Damian's POV
There are two types of women in the corporate war; those who want my attention and those who act like I don't exist…I mean the pretentious ones . But Aria was neither of them.
I wonder what gives her such boldness, what makes her unique. I honestly do want her but I don't know how to get such Smart women. Women aren't really my thing but this Woman is different.
My assistant Marcus walks in handing me a file about Aria Lawson.
"Boss, this is the file you asked for.."
"Is she Clean?" I asked him
"Sir — She is clean no criminal record, business record is also good." "She's good at what she does and she's single." "The only daughter of Jonathan Lawson. Her family's business—the Lawson Group collapsed immediately after the death of her Father 5 years ago.
What do you mean business record is also good Marcus.?"
"Boss she doesn't have a financial red flag "
"Hold on"
"Collapsed ?"
"Her father's Jonathan Lawson ?"
"My Goodness why didn't you say so all this time."
"Boss I didn't know you was that interested in her" I'm sorry
It's fine , at least i understand why she said her father was ruined here.
"Uhm…Boss, Do you like Miss Lawson ?"
"What?" I asked
"It's just a question, no offense but you seem really interested in her." "You have never gone extra mile to look into a woman's file not alone someone who works in a rival company"
"Well I don't like her and I don't hate her too..,it's just …there's something about her that makes me want to get close to her. I love how Smart she is and…."
"Why am I telling you all this …,Marcus you can leave ."
"Alright Boss , but she's a good fit for you and you smile whenever you see her"
"Marcus…,Leave."
I smile as he leaves my office.
Why do I want Aria by my side so much and I'm willing to do anything to clarify things. There must be a misunderstanding. Jonathan was a trusted friend and partner then suddenly he died…rumors said Blackwood Corp caused it.
No wonder she hates me. She thinks I'm the monster. I paced in my office like I was trying to solve a puzzle.
I step out of my office to clear my head only to see her ,Aria—leaning on the car.She looks different, beautiful but tired.More like she had a lot on her mind .For the first time she looks breakable.
"Aria" I called her
She turned around scared to see me but still had her guard like a wall snapping into place.
"What do you want?" She asked
" I want to talk"
"I don't want to " she said
"Aria please…there's been a misunderstanding. Your father, Jonathan Lawson"
"Don't you dare mention his name" she said with a cracked voice .
"You destroyed everything he worked for"
That hit me harder than it should have.
"Your Uncle told you that?" I asked
She stiffened—betrayal flickering in her eyes that she hadn't meant to reveal.
Got you
"So he did" I muttered
That doesn't change the truth. My father trusted your company and that trust led to his death.
"Aria ", your father's death wasn't…
"Don't "she moved back
"I won't let you manipulate me or have your way" She said
"Let me help you Aria." Listen if I wanted to manipulate you ,you would be working for me by now ."
" I don't know how many persons fed you lies that has raged into anger for years but you don't know me "
"I know enough" she said
"No you don't" One day you will know the truth and you will regret ever trusting that person"
"Why do you care about what I think?" She asked
Instead of answering logically like a business man, I end up saying "I care about you"
She looked at me like a lost puppy about to cry. I could see it but somehow she managed to mutter those words
"You don't have to care about me" " I can handle myself, plus we're enemies and I will never work for you "
"Oh yes you will work for me " I said with so much assurance.
"It's non Negotiable Aria"
"We're not enemies. You're the enemy to yourself because you chose to believe whatever you was told about me." I'm not your enemy. If I was , then you would've been fighting me but instead you're fighting yourself."
She was shocked I said that but I didn't care about that.
I just wanted her to know the truth.
"Listen, Aria" " I care about you and I want you." "I don't know why but I'm drawn to you so please let me help you out to clear this misunderstanding between us"
For a moment I felt like kissing her or was expecting a kiss or a hug from her but instead she pushed me away and whispered
"I hate you"
She lied
I stepped closer, our breaths collide.
"So hate me from inside my company "
Her breath stuttered
I let the moment stretch, thick, electric , choking.
Finally I broke the ice and said
" Be at Blackwood Corporation by 9 am tomorrow morning.
"You can't just—"
"Oh I can," my voice dropped to a command "and I just did"
I turned away before I act reckless and mess up everything between us. Like dragging her into my arms and promising to burn the world for her.
As I walked off, I felt her gaze at my back
Anger,Attraction,Secrets ,Truth.
This wasn't business anymore.
This was Obsession.
I don't plan on letting her go ,
not until I knew everything,
Not until she stops having the hatred for me or have a wrong picture of me.
Not until she was mine.
Not now.
Not ever.