CHAPTER 12

I could feel his presence, his gaze burning into me, but I refused to acknowledge it. The tension between us was palpable, and I couldn't speak to him. Instead, I busied myself with other tasks, hoping to distract myself from the uncomfortable situation.

She knew that if she made a big issue out of it, he would have likely punished her just like her father did.

As we arrived back at the house, Wayne immediately sprang into action, eager to prepare your room for your stay. Damian's voice was deep and velvety as he murmured.

I gave a subtle nod in response. I could feel Damian's eyes roll as he muttered under his breath, "I'd rather have a thank you." I whispered the words "Thank you," but deep down, I knew I wasn't truly grateful.

He couldn't make sense of it. The situation before him defied all reason and logic. It was as if the world had turned upside down, and nothing made sense anymore. He shook his head in disbelief, trying to wrap his mind around the absurdity of it all.

How could this be happening? It wasn't logical. Damian stood at the edge of the crowded ballroom, watching the elite mingle and network efficiently. He couldn't help but wonder why he never seemed to make any meaningful connections at these galas, despite their reputation as prime business and alliance-building opportunities. Perhaps distance to engage in the superficial small talk that dominates these events. Or maybe it was the feeling of being an outsider, despite his status and wealth.

Whatever the reason, Damian couldn't shake the sense of isolation that seemed to follow him wherever he went. I knew I had made a mistake as soon as the words left my lips. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on me. Most likely, I had just asked a dumb question.

I tried to recover, to backtrack, but it was too late. The damage had been done, and I could only hope my blunder would soon be forgotten. He sat in his dimly lit office, the only source of light coming from the flickering candle on his desk.

His mind was racing as he contemplated his next move. He was the leader of the largest mafia in the world, feared by many and respected by few. But even he knew that he couldn't do it all alone. He needed allies, people he could trust to have his back when things got tough. "Why would he need allies if he runs the largest mafia in the world?" he muttered, the question echoing in the room's silence.

He knew the answer, of course. No one could rule alone, not even him. He needed people he could rely on who would do anything for him.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the room. He knew some would betray him in a heartbeat if given the chance. But some were loyal to him and would follow him to the ends of the earth. He just had to find them and convince them to join him.

He knew the road ahead would be challenging but was determined to succeed. He was the leader of the largest mafia in the world, after all. And with the right allies by his side, there was nothing he couldn't accomplish. His supporters needed hitters.

The sleek black limousine stopped in front of Damian's sprawling estate. The driver stepped out and opened the door, revealing the opulent interior of the vehicle. Damian emerged from the house, eyes scanning the street for any trouble.

Satisfied that all was quiet, he strode confidently towards the waiting limo, his mind already racing with plans for the evening ahead. As Damian approached the door, he was greeted by a petite and fragile woman. Despite her delicate appearance, she welcomed him with a cheerful tone, "Damian, you're back." Walking down the hallway, I couldn't help but overhear Damian's gentle admonishment to his mother.

"Mamá, I told you to get some rest," he said, his voice filled with concern. I paused momentarily, watching as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Despite the exhaustion on her face, she managed a small smile and nodded in agreement. It was a touching moment that spoke volumes about the love and care between them.

His mother's voice trembled with concern as she anxiously inquired, "Ahhh, are you alright? You sound a little sick. Now, tell me, who is she?"

As Damian unlocked the car, I eagerly anticipated when I could finally escape onto the pavement.

With a satisfying click, the doors unlocked, and I quickly exited the vehicle, taking in the fresh air and sights around me.

As soon as I saw her, I couldn't help but smile wide. I approached her with confidence, extending my hand for a firm shake. As I entered the room, his mother's warm embrace enveloped me. "Ahhh, she's beautiful," she exclaimed, gazing at me with adoration.

Damian's heart raced as he turned to face his mother. "Where's my father?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

His mother's eyes darted away from him, and he knew something was wrong. He anxiously awaited her response, his mind racing with all the possible scenarios. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Your father... he's gone," she said, her eyes brimming with tears. Damian felt his heart sink as the reality of the situation hit him. His father, the man he had looked up to his entire life, was no longer with them. He struggled to hold back his tears as he tried to understand it all.

