Chapter 14
Julie POV
or Later
A Year
“Avery! If you are not down here in the next ten minutes, you’re walking to school!” I shouted, my voice loud enough for her to hear upstairs. I took a big bite of toast, sipped my tea, and checked my watch. I barely had time.
No response as usual.
“Avery!” I yelled once more. If she wasn’t ready soon, she might actually have to walk. Kids and lateness–why did they always go hand in hand I wondered.
Finally, I heard the sound of her door opening, and she walked down the stairs with her bag slightly slung over her shoulder. She didn’t even look at me as she headed straight for the door.
“And where is my ‘good morning?” I asked.
“Good morning and I am walking, she muttered, not bothering to look at me.
I frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll be late.”
“I don’t care.”“
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“I said I don’t care,” she repeated, turning to face me. “I will be walking with my friend, and I certainly do not want to share a space with
you.”
I blinked, taken aback by the bitterness in her words. She didn’t wait for my reply before opening the door and shutting it behind her.
“Fine Walk then,” I snapped, more hurt than I cared to admit “And you will be walking throughout the week.”
I told myself it didn’t matter. If she wanted to sulk and blahoe me for everything, that was her problem. I took the last sip of my tea and headed out.
The drive to the café was uneventful. Avery had a way of ruining my mood. She barely spoke to me anymore, and when she did, it was either out of obligation of anger. I had tried to reach out, but every attempt was futile.
As I approached a red light, something caught my attention on the sidewalk. I slowed down, squinting to get a better look.
Maria
She was standing there, shouting at an older woman whom I recognized as her mother.
“You sure do have a way of ruining my mood! Do you think I like staying with you either?” Maria screamed.
Her mother crossed her arms. “Well, maybe if you hadn’t made such a mess of your life, you wouldn’t have to
1 let out a dry laugh, shaking my head. Maria’s fall from grace was pathetic. After what I did at her birthday party, she had been left with nothing–no husband, no career, and apparently, no home of her own. She deserved every bit of it
The sight certainly lightened my mood. I drove to the cafe.
When I arrived at the café, Damien was already seated near the window, looking as hot as ever. His turtleneck shirt did justice to his body
He stood as I entered, with that damn beautiful smile of his.
“Julie,” he said while pulling out a chair for me. “You are late, but 1’11 forgive you since you look absolutely stunning
Thanks,” I said as I sat down.
“It hurts,” he said as he touched his knee.
“What is wrong?” I asked, looking at his knee to see what was wrong-
1/2
10 00 PM
Chapter 14
“Do
you have a band–aid? Because I just scraped my knee falling for you,” he said.
I rolled my eyes, setting my bag down. “We’re here to discuss business, Damien, not trade compliments.”
“Business and beauty can coexist,” he said with a smirk. “But fine, let’s get to it. What’s this fashion show idea of yours?”
I began explaining my vision, outlining the designs and the concept I wanted to bring to life. Darien listened intently, though his smile never faded.
“You’ve got ambition, Ill give you that,” he said when I finished. “And I think we could make a great team, maybe a power couple.”
“Let’s focus on the project, not us,” I said, sipping my tea.
He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “But what if I enjoy focusing on you? You are my inspiration, Julie.”
“Damien,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Alright, alright,” he said, holding up his hands. “I’ll behave. But I have to ask–how on earth are you still single with such beauty? With your looks and that sharp tongue, you’d make any man fall to his knees.”“
I bit back a smile, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me blush. “Damien, this is a professional meeting. Save the flattery for
omeone else”
“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” he said with a wink
“Your ex wife might not appreciate it,” I said, half–joking
He stopped smiling, and I realized I had touched a nerve.
“You always know how to hit below the belt, don’t you?” he said, looking over a document, barely glancing at me.
“Sorry,” I said quickly. “It was just a joke.”
Before he could respond, I accidentally spilled my tea on his shirt.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry!” I said, grabbing a napkin to clean it up.
Damien stood, brushing at the wet fabric. It’s fine. I’ll clean it in the restroom.”
“I really didn’t mean to
“Julie. it’s okay, but I wouldn’t mind you following me to the restroom so you can see those packs of mine.”
I sighed, shaking my head as he headed to the restroom. I just couldn’t stop niling. He sure did know how to push my buttons, making the blush with his flattery and jokes.
As I waited for Damien to return, I took a look around the café. The interior decoration was on point. Then I saw him–he was seated at a table, deep in conversation with the girl he left me for
I froze. How on earth was he here? He was in prison–or rather, he was supposed to be in prison.
I just could not bear the sight of him, looking all fresh and making her laugh–something he never did with me. I grabbed my bag and hraded outside.
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.