123 Chapter 126
123 Chapter 126
Chapter 126 – Love’s Embrace and a Bitter Call
The word “boyfriend” felt foreign on my tongue as I stared into Damien’s eyes. “Did I really just call you my boyfriend?” I asked softly, watching his entire face transform. The smile that spread across his features was unlike anything I’d seen before – unbridled joy that reached his eyes and softened every line of his usually composed expression.
“You did,” he confirmed, his voice thick with emotion. “And I’m never letting you take it back.”
He pulled me closer, wrapping his strong arms around my waist as if afraid I might disappear. The warmth of his body against mine felt like coming home – a feeling I’d never truly experienced before.
“My goodness, you two are adorable!” Chloe’s amused voice broke through our moment. She stood beside us with her champagne glass raised, eyes dancing with mischief. “Should we start planning the wedding now, or wait until tomorrow?”
I felt heat flush my cheeks. “Chloe!”
“What? My brother just plastered your love story across the entire city skyline. I think I’m entitled to tease you both a little.” She winked at me before turning to address the small crowd that had gathered around us. “Everyone, meet Hazel Ashworth – the woman who finally captured my impossible–to–please brother’s heart.”
Several well–dressed guests raised their glasses in acknowledgment, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright admiration. I fought the urge to hide my face against Damien’s chest.
Damien, however, seemed completely at ease with the attention. He kept his arm firmly around my waist as he addressed the room.
“Yes, this is Hazel Ashworth,” he stated, his voice carrying that natural authority that made everyone listen. “Fashion designer extraordinaire and the woman I am privileged to call my partner.” The subtle emphasis he placed on the word “my” sent a shiver down my spine.
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His gaze swept the room, landing briefly on each face. “I trust everyone will treat her accordingly.”
Though his tone remained pleasant, there was no mistaking the warning beneath his words. I should have felt embarrassed by his territorial display, but instead, a thrill ran through me. No one had
Sme so publicly, so proudly before.
An older gentleman stepped forward, offering his hand to me. “Ms. Ashworth, Edgar Montgomery. It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who managed what many thought impossible.” He smiled warmly. “Sterling has been the most eligible bachelor in our circles for years. You must be quite special indeed.”
Before I could respond, Damien interjected smoothly, “She is. More special than words can express.”
The man nodded knowingly. “My company has several upcoming events that could benefit from fresh design perspectives. Perhaps we could discuss a potential collaboration for your brand?”
My eyes widened slightly. Montgomery Industries was one of the largest luxury goods companies in the country. “I’d be delighted to discuss possibilities, Mr. Montgomery.” After exchanging contacts and a few more pleasantries, Damien guided me toward the balcony. “Let’s watch the rest of the fireworks,” he suggested, his breath warm against my ear.
Outside, the night air was crisp but not unpleasant. Brilliant explosions of light decorated the sky above us, but my attention was fixed on Damien’s profile as he gazed upward. The colors reflected in his eyes, making them seem even more intense than usual.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, catching me staring.
I hesitated, surprised by the sudden honesty of my thoughts. “I’m thinking about how different this feels.”
His eyebrow raised slightly. “Different from?”
“From Julian,” I admitted quietly. “Everything with him was so… calculated. Reasonable. We made sense on paper – the fashion designer and the businessman from a good family. I thought that was what love was supposed to be.”
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Damien turned to face me fully, his hands resting lightly on my hips. “And now?”
I placed my palms against his chest, feeling his heart beating steadily beneath my fingers. “This feels like drowning and breathing at the same time. It’s terrifying and exhilarating, and I never know what you’re going to do next.” I laughed softly. “Who projects their relationship story across an entire city?”
“A man who wants there to be no doubt about his intentions,” Damien replied seriously. His fingers traced my cheek gently. “A man who wants the world to know that you are cherished, respected, and desired.”
The intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. “I think I understand now why I stayed with Julian for so long,” I confessed. “He was my escape route – my ticket away from my toxic family. I convinced myself that was love, but it wasn’t. It was survival.”
“And now?” His question was barely a whisper.
“Now I’m not trying to escape anything. For the first time in my life, I’m running toward something instead of away.” I reached up to touch his face. “I’m choosing this – choosing you – because I want to, not because I need to.”
Damien’s eyes darkened with emotion as he leaned down, pressing his forehead against mine. The intimate gesture felt more powerful than a kiss.
—
from Our moment was interrupted by the persistent vibration of my phone. Pulling it from my clutch, I saw dozens of notifications flooding my screen – messages colleagues, acquaintances, even fashion industry connections I hadn’t spoken to in months.
“It seems your drone show has gone viral,” I said, scrolling through message after message asking about the “sky declaration” and whether I was really dating the notoriously private Damien Sterling.
“Good,” Damien replied without a hint of regret. “Let them talk.”
As I was about to put my phone away, it vibrated again with an incoming call. The name on the screen made my stomach clench: Julian Grayson.
Damien noticed my expression change. “Who is it?”
I hesitated, then answered honestly. “Julian.”
His jaw tightened. “You don’t have to take it.”
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“I think I should.” I took a deep breath. “I need to close this chapter properly.
Damien nodded, though I could see the restraint it took for him to step back slightly, giving me space while remaining protectively close.
I answered the call, keeping my voice neutral. “Julian.”
“So it’s true.” His voice was cold, bitter. “You’ve moved on to greener pastures already. Or should I say richer ones? Sterling must be worth what, a hundred times what my family has?”
The accusation stung, but not as much as it once would have. “Is that all you called to say?”
“How long has this been going on, Hazel? Were you seeing him while we were still engaged? Is that why you gave up so easily?”
I laughed incredulously, anger flaring. “Gave up easily? You canceled our wedding to marry my dying stepsister! And you’re accusing me of infidelity?”
“His drone show is all over social media. Everyone’s talking about Damien Sterling’s grand gesture for the woman who apparently saved his life. When exactly did you do that, Hazel? While you were supposedly giving me your blood?”
I glanced at Damien, whose expression had darkened dangerously at Julian’s tone.
“Julian, I don’t owe you explanations about my life anymore,” I said firmly. “But since you seem confused, I met Damien after you betrayed me. And you know what? I should thank you.”
“Thank me?” he scoffed.
“Yes, thank you for not marrying me. If you had, I might never have discovered what it feels like to be with someone who actually values me. Someone who wouldn’t trade me away for convenience or family approval.”
The line went silent for a moment. “You’ll regret this, Hazel. Sterling’s world isn’t what you think it is. His family-”
“Goodbye, Julian,” I interrupted, ending the call before he could continu trembled slightly as I lowered the phone.
¡y hand
Damien was beside me instantly, his arm around my shoulders. “Are you okay?”
<
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I nodded, leaning into his strength. “I am. But Julian… he sounded different. Bitter.
Angry.”
“I don’t like the way he spoke to you,” Damien said, his voice low and dangerous. “Or the implied threat.”
I placed my hand on his chest, suddenly worried. “Damien, promise me you won’t go
after him.”
“Hazel-”
“No, please.” I looked up at him earnestly. “Julian’s family has connections. They could make trouble for your business, for your family. He’s not worth it.”
Damien’s expression remained unreadable, his eyes fixed on some distant point beyond the balcony.
“Did you hear me?” I pressed anxiously. “Don’t go looking for him; people like that aren’t worth your time and energy.”
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