Chapter 55 MY PROTECTOR.
\~~~SERENA.
It had been exactly one week since the honeymoon started, and somehow, every single day still felt unreal.
I woke up every morning excited. Not just excited but grateful. Grateful that I was here and grateful that I was experiencing things I had only ever watched in movies or read in books. Grateful that Damien had taken my silly bucket list seriously and treated it like a mission.
In just one week, we had checked off almost everything.
The market walks, the sunset watching, the food hopping, the skating, and even things I hadn’t written down, he had somehow known I would love.
I couldn’t ask for more. Truly.
That morning, the villa felt calm, and too calm, in fact. The air was warm, the curtains fluttered gently, and the sound of distant water echoed softly around the house.
I stepped out onto the terrace quietly and spotted Damien immediately.
He was seated, his laptop open on the table in front of him, his sleeves rolled up, and his jaw tight in concentration. His fingers moved quickly over the keyboard, and for a moment, I just stood there and watched him.
He looked… serious and it was the kind of serious that told me he had gone back into that world of suits, numbers, and power. The world he belonged to before me so I didn’t want to interrupt.
I went back inside, slipped my feet into my slippers, and tied my hair up properly. As I walked into the living room, I saw Alison seated comfortably, flipping through a book.
“Good afternoon,” I greeted gently.
She looked up and smiled. “Good afternoon, my dear.
“I just wanted to look around a bit,” I said casually. “There is a small store nearby. I noticed it yesterday.”
Alison’s brows lifted. “On your own?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “I won’t go far.”
She hesitated. “At least inform your husband before you leave.”
I shook my head, waving it off. “I will be back soon. I noticed a little store nearby when we arrived. They sell cute stuff, like handmade trinkets and pretty scarves. Damien seems busy right now, and I don't want to stress him out over something small.”
Alison nodded, though her eyes showed a hint of worry. “How about I go with you then?”
“Oh, come on,” I chuckled.
“'Alright then, but don't stay long. The area is nice, but you never know.”
“Promise,” I replied with a grin, grabbing my small purse and heading out the front door.
I stepped out of the villa feeling light, and almost giddy. The path was familiar now, and the afternoon sun kissed my skin softly as I walked.
The store was even cuter up close. It was a cozy boutique called 'Sunlit Treasures.' The front window displayed colorful pottery, delicate jewelry, and shelves of woven baskets overflowing with handmade soaps and candles. As I pushed open the door, a bell jingled softly, and the owner, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, greeted me. 'Welcome! Take your time browsing.'
Inside, there were handmade bracelets, scarves, tiny decorative plates, scented candles, key holders, and little trinkets that screamed souvenirs. I wandered slowly, touching everything, smiling to myself.
I picked out a light blue scarf, imagining how it would look draped over my shoulders during our next evening stroll. Then, I found a set of small ceramic mugs, painted with tiny seashells.
Maya will love this.
I thought and added it to my basket, along with a scented candle that smelled like vanilla and ocean breeze.
After paying, with bag in hand, I stepped back out into the sunlight, feeling content. The street was quiet, just a few people milling about. I started walking back toward the villa, humming a tune under my breath. But as I turned the corner, a strange prickling sensation crept up my neck. It was like eyes were boring into me from behind. I glanced over my shoulder and there was nothing unusual, just the empty sidewalk and some parked cars. Probably just my imagination, I thought.
I kept walking, but the feeling didn't fade. It grew stronger, like footsteps echoing too close. My heart picked up a little.
‘Okay, Serena, don't be silly. You're just paranoid.’
But then I decided to test it. I took a sharp turn down a narrower path that led toward a row of shops, pretending to window-shop. Out of the corner of my eye, through the reflection in a glass storefront, I saw him, a figure in dark clothes, his face hidden behind a black mask. He turned with me, matching my pace. My stomach dropped.
God, this wasn't paranoia, someone was following me.
Fear bubbled up, cold and sharp. I quickened my steps, my slippers slapping against the pavement a bit too loudly. The street wasn't crowded, but there were enough people around that I hoped it would deter him. Still, he kept coming, closing the distance with long, deliberate strides. He moved fast, too fast, like he knew exactly where I was headed. My breath came in short gasps.
What does he want?
Robbery?
Something worse? I fumbled in my purse for my phone, my hands trembling.
I needed Damien, right now..
The screen lit up as I dialed his number, but in my panic, the phone slipped from my sweaty fingers. It clattered to the ground, the screen cracking slightly against the stone path.
I froze, instinct screaming at me not to bend down.
And, God, I didn't because in that split second, I heard his shoes close, and glancing back without fully turning, I caught a glint in his hand.
A knife? No, wait, it looked bulkier, like the shape of a gun under his jacket. I couldn't be sure, and I really didn't want to be.
Terror gripped me, making my legs feel like jelly. He was almost on me now, just a few feet away, his masked face unreadable but intent clear in his hurried steps.
I bolted, heart pounding in my ears. The path twisted toward our villa, the familiar sight of the garden gate coming into view like a lifeline.
But he was gaining and every shadow seemed to hide threats, and every rustle of leaves was a sign that he was right there. My mind raced…
Should I just scream, or run faster, or hide? The bag from the store bounced against my hip, forgotten and all I could think was Damien, please be there.
Then, as I rounded the final bend, a strong hand clamped around my wrist. I screamed, loud and raw, twisting away in blind panic. “Let go!”
“It is just me!” Damien's voice cut through the haze, his grip firm but familiar.
I stumbled, my body shaking as I spun to face him. His eyes were wide, and filled with worry. He shook my shoulders gently. “Serena!”
It took a moment for the world to stop spinning. My chest heaved, and tears stung my eyes. Slowly, I turned back to the path, scanning the empty space where the masked man had been.
Nothing. There was no one there, just the quiet street and distant birds chirping.
He was gone and vanished like a nightmare.
I stuttered, pointing a shaky finger at the blank spot. “T... there was someone... following me. A man… masked. He had... something…”
Damien's face darkened instantly, his jaw clenching. He pulled me closer, scanning the area himself, but his attention snapped back to me. “What were you thinking going around all by yourself?!”
His words hit like a slap and I flinched, stepping back a little. The anger in his voice was so sudden, and fierce. “W... what?”
“Where the fuck do you think you are?!l” he snapped, his face twisted in rage, and his eyes blazing.
He wasn't yelling at the stalker… but me?
“W... what the hell?” My voice cracked, confusion mixing with the fear still churning inside. My eyes watered, and hot tears spilled over.
Why was he mad at me?
I'd been terrified, chased, and now this?
I felt small, vulnerable, and like the ground had shifted under me.
Damien, my protector, the man who'd made me feel so safe all week, was looking at me like I'd done something unforgivable.