Liyana lay awake in the guest room, staring at the ceiling, the weight of everything pressing down on her.
The nightmare of being taken still clung to her skin, the shadows of that cold, suffocating moment refusing to fade. But more than fear, more than exhaustion—what lingered in her mind was Damien.
The way he held her. The way he looked at her. The way he claimed her as if he would tear apart the world just to keep her safe.
Her heart ached.
She had spent years building a fortress around herself, ensuring that Damien Lu would never have the power to hurt her again. And yet, when she was truly vulnerable, it wasn't her strength or her walls that saved her. It was him.
Maybe it was time to stop pretending.
Maybe, just maybe… she was ready to let him in.
The next morning, Liyana stepped out of the guest room to an unsettling silence.
The penthouse, usually a reflection of Damien's commanding presence, felt oddly still. Sunlight streamed through the vast glass windows, casting golden hues across the marble floor.
The scent of fresh coffee drifted in the air, but he wasn't in sight.
Was he giving her space?
Why did that thought make her uneasy?
Just as she was about to head toward the kitchen, a deep voice sliced through the silence.
"You're up."
Her breath caught.
Damien stood by the window, his back to her, holding a cup of coffee. His suit jacket was missing, his sleeves rolled up, revealing the sharp lines of his forearms. His posture was calm, controlled—but the tension in his shoulders told another story.
"I was wondering if you planned to stay locked up all day," he murmured, finally turning to face her.
Liyana swallowed, willing herself to ignore the strange pull in her chest.
"I thought you liked keeping me locked up," she said, crossing her arms.
His lips twitched—amusement flickered in his eyes, but it never reached them. "I don't want to lock you up, Liyana."
She raised an eyebrow. "Could've fooled me."
He sighed, setting his coffee down. "You're safe here."
She hesitated before stepping closer, her voice quieter. "I know."
Their eyes met, something unspoken lingering between them.
And in that moment, Liyana realized—Damien wasn't just protecting her from the world.
He was protecting her from himself.
Later that afternoon, Damien brought Liyana to Imperium Finance's private lounge, an exclusive space reserved for top executives.
Liyana hadn't expected to see anyone, but when she stepped in, a familiar figure was already waiting.
Ruoxi.
A woman older than her, sophisticated and composed, someone who had always been by Damien's side in the business world.
Liyana's stomach tightened slightly.
Ruoxi had been there when she signed the Westward Plaza contract. She was Damien's business partner. And for the longest time, Liyana had misunderstood her.
Ruoxi leaned back in her chair, her gaze sharp yet knowing. "So, we finally meet properly," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.
Liyana nodded, sitting across from her. "I wasn't expecting to see you."
Ruoxi chuckled. "Well, considering how you looked ready to burn me alive last time… I figured we should clear things up."
Damien sat beside Liyana, silent but watchful.
Ruoxi's expression softened slightly as she looked at Liyana. "I know you misunderstood my relationship with Damien. But let me make one thing clear—I'm just his business partner. Always have been."
Liyana's throat tightened. She didn't speak, just listened.
Ruoxi continued, "And before that? I was his senior in university. I've always seen him as a younger brother."
Liyana's eyes widened slightly.
Damien, a younger brother?
Ruoxi smiled knowingly. "I've watched Damien chase after what he wants all his life. And Liyana…" She leaned forward. "You're the only thing he's ever chased without realizing it."
Liyana's breath caught.
Damien's expression remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze.
Ruoxi stood up, adjusting her coat. "I have a flight to catch. But Liyana—if you're ever curious about how much Damien's changed over the years… ask him."
She turned to Damien, smirking. "Try not to screw this up."
And with that, she left.
Liyana sat in silence, her mind spinning.
For years, she had misunderstood Damien's past. She had misjudged Ruoxi.
And now, for the first time…
She didn't know whether to run or to finally let herself believe in Damien.