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Chapter 90 – A Delicate Dance: Navigating Sterling Expectations 1
Lunch at Sterling Heights Estate was an exercise in maintaining composure. The dining room, with its crystal chandelier and antique mahogany table, reminded me just how far removed Damien’s world was from mine. Each sterling silver utensil felt like it cost more than my monthly rent.
I sat across from Damien, who had changed back into his casual clothes but somehow still looked impeccably put together. Mrs. Sterling–Elizabeth, as she insisted I call her -sat at the head of the table, observing us both with keen eyes that missed nothing.
“The sea bass is divine,” Elizabeth commented, breaking a brief silence. “Our chef trained in Paris for years before joining us.”
“It’s delicious,” I agreed, though my appetite had diminished under the weight of my anxiety. Every bite felt like a performance, every movement scrutinized.
Damien’s eyes found mine. “You’ve barely touched your food, Hazel.
“I’m just savoring it,” I lied, forcing myself to take another bite.
Elizabeth dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Damien tells me your clothing line is expanding rapidly. You must be very busy these days.”
“Yes, very,” I nodded, grateful for the safe topic. “We’ve had interest from several major retailers after the winter collection showcase.”
“Remarkable achievement in such a competitive industry, she commented. “You’ve built something impressive from the ground up.”
The compliment surprised me. “Thank you. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of what my team has accomplished.”
“As
you should be,” Damien interjected. “What Hazel won’t mention is that she personally designs every signature piece. She’s been working eighteen–hour days to meet deadlines.”
I blinked at him, wondering how he knew that detail. I certainly hadn’t told him.
Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled. “My son seems quite informed about your schedule.”
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A flush crep
up my neck. “I’ve consulted with Damien on some business matters,” I explained hastily. “His advice has been invaluable.”
“Hmm.” Elizabeth took a sip of her wine. “And how are you faring after that dreadful business with your ex–husband? The news said the divorce was finalized last week.”
My fork clattered against the plate. “Not quite finalized. The ruling has been made, but there’s still a fifteen–day appeal period.”
“Do you expect him to appeal?” Damien asked, his voice carefully neutral though I detected a hint of tension.
I shook my head. “Julian has no grounds. And frankly, I think he’s too embarrassed to prolong things after how the trial went.”
yo
Elizabeth leaned forward slightly. “And how are you feeling about it all, dear? Divorce is never easy, even when it’s for the best.”
Her directness caught me off guard. In my experience, wealthy families like the Sterlings typically avoided discussing personal matters so bluntly. Yet here was Elizabeth, cutting straight to the heart of things.
“I’m…” I paused, considering my words carefully. “I’m relieved. It feels like closing a painful chapter.”
“And opening a new one?” she pressed, her gaze flicking between Damien and me.
My cheeks burned. “I’m focusing on my career for now. Romance isn’t a priority”
A strange expression crossed Damien’s face–something between disappointment and determination. It was gone so quickly I might have imagined it.
Elizabeth smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’re young, of course. Plenty of time for all that later.
An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. I took another bite of the sea bass, thought it now tasted like cardboard in my mouth.
“Though I must say, Elizabeth continued after a moment, “when you reach my age, your realize life is too short for unnecessary delays. When something valuable presents itself, one shouldn’t hesitate too long.”
Damien cleared his throat. “Mother”
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“What? I’m speaking generally” She waved her hand dismissively, though her knowing smile suggested otherwise. Turning back to me, she added, “You strike me as quite stubborn, Hazel
Talmost choked on my water. “Excuse me?
“I mean it as a compliment,” she clarified. “Determination is admirable. Though sometimes we can be too rigid in our convictions, don’t you think?”
I didn’t know how to respond to that. Thankfully, a server appeared to clear our plates, momentarily diverting attention.
“Will y
you have dessert? Elizabeth asked. When I declined, she nodded. “I think I’ll retire for my afternoon rest, then.” She rose gracefully, and both Damien and I stood as well. “Hazel, it was lovely having you. You must come again soon.”
Despite her probing questions, I found myself genuinely touched. “Thank you for having me.”
She squeezed my hand. “Next time, perhaps you’ll join us for dinner. The chef makes an excellent coq au vin.”
