er felt more

ing to her body was a custom-designed navy blue gown, floor-length, with a modest slit that teased just enough leg to make her f

rl who sold flowers outside th

wife of Damien Blake-at

from behind the curt

last breath an

oment, his usually unr

used, then cleared

an eyebrow. "You're not goo

with... people

nesty in his tone that

offered, eyeing his crisp t

Let's get thi

Charity Gala –

influencers. Flashing cameras snapped pictures from every angle. Waiters float

m as they entered, the cro

s were

hispered under her breath

ys. "You're doing bet

ve had a lifetime of pre

before he could reply, a reporter

ake! One photo for

nodde

graceful smile. Damien's arm tightened

ut of n

ell me you were bring

e made Lily'

ne

ing to her like a second skin. Her smile was sharp as a knife

ped into a cold, fl

d, offering her hand. "How'

ook it. "Better than being

irk wavered

t, Damien interrupted. "Let's not m

he could still feel Vanessa

ight – Balco

o loud, too fake. L

parkled like scattered diamonds. She leaned on the railing, thinking of Noah

er than I did," Damien's

htly. "I've dea

pockets. "I meant what I said-don't le

ice was barely a whispe

hi

riage. Th

r, long and har

again, but it wa

she said af

r w

asn't just a contract. Fo

the first time. "You'r

ou'd be surprised how

ar Ri

black Bentley, city lights flashing through t

t her. "I'll be out of town for

. "Zurich? T

hing c

there anything I should

l coordinate any calls or interview

me, I'm not dying t

cond, then turned serious

said, surprisin

to say something else. But then he

Penthouse

osed behind her, Lily leaned aga

ad gone wel

rfect photos-it all felt like a dream sh

ved her earrings and stare

posed to fall

.. every time he lowered his guard just a little... s

d shot of Damien helping a child during a hospital donation campaign. He

sm

as cold as he

kly, she shook t

ontract, Lily