Claire’s POV

6:30 PM the next day and I am all set for the Gala at Damian’s mansion. This is a damn big deal. I will be meeting his family and business partners I presume. What will they think of me? Can I really belong here? I ask myself.

Suddenly my phone beeps. It is Damian. Again!

“Arranged for the driver to come pick you up by 7:30 PM. Don’t keep him waiting and events start by 8 PM.” The message says.

I read the text displayed on my phone screen. Damian’s tone is in a sharp and no-nonsense manner. And I am not surprised. He is a billionaire businessman. This world is not mine yet but I have to learn its rules fast. The clock is ticking and the driver will be here soon.

I look at the mirror to do one or two final touches on my appearance. I wore my blonde wig and my makeup looks sharp for the night. I knew I would meet Elise and didn't want to look inferior.

It was 7:20 PM on the dot and I hear a sharp honk outside. The driver is here and waits patiently outside in a sleek black car. It looked like a very expensive Benz.

Then I ask myself as I step into the car, “What am I really getting myself into?”

As we drive away I press my hand against the window watching buildings fade behind me. Tonight everything changes.

When we reach the venue, I straighten my red dress and I walk into the shiny Ashford mansion ballroom. The view of the sleek and expensive mansion takes over my mind.

The guests, dressed in tight suits and expensive dresses, spin around me and their laughter fills the air. It is a grand mansion, and yet the high ceilings are bearing down upon it. I hold on to my purse and frantically look for Damian in the crowd.

“Claire, you look stunning,” Damian says and appears at my side. I'm embarrassed and I attempt to stand up taller because this world makes me feel small. “Dance with me,” he says and leads me to the smooth floor.

Music swirls and I follow Damian’s steps. I feel my heart beat as he draws me to him. His touch is electric and I forget Ethan during this short time. The ballroom spins and I was alive under the golden light. I am not a baby. I am 22 and know what I want, I tell myself.

Then a young man in his late 20s or perhaps mid 30s steps into view and his sharp eyes lock onto me. “Hello Claire,” he says coldly and his voice cuts through the music. I stiffen because his tone carries a warning that I don’t understand. I don't know him.

“Meet my son Jason,” Damian says in the middle of all that heat.

His son looks sleek in his black suit but his smile feels like a blade. I want to respond yet my feet keep moving with Damian. “Jason this is Claire” Damian says and his grip tightens on my hand. I try to hide my unease but Jason’s stare does not waver.

“Dad, you choose interesting guests,” Jason says and sips his wine.

Elise watches from a corner and her eyes narrow. She holds a champagne glass and her posture looks scary. I catch her gaze but she looks away quickly.

There are flickers of light and the music changes to a slower tune. Damian grabs me to himself and his hot breath is against my ear. “You belong here Claire” he says softly and I want to believe him.

Uncertainty sets in when I look at Jason. He talks to a guest but his eyes shift toward me. “What does he want?” I whisper to Damian and my voice shakes. He moves and puts his hand on my waist.

“Jason guards the family,” Damian says and his tone is light.

I nod but what he says seems incomplete. I spin with Damian and try to push the thought away.

People are chatting and clicking glasses around us. I see a tapestry on the wall with the Ashford crest on it. Its threads gleam gold but the lion’s eyes look cold. I shiver and wonder if this family hides more than Damian shows.

“Claire, you are quiet,” Damian says and slows our dance. His eyes search mine. I want to tell him about Ethan but my ambition stops me. “This is all so new. I think...thought we would talk about my new job,” I say and my fingers tighten on his shoulder.

“Don't worry. It's all sorted out.” Damian assures me and I feel a big relief.

Moments pass and the ballroom hums with life. Now Damian had gone to meet some business partners and I was standing by the bar all alone, then Jason approaches again and his presence chills me. “Family loyalty matters here. Dad says you would be joining the executive team but as a personal assistant. I hope that you will like it.” he says and his voice is low.

I hesitate when I look into Jason's eyes. “I understand,” I say but my voice wavers.

Damian steps between us and his arm circles my waist. “Remember Claire is with me,” he says firmly and Jason raises an eyebrow.

Elise moves closer and her heels click on the marble. She does not speak but her stare burns into me. The music increases and I concentrate on his warmth to ease myself.

Dance steps quicken and my breath catches. Damian spins me and the chandelier lights blur above. I smile in spite of my own discomfort, and I feel alive in his arms. And damn Damian feels like a 30-year-old man with fire. Now Ethan’s plea seems very far away and I let myself sink into the moment.

The lights are dimmed and the gala becomes louder. Damian takes me to a secluded little corner lined with velvet curtains. “You are different,” he says and his hand brushes my cheek. I pulse and lean into his hands without reasoning.

“Different how?” I ask and my voice is soft. His eyes hold mine and I see something raw in them. “You see the world clearly. I hope that when we start working together, we can have a good and better relationship,” he says and I feel a spark of pride.

Guests begin to leave and the ballroom grows still. I stand with Damian by a tall window. “You will resume on Monday. Jason has arranged all and you would be mailed promptly,” he says and his voice is warm.

Hesitation floods me again. I feel I’m not over Ethan. Those two years together are heavy. “I will wait for the mail sir,” I say and my fingers twist the strap of my purse.

Damian smiles and it feels like a promise I cannot resist.

“Have I not told you to just call me Damian? I am just 51." Damian corrects me.

I nod and feel my choice pulling me deeper into his world. Ethan’s love fades a little more and it hurts to admit it.

Night wraps the mansion as I step outside. I can still hear what Jason said and can feel the silence of Elise.

I walk to the car prepared for me by Damian.

We drive to my apartment. The driver looks at me in the rearview mirror.

“Here we are,” he says.

I nod and put my hand into my bag. “Thank you.”

He waits a moment then drives off without a word.

I walk into my apartment feeling lost in my own choice. It seems like Damian wants more. I'm no baby and I will do anything to get what I want.