at the menu. “Their specialty is the spicy seafood combination. Would you like to try it?”
“I trust your judgment,” I replied, earning a pleased look from him.
The food arrived promptly–fresh seafood arranged artistically on ice, vibrant vegetables, and handmade noodles. As the broth began to simmer, Damien’s phone
rang.
He checked the screen. “It’s my sister. Do you mind if I take this?”
“Of course not.”
To my surprise, he answered on video call rather than audio. “Chloe, what’s up?” “Big brother!” a cheerful female voice exclaimed, I recognized her immediately as his sister, though I’d only seen her in passing. “I’m back in the country! Surprise!”
Damien angled the phone so I couldn’t be seen. “That’s great. When did you land?”
“Just now! Are you home? I want to drop by and-” She paused. “Wait are you at Hunter’s place? Are you on a/date?!”
I froze, suddenly very interested in the bubbling hotpot.
Damien sighed. “Chloe–“/
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“You are! Show me who she is! Is it Hazel? It has to be Hazel, right? Chloe’s excitement was palpable even through the phone. “Come on, don’t be stingy!”
With a resigned look my way, Damien turned the phone so I was visible on camera. “Yes, I’m with Hazel. Hazel, this is my sister, Chloe.”
Chloe’s face lit up with delight. “I knew it! Hi, prospective sister–in–law! We’ve met before, remember? I was the Porsche–driving ride–share driver!”
My mouth fell open. “That was you? But you said-
“I know, I know! Total deception. But I wanted to meet you without the whole T’m Damien’s sister‘ thing hanging over us.” She grinned unrepentantly. “And look how things turned out! My brother’s finally dating someone worthy of him!”
“Chloe,” Damien warned, but there was affection in his tone.
“What? Oh! By the way, Hazel, some friends of mine are dying for custom pieces from you. They saw the blue dress you wore to the charity gala and they’re obsessed. Can I give them your contact?”
I blinked, caught off guard by the whirlwind that was Chloe Chase. “Um, yes, of course.”
“Perfect! I’ll let you two get back to your date. Damien, call me tomorrow. And Hazel- she winked “-don’t let him fool you with that serious face. He’s been talking about you
for weeks!”
The call ended before either of us could respond. I stared at Damien, who looked slightly embarrassed but not at all apologetic.
“Your sister is… energetic, I managed.
“That’s one way to put it.” He chuckled. “She likes you.”
–“Prospective sister–in–law?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Damien didn’t flinch. “Chloe has always been presumptuous.”
space, the I took a sip of my tea, gathering courage. Something about this priv warmth of the hotpot between us, and Chloe’s candid comments emboldened me. “So,” I began casually, “since we’re at step ninety–nine… I think I should know more
about you.”
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His eyes sparkled with amusement. “What would you like to know?”
“How rich are you, exactly?” I blurted out, immediately blushing at my own directness.-
To my relief, Damien laughed. “Very direct. I appreciate that.” He considered for a moment. “The Sterling family has holdings across multiple sectors–real estate, technology, defense–with a net worth in the nine–figure range. My personal assets are approximately a third of that.”
I nearly choked on my tea. “Nine figures?”
“Does that intimidate you?” he asked, suddenly serious.
“No,” I said honestly. “Money doesn’t impress me. How you use it might.”
His expression softened. “Good answer,”
Emboldened, I continued. “How many properties do you own?”
“Three personal residences–my main home here in the city, a lake house about two hours north, and a small villa in Italy.” He selected a piece of lobster from the pot and placed it in my bowl. “The family owns several others, but those are the ones I consider mine.”
“Cars?”
“Four. A daily driver, two classics, and one I keep for track days.” He smiled. “I’m not particularly showy about vehicles. They’re functional objects to me.”
I nodded, hesitating before asking my next question. “Past girlfriends?”
His expression didn’t change. “One serious relationship in college. It lasted two years. We parted amicably when our career paths took us in different directions.”
“That’s it?” I couldn’t hide my surprise.
“I’ve dated casually, but yes, only one relationship I’d consider significant.” He studied me thoughtfully. “I don’t give my heart easily, Hazel.”
The implication wasn’t lost on me. My mouth felt dry as I asked, “H. you ever had a crush on someone? You know, that one person you just couldn’t forget?”
Something flickered across his face–vulnerability, perhaps. “There was someone… when I was younger. A girl who showed me kindness when I needed it most.” His voice
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softened. “Some might call it a ‘white moonlight–that pure, unattainable first love.”
My heart sank a little. “Do you still think about her?”
“Every day,” he admitted.
“Oh.” I looked down at my bowl, suddenly less hungry.
“Hazel. Damien reached across the table and tilted my chin up gently. “Look at me”
I met his gaze reluctantly.
“Sometimes the person you think is unattainable finds their way back to you in the most unexpected ways.” His thumb brushed lightly across my cheek. “And sometimes they’re sitting right across from you at a hotpot restaurant, asking questions they already know the answers to.”
My breath caught. “What are you saying?”
“I think you know.” His eyes held mine, unwavering and intense. “I’ve been completely transparent about my finances, my possessions, my past relationships–which is more than most people learn about me in years. There’s a reason for that, Hazel.”
I felt caught in his gentle trap, unable and unwilling to look away. Here was a man who had systematically taken down every barrier I’d erected, who had supported me without question, who looked at me like I was something precious.
“So to summarize,” he continued, voice low and intimate, “I am financially comfortable but not ostentatious. I own three homes but spend most of my time working. I’ve had one serious relationship that ended years ago. And yes, there has been someone special in my life–a white moonlight, if you will–who has occupied my thoughts for longer than she knows.”
He leaned forward slightly, eyes never leaving mine. “Hazel Ashworth, are these answers satisfactory?”
