The next morning, Elara woke up feeling lighter than she had in weeks. The conversation with Damian the day before had left her confused, but also strangely hopeful. She kept telling herself not to get carried away, yet his words echoed in her mind: “Maybe this contract wasn’t just a solution.”
She went downstairs to find Damian already at the table, looking through some documents. As soon as he saw her, a small, genuine smile appeared on his face — something so rare that it made Elara’s heart skip a beat.
“Good morning,” he said, pushing a cup of warm tea toward her. “I’ve arranged for someone to take you to the city center later. You mentioned wanting to visit the hospital to check on your mother, right?”
Elara’s eyes widened in surprise. She had only mentioned it once, briefly, days ago. “You remembered? Thank you, Damian.”
“Of course,” he replied, his tone softening. “I also told the driver to wait as long as you need. And if there is anything you need for your mother, just let me know.”
Before Elara could reply, the front door opened and Victoria walked in unannounced, her expression sharp and displeased. She ignored Elara completely and spoke directly to Damian.
“Damian, I need to talk to you about the upcoming charity event. The committee wants me to be your partner, not her,” she said, nodding toward Elara as if she were nothing more than furniture.
Damian’s expression turned cold instantly. He stood up, towering over Victoria, and his voice was firm and unyielding.
“First of all, you do not enter my house without permission. Second, my wife will be my partner at every event from now on. And third, you will speak to her with respect — or you will leave immediately.”
Victoria stared at him, stunned. She had never seen him defend anyone so fiercely. “You can’t be serious! She’s just a poor girl you picked up for a contract!”
“Watch your words,” Damian warned, stepping closer. “She is my wife, and that is enough. If you cannot accept that, then there is no reason for us to speak further.”
Humiliated and furious, Victoria shot Elara a hateful look before turning and storming out of the house.
When she was gone, the tension in the room slowly faded. Damian turned to Elara, his expression softening again. “I’m sorry you had to hear that. She has no right to speak to you like that.”
Elara took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. “Damian… why do you keep doing this? We agreed to keep things professional.”
“Because I realized something,” he said, walking closer until he stood right in front of her. “Even if this started as a contract, I will not let anyone treat you badly. You are under my protection now — no matter what.”
Later that afternoon, Elara went to the hospital. Seeing her mother looking a little better gave her strength. As she sat by the bed, she thought about Damian’s words. The wall between them was crumbling, and she found herself no longer wanting to rebuild it.
On her way back, she stopped at a small bookstore. She remembered Damian mentioning his mother loved poetry, and she bought a collection of classic verses, hoping it would bring him a moment of peace.
When she returned to the mansion, she found Damian working in his study. She knocked gently and walked in, placing the book on his desk.
“I saw this and thought… maybe you’d like it,” she said shyly.
Damian picked up the book, his eyes widening in surprise. He opened it, and for a moment, Elara saw a look of longing and warmth cross his face.
“Thank you, Elara,” he whispered, looking up at her. “No one has ever thought of me like this in a very long time.”
As their eyes met, the air between them felt different — warmer, closer, and full of unspoken feelings. They both knew that the lines of their contract were becoming more blurred with every passing day, and there was no turning back anymore.