Damien Sterling

Chapter 9:

(Damien's POV)

I woke up late.

I wasn't in a rush—because for the first time since Ava walked into my life like a wrecking ball, there was silence.

No sarcastic remarks.

No dramatic eye-rolls.

No one throwing my own words back at me like weapons.

And that's when I realized.

She wasn't here.

---

Morning Realization –

I found Sophia sprawled across the living room couch, lazily scrolling through her phone.

"Where's Ava?" I asked, grabbing a cup of coffee.

Sophia yawned. "Not here."

I frowned. "And?"

"And she left early this morning to see her mom," she said, not even looking up.

I took a slow sip. Huh.

"She didn't tell me," I muttered.

Sophia smirked. "Aww, are you upset?"

I shot her a bored look. "I don't care what she does."

"Really?" She raised a brow. "Because you sure seem interested."

I ignored her.

It wasn't about Ava.

It was just… weird.

She was supposed to be here, annoying the hell out of me.

And instead, she just left without a word?

It didn't bother me.

Not really.

But it did make me wonder…

Would she come back?

---

Her Return –

I was leaning against the staircase when Ava finally walked back in.

She barely made it two steps before my father's voice cut through the air like a knife.

"Good. Now that you're both here, I have an announcement."

Ava tensed beside me. "What?"

Richard smirked. "Your engagement party. It's tomorrow night."

I sighed.

Of course.

Ava, on the other hand, lost it.

"You're joking," she said, voice flat with disbelief.

"You're expected to attend, of course," Richard continued smoothly, completely ignoring her tone. "The press will be there. The family's business partners. It will be a spectacle, as it should be."

Ava let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Because nothing says romance like a forced engagement between two people who barely tolerate each other."

I finally spoke. "Sounds fun."

Ava snapped her head toward me, glaring. "You're okay with this?"

I shrugged. "Not really. But it's happening either way."

She stared at me like I'd grown two heads.

"You are unbelievable," she hissed.

I smirked. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

She exhaled sharply, turning back to Richard. "And if I refuse?"

Richard's smile didn't waver. "Then I'll assume you're backing out of the contract. And your family's debt will remain."

Ava's jaw clenched.

I could see it.

The way she froze for half a second. The way her nails dug into her palms.

She wasn't doing this for herself.

She was doing it for them.

And for some reason, that thought didn't sit right with me.

After a long pause, Ava exhaled sharply. "Fine. Let's get it over with."

Richard nodded, like this was all a business transaction. "Preparations begin immediately. Eleanor and Sophia will assist Ava in selecting a dress. Damien, you'll be fitted for your suit."

Ava muttered something under her breath, then turned on her heel and stormed off.

I just sighed, shaking my head.

This was going to be a nightmare.

But at least it wouldn't be boring.

---

Later –

I was walking past one of the sitting rooms when I heard it.

Ava's angry voice.

And Sophia's laugh.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Ava snapped.

Sophia giggled. "Oh, come on. It's just a dress."

"It's a giant, suffocating ball gown!"

I stepped inside, finding Ava standing in front of a mirror, arms crossed, glaring at a selection of dresses.

Eleanor sat gracefully on the couch, watching them with an amused smile.

Sophia grinned. "Oh, please. You'll look gorgeous."

Ava scowled. "I don't want to look gorgeous. I want to look like I don't want to be here."

I leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "Mission accomplished, Sinclair."

She turned sharply, eyes narrowing. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

I tilted my head. "A little."

She groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "I hate this family."

Sophia snickered. "You'll fit right in, then."

Ava shot her a glare before grabbing the closest dress off the rack and storming toward the changing room.

Sophia turned to me, grinning. "She's so much fun."

I sighed, rubbing my temple.

I was starting to think I was in way over my head.

And tomorrow?

The real nightmare begins.

---