Chapter 8: Torn Between Two Worlds

Elena didn't remember how she got home that night.

The streets, the buses, even the cold breeze brushing against her cheeks—none of it registered. All she could hear was Damon's voice in her head, repeating over and over.

> "Because I want to see where this goes."

She had turned down kindness before. Offers of help, pity dressed up as generosity. But this didn't feel like that. Damon hadn't tried to touch her. He hadn't made promises wrapped in false smiles.

He had made an offer. Real. Direct. Respectful.

And terrifying.

---

Lily was curled up on their thin mattress when Elena stepped into their one-room apartment, a warm blanket pulled up to her chin. The lights were dim, the fan barely spinning on the ceiling. Elena knelt beside her and gently brushed a strand of hair from her sister's forehead.

"You're home late," Lily murmured sleepily, voice raspy.

"I had to work an extra hour," Elena whispered, even though it wasn't the truth.

Lily blinked up at her with eyes too tired for someone her age. "Are you okay?"

Elena hesitated. How was she supposed to explain this? That a billionaire offered her a job she wasn't sure she deserved. That he looked at her like she mattered. That for the first time in a long time, someone had asked what she wanted.

"I think… things might change soon," she said softly.

Lily gave her a small, hopeful smile. "Good change?"

Elena didn't answer. She just kissed her forehead.

---

The next morning, Elena stood in front of her cracked mirror, smoothing down her uniform. Her phone buzzed on the table beside her — a message from Damon.

> "Good morning, Elena. I meant what I said. If you're ready, come to the top floor at 10 a.m. I'll be waiting."

She stared at the screen for a long time.

Was she really about to do this?

She'd worked so hard to stay invisible. To survive without needing anyone. And now, a man like Damon had seen through all that.

What if it was a mistake?

What if he changed his mind?

What if she let herself hope again, only to fall harder this time?

But then she looked at Lily, still asleep, and remembered that life wasn't going to wait for her fear to pass.

So she changed clothes.

---

The hotel felt different that day. Maybe it was the weight of the choice she was about to make, or maybe it was just her heart finally daring to hope. As she rode the elevator to the top floor, she caught her reflection in the polished doors.

She looked scared.

She also looked brave.

When the doors opened, Damon was already waiting at the glass wall, hands in his pockets, his reflection layered with the skyline behind him.

He turned as she stepped out.

"You came," he said, just like the night before.

Elena swallowed hard. "I'm still not sure why."

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "Then let's figure it out together."

He extended his hand—not for a handshake, not to pull her close. Just… open. Waiting.

Not forcing.

For the first time in years, she reached out.

And took it.