After she left, Damien and I stood in awkward silence. I glanced at my watch. “I should get back to the office. We have a production meeting at three.
“I’ll drive you” he said, more statement than offer.
“That’s not necessary. I have my car.
“It’s started snowing,” he pointed out. “And my driver took my mother’s assistant to the doctor. I need to go into the city anyway.”
I peered through the window, surprised to see fat snowflakes drifting down. “Oh.”
“You can collect your car later,” he added, already pulling out his phone, presumably to make arrangements.
Twenty minutes later, we stepped outside into a world transformed by a thin blanket of white. The snow crunched beneath my boots as we walked to the garage.
“Your mother is… direct, I commented, breaking the silence.
Damien chuckled, a rare sound that made my heart flutter. “That’s putting it mildly.
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She’s always been that way.”
“I didn’t expect her to ask about my divorce.”
“She’s protective,” he explained, leading me to a sleek black SUV. “She wants to understand your situation.”
“My situation?”
He opened the passenger door for me. “Your relationship to me.”
My pulse quickened as I slid into the buttery leather seat. The interior smelled of expensive leather and his subtle cologne.
Once he was seated beside me, he continued, “She likes you, though. The invitation to return isn’t something she extends lightly.”
“Even though I’m stubborn?” I asked with a small smile.
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Especially because you’re stubborn. My mother respects people who stand their ground.”
As we pulled out of the estate, snow swirled around us, creating an oddly intimate atmosphere inside the vehicle. The heated seats gradually loosened the tension in my shoulders, and I found myself relaxing despite my earlier anxiety.
We drove in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound the gentle hum of the engine and occasional swish of the wipers. The snow was falling more heavily now, transforming the landscape into something magical and serene.
I stole glances at Damien’s profile as he drove–his strong jawline, the intense concentration in his eyes, the way his hands rested confidently on the steering wheel. It was easy to see why women were drawn to him. Beyond his obvious physical appeal, there was something magnetic about his quiet confidence.
“What are you thinking?” he asked suddenly, catching me mid–glance.
“Nothing,” I said too quickly.
His lips curved slightly. “You’re a terrible liar, Hazel.”
I looked out at the snow–covered trees passing by. “I was thinking about what your mother said. About not delaying when something valuable presents itself.”
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“And what do you think about that?”
I chose my words carefully. “I think… sometimes caution is necessary. Rushing into things after a major life change isn’t always wise.”
“Is that what you think would be happening? Rushing?”
The question hung between us, loaded with unspoken implications.
“I don’t know what’s happening at all, I admitted softly. “Everything in my life has been upended this year. My marriage, my family situation, my business… I’m still finding my footing”
He nodded slowly. “I understand that.
The traffic slowed as we entered the city proper, snow making the roads slick. Damien navigated with easy confidence, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
“Whatever is happening between us,” he said after a long pause, “can move at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. There’s no pressure, Hazel.”
His words should have comforted me, but they only highlighted the growing tension between us–this unspoken attraction that seemed to intensify every time we were together.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for anything,” I confessed, staring at my hands in my lap..
“I’m not asking for anything,” he replied simply. “Just your company, when you’re willing to give it.”
We fell silent again as he turned onto the street where my company headquarters was located. The building came into view, looking particularly striking against the snowy backdrop.
As we pulled up to the entrance, I gathered my purse, preparing to make a quick exit. “Thank you for lunch. And the ride.”
“Hazel,” he said, his voice stopping me before I could reach for the door handle.
I turned to look at him.
“We’ll figure this out,” he said softly. “Whatever ‘this‘ is.”
The gentle assurance in his eyes made my breath catch. In that moment, I wanted
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nothing more than to lean across the console and kiss him–a realization that terrified
- me.
“I should go,” I whispered.
He nodded, but before I could exit, he spoke again. “Tired? If you’re tired, you can recline your seat a bit and sleep for a while.”
The unexpected offer, so considerate and intimate, made my heart stutter. It was such a small thing–offering comfort during a car ride–yet it felt monumental. Nobody, not even Julian during our best days, had ever been so attuned to my needs.
I stared at him, suddenly unsure of every boundary I’d tried to establish between us.
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