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Relief mingled with anxiety in my chest. “I knew it. You should go.”
“And I’m a grown man capable of choosing my own partner,” he interrupted firmly. “If anyone in my family has concerns, they’ll bring them to me, not you. Your only job today is to be yourself.”
Instead, Mrs. Sterling rose gracefully from her seat, a warm smile illuminating her elegant features. She was dressed casually but impeccably in a light cashmere sweater and tailored slacks, her silver–streaked dark hair pulled back in a simple chignon.
Damien turned to me in surprise. “What makes you say that?”
“Still,” I persisted, “your family matters. I know what it’s like to have family issues, and I would never want to be the cause of yours.”
I barely slept that night, my mind churning with worries about meeting the Sterling family. By dawn, I’d tried on and discarded half my wardrobe, uncertain what would make the right impression.
“Hazel-‘
“1
Damien studied me intently, his eyes searching mine. “This isn’t your fault. None of it
is.”
“Is your grandfather here?” Damien asked as we entered the grand foyer.
I took a deep breath, surveying my reflection one last time. No matter what happened today, I would handle it with dignity. If the Sterlings disapproved of me, I would accept their judgment gracefully.
“Damien, a taxi is fine-
Before he could respond, his phone rang again. He glanced at the screen and sighed. The front door opened before we’d even reached it, and Chloe bounded out her infectious energy undiminished by the bandage still visible on her hand.
The ride to Sterling Heights Estate was tense despite Damien’s attempts at casual conversation. As we approached the city limits, my anxiety peaked.
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“Family concerns,” he said vaguely. “Nothing for
you to worry about.”
“I’ll take a taxi,” I assured him. “It’s late, and we both need rest. Besides, we have a big day tomorrow.”
“My family has weathered far worse than tabloid gossip. Last night happened because the Graysons are desperate and unhinged, not because of you. My family understands that.”
I froze, confusion washing over me. Her words implied I’d visited before, which was impossible. Yet her tone held such genuine familiarity that I found myself momentarily speechless, wondering what exactly was going on in this house–and just how much the Sterling family already knew about me.
At the mention of tomorrow, something shifted in his gaze. “About that. We’re still going to Sterling Heights Estate. Nothing has changed.”
Before I left, he pulled me into a gentle embrace, mindful of his bandaged back. “Remember,” he whispered against my ear, “whatever happens tomorrow, whatever anyone says, I choose you. That won’t change.”
I reluctantly met his gaze.
“They’re going to hate me,” I blurted out.
He reached over, gently stilling my restless hands with his. “Hazel, look at me.”
I stared at Damien’s tense back as he spoke with his mother, their conversation hidden
eyes. from me by his deliberate distance. When he finally returned, his expression was carefully composed, but I could see the strain around his
“I need to go,” he admitted reluctantly. “There’s an urgent situation that requires my attention.”
“Not yet,” Chloe replied. “He’s running late. Something about an emergency call with Washington.”
Chapter 149 – An Anxious Dawn, An Unexpected Welcome
Before I could respond, the car turned onto a private road lined with ancient oaks. At the end of the long driveway stood Sterling Heights Estate–not the ostentatious mansion I’d imagined, but an elegant, sprawling property that seemed to have grown organically from the landscape over generations.
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“After last night? Your mother called twice, clearly upset. Your grandfather summoned you home urgently. It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots.” I twisted my fingers in my lap. “I’m bringing chaos and scandal into your perfectly ordered world.”
“That’s what worries me,” I admitted softly.
“I’m not comfortable leaving you alone after everything that’s happened.”
My phone chimed with a text from Damien: “Car arriving in twenty minutes.” He studied me for another moment, then nodded. “I’ll have a car take you home.”
“It’s my grandfather,” he said, a note of resignation in his voice. “I need to take this.”
The firm tone of his voice told me this wasn’t up for debate, though I’d secretly hoped our visit might be postponed given recent events.
“A car,” he repeated firmly. “With security. After tonight’s incident, I’m not taking chances with your safety.”
As the car pulled to a stop, my heart hammered against my ribs. I took slow, deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. Whatever happened inside those walls would
my future with Damien. determine
“Please,” I cut him off. “I feel terrible enough that you got hurt because of me. I don’t want to be the reason your family is upset too.”
“Hazel,” she said, coming forward to take both my hands in hers. “Come sit down. You haven’t been here in a while.”
“Everything okay?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
Finally, I settled on a classically elegant ensemble: a high–necked emerald silk blouse paired with tailored cream trousers and minimal jewelry. The outfit was tasteful yet modest, traditional without being stuffy. I hoped it would convey respect without looking like I was trying too hard to impress.
“Damien, you should go home. Your family is worried about you.”
I barely heard their exchange, too busy taking in the interior of Sterling Heights Estate Unlike the cold, museum–like atmosphere I’d expected, the home felt lived–in and
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welcoming despite its obvious luxury. Family photographs lined the hallway walls alongside priceless art. Fresh flowers brightened every corner.
As I applied light makeup, my hand trembled slightly. After last night’s acid attack, the Sterling family must be reconsidering Damien’s relationship with me. What kind of woman brought such chaos into their son’s life?
“I’ll be fine,” I insisted. “The police have my statement, and your lawyer is handling everything. Your mother clearly needs you, and after what happened tonight…” I swallowed hard. “The last thing I want is to cause problems between you and your family.”
His words were meant to reassure me, but they only deepened my unease. What was he expecting to happen tomorrow?
“But what if they don’t?” I pressed. “What if they see me as a liability? Your family is different from mine. They have a legacy, a reputation—”
I shot a questioning glance at Damien, who seemed equally surprised by his sister’s enthusiasm.
Chloe led us to a sunlit sitting room where Mrs. Sterling waited. I braced myself for the cold reception I’d anticipated since last night’s phone calls.
“Finally!” she exclaimed, embracing me warmly. “I’ve been waiting all morning. Come on in–Mother’s dying to see you.”
He frowned. “I’m not leaving you here alone.”
Damien’s expression softened. He leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. “The woman you are is exactly who I want. Trust me.”
“We’re here,” Damien said unnecessarily, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Of course,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “I wouldn’t miss it.” The knot in my stomach tightened. I took a deep breath and made a decision.
As he stepped away to answer, I watched him speak in short, clipped resp Whatever his grandfather was saying had Damien’s jaw clenching tighter by the second. When he returned, his expression was grim.
