Warring Desires    

[ESTELLE]

I arched a brow at them, lifting my chin. They hastily turned back to their plates, feigning intense interest in their waffles as though they held the secrets of the universe.

"They're probably just jealous," I muttered under my breath, straightening my shoulders. "Not everyone can pull off elegance at this hour."

Damien let out a low chuckle, the kind that sent a ripple of warmth through me, though his eyes betrayed mild disbelief. "Jealous, huh?"

I gave a nonchalant shrug, letting a playful smirk tug at my lips. "Well, I don't see anyone else rocking an outfit like this at breakfast. And I bet no one else has captured the attention of the most handsome man in the room."

I winked for good measure, feeling victorious when his shoulders shook with silent laughter.

"Ah," Damien murmured, lifting his coffee cup to his lips, "modesty—truly your most endearing trait."