Raine Enterprises – Private Executive Lounge
Dominic sat in silence, elbows on his knees, eyes glued to the grainy photo.
A child.
A little girl.
His—or so Juliana said.
She stood by the window, looking polished, poisonous.
"It's simple," she purred. "You keep playing knight in shining armor for Aurora, and this"—she tapped the envelope—"will become very public."
Dominic's jaw tightened. "You're bluffing."
She smiled. "Am I? Because if I were, you'd call my bluff. But you won't. Because you're not sure, are you?"
"You drugged me," he hissed. "That night—I don't even remember touching you."
"Maybe you didn't. Maybe you did. But the timing fits, and the resemblance? Uncanny." Her voice dipped. "All I need to do is whisper this to one journalist and your empire becomes a scandal circus."
His fists clenched.
"You don't want to destroy me, Juliana. You want to ruin her."
Juliana's eyes gleamed. "You're right. But why should she get your heart when I had your body first?"
That was the last line he could take.
Without a word, he walked out.
---
That Night – Aurora's Loft Apartment
Aurora lit two candles, something soft playing in the background. Her silk robe fluttered around her legs as she opened the door.
He looked tired, shaken.
But still hers.
She kissed him before he could speak, her hands curling around his neck. "You're here."
"I'm always here," he murmured, pulling her into his arms.
She smiled, pulling him inside, pressing close. "Then stay longer this time."
---
Midnight – Her Bedroom
They didn't talk much. They just felt.
Their clothes peeled away slowly—no rush, no rage—just two souls seeking solace in each other's arms.
He kissed her as if he might shatter.
She held him like he was the only thing in the world still real.
Every movement, every moan, was soaked in unspoken love and silent pain.
When he collapsed beside her, breathless, she turned on her side, resting her hand on his chest. "Can I ask you something?"
He turned to her, brushing hair from her cheek. "Anything."
Her eyes searched his. "What if I said I want to marry you?"
He froze.
Her voice was shy. "Not now. Not tomorrow. But one day. I want us to build something real, Dominic."
A pause.
Then his fingers laced with hers.
"I want that too," he whispered. "More than anything."
"But?"
"I just…" He looked away. "I need a little time."
Her smile faltered for half a second—but she kissed his hand and nodded. "Okay. Take all the time you need."
He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes.
But inside, a storm raged.
Because loving her had never been the problem.
Protecting her from what was coming… that was the real war.
---