Embracing New Beginnings

I watched Drake's hasty retreat, his defeated posture a stark contrast to the confident stride he'd entered with. As the door closed behind him, the air in the room seemed to shift, carrying an unspoken question.

I turned to Damien, my voice quiet but steady. "Was this your plan all along?" I asked, needing to understand the calculations behind his every move. His gentle smile didn't falter as he walked back to his chair and settled into it, his movements measured, a lion returning to his throne.

"Yes," he replied simply, his eyes holding mine, "I wanted to give you a role that would empower you, Ella. You're a skilled woman, and I want to nurture that skill." I soaked in his words, relishing the warmth of his recognition. In that moment, I felt seen, my talent acknowledged by a man with the power to change lives.