Damian's POV
The Penthouse was too quiet. I had left Aria's room earlier without uttering a word but I later went back to the room just to check in on her. Ever since she lived here, all I do is watch her every night including the nights when she paces in the living room. This night was different, as I opened the door , Aria is already sleeping. Seeing how she sleeps like a baby without issues gives me joy and in that moment I decided not to trouble her anymore. I shut the door gently then I drop a note on the dining table;
I stepped out for a drink , I'll be home late. See you tomorrow
I knew I wasn't coming back to the house that night but I lied anyways. I just didn't want her to worry about me.
The city lights blurred as I stepped into the car, my hands gripping the wheel tighter than necessary. Didn't have a direction but i eventually started driving and soon I arrive at Woods Suite— a hotel under Blackwood Corp.
Inside the hotel room, I couldn't sleep. I needed a place out of reality, somewhere I could reflect on a lot of things. I kept thinking of Aria, the key, it's use , the threats , U-COW, Aria's Uncle, the mole in my company, the ambush, the warning on Aria in her old apartment and the strange anonymous messages we keep having. Who wants me to fail and why? I did nothing wrong or perhaps my mother wronged someone but that's not even possible because they never allowed her be president despite all her input in the company.
All of these questions don't have answers yet.
But one thing is certain they're after my company and Aria is the bait. I want every fiber of her around me but I can't have her yet, it's too dangerous. This is definitely war and I'm scared of loosing this battle. I don't want Aria seeing how scared I am, it will only frighten her the more.
The next morning, though I woke up with a headache I quickly called my assistant —, Marcus
Dialing, ringing
He picks " Morning Boss" he greeted
"Hello Marcus," I continue "Prepare a meeting for Miss Lawson with Wolfe Industry by 9am today."
"Noted Sir" he responds
The call ends
I managed to get into my car but I can't drive so I asked security to drive me home.
Luckily for me, Aria wasn't home anymore when I got to the Penthouse but I had to leave for work .
Back at the office , I instructed my assistant Marcus
"When Aria comes, don't let her into my office."
What if she insists?" he asked
"Just do as I say Marcus"
But he doesn't listen
"Did you too have a fight ?" he asked
I looked at him , the one that could slice him if it was possible then he responded saying;
"As you wish Boss"
He turns to leave but I stop him
" Marcus, when she comes back just keep her busy. I want her mind distracted even if it means stressing her but not too much" I added
He nods and leaves quietly.
I stand facing the glass wall in my office , when suddenly she gets off the car. I hide so she doesn't see me. I start pacing in my office, then I see her. My assistant stops her just as she was about entering my office.
"Miss Lawson , welcome back" he says
I could watch them from the tinted glass window in my office. I can see them but they don't see me.
I can hear her ask about me but my assistant keeps telling her I'm not on seat yet. She brings out her phone to call me . Luckily, my phone is on silence so it doesn't ring out. She eventually leaves for her office but kept turning back to see if the door will miraculously open.
I know she's wondering why the sudden change and to be honest I miss her too.
The next day, I almost bumped into her at the office. I took the next wing immediately I heard her voice in the hallway.
That was close.
I sat in my office giving her work through my assistant. She kept checking for a text but none, calling still no response from me.
When it was time to leave , I stayed behind checking in on security reports, surveillance, and the minor anomalies that might point to the next threat. A message flashed on my phone, a reminder of why this distance was necessary: Her possession isn't hers to protect… The words lingered like a shadow over my every decision.
The key—her father had given it to her for a reason. He had trusted her with something bigger than life itself, and now, every move we made felt like a chess piece sliding across a board I couldn't see fully. Whoever wanted that key, whoever wanted to use her, would not stop until they had it. And I couldn't let that happen.
I couldn't risk her. Not for a single second.
By mid morning, I returned to my hotel. This continued for days and in these days she completes her task, seemingly unaware of my absence, or the careful net I had cast around her. And yet she will feel it eventually ; the distance, the coldness, the lack of explanation. Suddenly my phone rings;
Aria calling
I couldn't say a word but I could hear the confusion in her voice. She didn't hear the hurt or the worry in my throat, the truth behind my silence. She only heard absence.
She would wonder why I wasn't there. Why I had left, why I didn't speak. She would think I didn't care. And maybe, in a way, that thought would sting her more than any danger could.
But this was the weight of protection.
The cost of keeping someone safe, while they thought you had abandoned them.
By the end of the day, I sent a brief message through my assistant: Project meeting at Wolfe Industries. Do not be late. No warmth, no smiles. Just instructions, efficiency. My way of keeping her moving, of keeping her mind occupied.
She would question me, confront me, perhaps even resent me. And she would be right to. But every distance I placed, every shadow I left between us, was because I cared.
Because I couldn't allow her to be hurt. Not by the world. Not by the enemies she didn't yet see. Not by me, by extension, for being the one who drew the target to her.
As I stared at the city lights from the hotel balcony, I whispered to no one, I will keep her safe. Even if she doesn't understand. Even if she never knows. I will bear this weight alone.
And in that silence, the truth of my burden settled over me.