12 The Invitation

Damien woke up with the smell of cherries beckoning his eyelids open. Layla was pressed against his chest, breathing steadily in her sleep. His chin rested on her head with her soft auburn hair spilling over the pillows. Her hands were drawn together in between them like a child curled against their mother. Their legs were intertwined under the blanket.

They had fallen asleep while talking about everything and nothing. It was the most peaceful slumber he had gotten in a long while. His dreams were still troublesome but not near as bad as usual.

He kissed her forehead and slowly unwound himself from her, heading to the study in his pajama pants. Romanov stood to the side of the study doors.

"Sir, I'm afraid we have an issue."

"Is it time sensitive? I'd like to enjoy the first of beautiful mornings I've had since I was a child."

"I wish I could say it is not, but it is. Adrien is inside the study, sir."

Damien's face fell instantly, all peace fleeing. He sighed deeply.

"Do you know what he wants?"

"I'm sorry, I don't sir."

"Alright. Could you have Marryanne wake Layla and give her this to get them phones?"

"Would you like me to accompany them, sir?"

"No...Actually, yes. Make sure they pick ones they really want. I have a feeling Layla will try to get the cheapest one possible." Damien chuckled slightly.

Romanov stared at him in obvious disbelief before catching himself and returning to his usual boring composure.

"Of course, sir. And sir?"

"Yes?"

"It's good to see you in high spirits, again."

With that, Romanov hurried off to find Marryanne.

Damien entered the study with a vague smile on his face, determined to not let Adrien put him in a foul mood.

Marryanne woke Layla with a smile. She was wearing a cold weather dress with long navy sleeves and a flower pattern on the skirt. Marryanne never wore anything with so much effort put into it. She even wore a little makeup.

After waking Layla, she ran to make breakfast tea, telling Layla to get ready to go to the mall.

Layla thought Romanov was going since Marryanne was looking so nice so she figured Damien must be going as well. She found a simple tan dress with green flower lining from her ankles to her thighs. Blue butterflies covered from her thighs to the right side of her waist up to her eight rib cage. A turquoise stone pendant set on a chain around her neck with matching earrings dangling. She pulled her hair into a clip, leaving a few tendrils to frame her face, while the rest fell down her back and over her shoulders. She threw on a little foundation and mascara, bringing the look to a complete. Grabbing a pair of tan flats, she flew out the door, only to find out Damien wasn't departing with them.

"What can I do for you, Adrien?"

"Well, look at this. The boy has found respect."

Damien only sat at his desk, a slight smile on his face thinking about Layla, with his hands shaped like a pyramid in front of him.

"I see. Just business. Well, the company needs to see you. They feel you need to take a bigger part now that you're married and I'm only getting older."

Damien shook his head. "Figures. When do I need to come?"

"There is a ball being held at my manor. An anniversary dinner for Jospehine and I." Adrien's eyes held a high amount of mischief in them as his mouth curled into an evil smile. "She'll be there."

Damien's face soured immediately. He stared at the devil in front of him with an overwhelming amount of hatred.

"When is it?"

This weekend. Saturday at 7 p.m. I do hope to see you both there. Would be a shame if Josie didn't make it to the party."

"Don't call her that. I will speak with Layla and get back to you by tonight."

"Damien, I don't think you underst-"

"I understand perfectly. Either Layla comes with me or Mom won't be there. I am not like you. I will not throw her to the wolves for my own selfish causes. This conversation is over."

With that, Damien left Adrien in the study by himself. He took out his phone to call Romanov.

"Damien! We're having so much fun, you should come!" A sweet voice beckoned to him through the reciever. A smile took over his face and all sourness left his body immediately.

"I just may have to do that, Layla Darling. Could you tell Romanov to text my driver where you are."

"Yes, of course...darling." Her voice had gone from confident to timid within two sentences. He would have to call her Darling more often.