s. Her heels clicked unevenly on the pavement, echoing her erratic heartbeat. She couldn't stop replaying the scene

steady her shaking hands. She wanted to cry, scream, or even throw something - anything - to vent the fury inside her. B

he soft sound of footstep

d froze. He was there - the man

ing. He simply stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on her lik

ere alone," he said, vo

im to leave. But instead, she sat rigidly, wary and curi

" he said simply. "And someone who knows

r laugh. "So you watc

I know what power feels like. You have it, thou

st got... betrayed. Publicly." Her voice cracked

ugh still keeping a respectful distance. "Because you can't always contr

makes you think I need a stran

ietly. "A way to reclaim your life. To make the

ring with curiosity. "And

nt, almost imperceptible smile.

s posture and the way he spoke suggested a man who was used to getting what he wanted. But there was something else - a softnes

I'll listen. But don't think I

"I wouldn't expect you to. Words alone mean not

her feel both vulnerable and alert. And though she wanted to deny it, curiosity pricked at

to know yet," she said finally. "So if you

leave," he said simply. "Not yet. Because I think this is just the beginning. You a

her of the late hour. Damian gave her one last look - sharp, intens

s. The night felt heavier now, loaded with questions she couldn't yet answer. One thing

liated, betrayed, and alone. And yet... for the first time since the enga

maybe, she wasn't

out there