As soon as the word "father" escaped her companion's lips, she felt her body stiffen involuntarily. Memories flooded her mind, unbidden and unwelcome. She tried to push them away, to focus on the present moment, but the word had already triggered something deep within her.

She smiled and nodded, hoping her discomfort wasn't too noticeable.

As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at his mere mention. With a snort, she replied, "He is in his office," but deep down, she knew that wasn't a good sign.

Damian's eyes rolled with frustration as he spoke through gritted teeth, "Of course."

Damian's heart raced excitedly as his mother smiled warmly and gestured toward the staircase.

"Let me show you to your room," she said pleasantly. He followed her up the stairs, his eyes darting around the grand foyer as they ascended. The anticipation of what lay ahead was almost too much to bear.

Damian's striking appearance caught the attention of everyone around him. His chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes were the envy of many. He walked confidently, his tall frame commanding attention wherever he went. People couldn't help but stare in awe at his impeccable sense of style and how his clothes fit him perfectly. Damian was a true sight, a man who seemed to have it all.

As she watched him from across the room, she couldn't help but notice his striking features. His left arm was adorned with intricate tattoos that seemed to tell their own story. His bright blue eyes sparkled in the dim light, drawing her in like a magnet.

His tanned complexion and light brown hair, which fell just above his shoulders, gave him an air of ruggedness that she found intriguing. However, despite his impressive appearance, she couldn't help but feel that he lacked a certain charm or charisma that would make him genuinely irresistible. Looking into his eyes, she couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness.

It was as if there was nothing behind his gaze, no emotion or thought. He stood there, silent and still, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow hollow. It was a strange sensation that left her uneasy and unsure of what to do next. She wondered what had brought him to this point, what had caused him to become so empty. But as she searched his face for answers, she found none.

He remained a mystery, a blank slate that she couldn't decipher. And so she stood there, watching him, waiting for something to happen, for some sign of life to emerge from within him. But for now, he appeared to be empty.

As I gazed at him, I couldn't help but notice his mechanical movements and stubborn demeanor. It was as if he was not of this world but a creation of man's design.

His cold, metallic exterior did not indicate the thoughts and emotions beneath. Indeed, he appeared to be a robot of artificial intelligence and unfeeling logic.

Damian's confident stride carried him into the house; his head held high as he made his way up the staircase. His mother led me to a cozy room adorned with soft lighting and plush furnishings. I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over me as I settled into the inviting space. As we stepped into the room, Damian's mother spoke up, her voice carrying a hint of surprise. "It's unusual, but Damian chose all the clothes and furniture himself," she said.

As I gazed out into the vast expanse before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The space was lovely, its endless darkness punctuated by the twinkling of distant stars. It was as if I had been entirely transported to another world where the rules of nature were different, and anything was possible.

I felt small and insignificant in the face of such grandeur, but simultaneously, I felt alive and full of possibility. The space itself was a thing of beauty, and I was grateful to be able to witness it firsthand. The sun beat down on the earth, casting a warm glow over everything, yet there was a sense of gloom. The sky was overcast with dark clouds, threatening to unleash a downpour at any moment.

The combination of warmth and gloom created a strange atmosphere, one that was both inviting and foreboding at the same time. As he stepped into the room, his mother gestured toward the wardrobe with a warm smile. "Your clothes are in this closet here," she said kindly, "if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask Damian." I was perched on the edge of the bed, my emotions in disarray. I looked up at the person before me and slightly nodded, my lips forming, "Thank you." Denice shook her head, berating herself for her carelessness.

"Oh, I almost forgot," she said with a snicker, "my name is Denice."

Denice's voice echoed through the house, "Dinner will be ready soon, dear," and she gracefully exited the room.

With a deep sigh, I shed my cumbersome and showy outfit. It had served its purpose for the evening, but now it felt like a burden. I slipped out of the dress and kicked off the heels, reveling in the freedom of being barefoot.

The cool air on my skin was a welcome relief, and I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. It was a small act of rebellion, but it made me feel alive.