14

Serena seated herself in Damian's private jet, crossing her legs elegantly as she gazed out at the sky. This so-called honeymoon was nothing but a facade, a calculated move to maintain appearances. In reality, it was business as usual. Damian had his meetings, and she had her own empire to oversee. Dubai was the perfect destination—large enough for them to avoid each other yet close enough to maintain the illusion of marital bliss.

Across from her, Damian remained immersed in his paperwork, his expression unreadable. The tension between them was thick, an unspoken challenge neither of them acknowledged. They had barely spoken since boarding, and neither seemed eager to change that.

The flight attendants moved around them efficiently, refilling drinks, serving delicacies neither of them truly cared for. Serena idly swirled the golden liquid in her glass, letting the silence stretch.

"We arrive in thirty minutes," Damian finally broke the quiet, his tone clipped. "A driver will take you to your headquarters."

Serena smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "How thoughtful of you, *husband.*"

Damian didn't rise to her bait. Instead, he shut his folder with deliberate precision, adjusting the cuffs of his suit. "Stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."

Serena let out a soft, amused hum. "And here I thought honeymoons were meant for bonding."

He didn't bother responding.

As the jet began its descent, Serena downed the last of her champagne.

The world saw them as the perfect couple. But beneath the surface?

It was a battle neither was willing to lose.

---

A driver was already waiting for her when they landed. Without sparing Damian another glance, Serena slid into the luxury car, watching as he disappeared into his own, heading straight for his office. Typical. Business first, even on their so-called honeymoon.

The hotel Damian had chosen was, of course, nothing less than extravagant. A seven-star masterpiece, dripping with elegance and excess. The interior was a seamless blend of classic royalty and modern opulence, the kind of place that whispered power and wealth in every detail. The view from their suite was breathtaking—a perfect panorama of the sea, stretching endlessly beyond the glass walls.

Serena took in the room with quiet appreciation, running her fingers along the silk sheets. Then, her gaze fell on a pristine white card placed neatly on the bed.

*Congratulations to the happy couple. Enjoy your honeymoon.*

A scoff left her lips as she picked it up, tearing it in half without hesitation.

"Honeymoon?" she muttered, tossing the pieces onto the nightstand. "More like a business trip with an overgrown toddler "

She had no intention of playing the devoted wife. But if Damian thought he could simply ignore her the entire trip, he had another thing coming.

---

By the time Serena returned to their suite after her meetings, Damian was already there, typing away on his laptop. He barely acknowledged her presence, his focus entirely on the glowing screen in front of him. Serena rolled her eyes. Typical.

Feeling hungry, she made her way toward the kitchen. She would have preferred raw meat, but cooked would do for now. As she seasoned a steak,Damian's gaze flicker toward her. He wasn't hungry—he had already fed on enough blood at his office.

For a brief moment, he allowed himself to imagine a different scenario. If they were a normal human couple, Serena might have looked beautiful cooking dinner for her husband. A picturesque moment of domesticity. But this was Serena. A cunning witch ,a woman he could never let his guard down around.

He leaned back in his chair, watching her carefully. "I didn't take you for someone who actually cook food," he remarked dryly.

Serena smirked, flipping the steak effortlessly in the pan. "And I didn't take you for someone who actually notices what I do."

Damian's jaw tightened. He should ignore her. He should focus on his work.

But with Serena, it was never that simple.

As she finished eating, Serena poured herself a glass of wine and arched a brow at Damian. "Are you going to sit there brooding all night, or are you going to drink with me?"

Damian exhaled sharply, pushing his laptop aside. "Fine. But don't expect me to entertain you."

They clinked glasses .For creatures like them, intoxication required something far more potent.

After a few moments of silence, Damian finally spoke. "Be free tomorrow night. There's a party we have to attend."

Serena raised a brow. "A party? Since when do you play the social husband?"

Damian's lips curled in distaste. "It's not a choice. It's an obligation. We have to maintain appearances."

Serena leaned in, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, Damian. If you wanted a date with me, you could've just asked."

He scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Don't flatter yourself."

Serena sipped her wine, her smirk never fading. "Too late."