Chapter 10 – Unspoken Emotions

Morning came too quickly. Elena barely felt rested, but she forced herself out of bed, careful not to wake Lily. She tiptoed around the apartment, made breakfast, and left a note beside her sister's bowl of pap and toast.

The hotel was already buzzing when she arrived. Staff moved around in a blur, preparing for some high-profile meeting. Elena kept her head down, blending into the background like always.

Until she saw him.

Damon was standing in the lobby, dressed sharply as always, his phone in one hand and speaking quietly to Mr. Rogers. But when his eyes found Elena, he didn't look away. He nodded at her—subtle, deliberate.

She froze, then quickly turned away and pushed her service cart toward the elevator. Her heart was pounding. Why did he have this effect on her?

"Elena," her supervisor snapped, handing her a keycard. "Skyview Suite needs a rush service. VIP guest checking back in."

Elena nodded and headed up without a word. The Skyview Suite again. Of course.

She knocked, waited, then let herself in. The room was empty. She moved quickly, straightening pillows, replacing towels, wiping down surfaces.

Just as she was fluffing the final pillow, the door opened behind her.

"Elena."

Her spine stiffened. She turned to see Damon standing there, one hand on the door handle.

"You shouldn't be here," she said immediately, nerves bubbling in her chest. "If anyone sees you—"

"I had them log the room as vacant," he interrupted calmly. "No one will check for another hour."

She stared at him, not knowing what to say.

"I wanted to see you," he said honestly. "Talk to you. Without the walls of status or job titles in the way."

She folded her arms, suddenly feeling exposed. "Why me? You could have any woman you wanted."

He stepped closer, but not too close. "Because you don't pretend. You're not impressed by my last name. You look at me like I'm just a man—not a bank account."

Elena laughed bitterly. "That's because I don't have the luxury to be impressed. I'm busy surviving."

"And I admire that," he said quietly.

She looked at him, confused and slightly angry. "You admire struggle? You admire someone who wears the same shoes every day and prays for the electricity not to cut out?"

"I admire honesty. Resilience. Strength," he said. "I admire you."

Her mouth went dry.

"I'm not asking for anything," he added. "Just time. Maybe coffee. A walk. Something simple."

Elena hesitated, then said softly, "You don't know me, Damon."

"Then let me."

Silence settled between them again. Not heavy this time—just uncertain. Possibility hung in the air like perfume.

And for once, Elena didn't walk away immediately.