The lights of the Celeste launch party had dimmed, but the magic lingered.
The city skyline glowed behind the tall glass panels of the private lounge Damien had reserved for the after-party, high above the buzz of the fashion world below.
Liyana stood by the window, her arms crossed lightly as she stared at the lights. Her dark gown shimmered softly under the ambient lighting, and for once, her expression wasn't unreadable—it was at peace.
Damien watched her from the sofa, his blazer off, sleeves rolled up, a drink untouched in his hand.
"You always disappear after the crowd thins," he said softly, breaking the silence.
She glanced over her shoulder. "I like silence after chaos. It's the only time I can hear myself think."
He stood and walked over, stopping a few feet from her. "And what are you thinking now?"
Liyana's lips curved faintly. "That you dance better than I expected."
He raised a brow, a low chuckle rumbling from his throat. "That was praise. I should mark today on the calendar."
She rolled her eyes but didn't move away as he stepped closer, his fingers brushing against her arm.
"But truly…" Damien's voice lowered. "You were breathtaking tonight. Not just the way you looked, but the way you led. That… is the woman I fell for."
Her heart skipped. For a second, she let herself absorb it—his warmth, his truth.
Before she could respond—
"Excuse me, Boss."
Zhen pushed open the door with zero ceremony, looking slightly breathless. And behind him… Ruoxi.
Liyana blinked in surprise. "I thought you both left."
"I forgot my clutch," Ruoxi said quickly. "And your secretary… well, he insisted on escorting me back up like a knight in a black suit."
Zhen cleared his throat, face warming slightly. "I'm just doing my job. Keeping guests safe."
Ruoxi smirked. "You weren't this responsible back in uni, Zhen."
Damien raised a brow. Liyana looked between them, amused. "You two know each other?"
"Unfortunately," they said in unison, then paused, glaring at each other like high school rivals.
"Ruoxi was my group partner during our final year presentation," Zhen muttered. "She rewrote my entire part the night before."
"Because your part was trash," she said sweetly. "I saved your grade. You're welcome."
Damien turned to Liyana with a knowing look. "Should we step out and let them argue into falling in love?"
Ruoxi scoffed. "We are not—!"
But the faint flush on both of their faces said otherwise.
As the two bickered their way back out of the lounge, Liyana let out a soft laugh.
"They're kind of cute," she murmured.
Damien leaned in. "You just like watching other people struggle."
"Maybe," she admitted.
But as the laughter faded, Damien grew quiet. "Your father called me."
Liyana turned her head slowly. "When?"
"Earlier today. He's… still cautious. But he said thank you—for protecting you during the Lin Hao incident."
Her shoulders stiffened, memories flickering. "He doesn't trust easily. Especially not someone like you."
"I know," Damien replied, not offended. "I just wanted you to know… I'm not going anywhere."
She looked up at him. "You mean it?"
Damien's hand reached for hers, his thumb tracing circles over her knuckles.
"I may be the man who once saw you as a kid," he said softly, "but now I see the woman—and she's everything I didn't know I needed."
She didn't pull her hand away.
Instead, she leaned her head slightly against his shoulder. Just for a moment.
There, in the quiet aftermath of glamour and chaos, Liyana finally allowed herself to rest.
A Few Days Later – Celeste Headquarters, New Branch Office
The scent of fresh-cut fabric, clean wood, and coffee filled the pristine hallways of Celeste's newest luxury branch.
Liyana walked through the glass doors of the executive wing, her heels echoing on polished floors. Her team was gathered in the conference room, reviewing mood boards, textile samples, and launch reports.
"Miss Xu," Mira greeted, passing her a tablet. "The new ambassador's agent has confirmed. She's flying in next week for the campaign shoot."
"Good. And the runway lineup?" Liyana asked, her voice sharp yet calm.
"Finalized. The Paris team already synced with our Shanghai designers. Collection's locked. We just need your blessing on the final ad concepts."
Liyana nodded. Her eyes scanned every detail, every seam of the business she built with blood and grit. She wasn't just back—she was leading stronger than ever.
But she was also more grounded. More aware of her heart.
She paused at the large window, where models rehearsed on the lower floor.
"Make sure the message behind this campaign is clear," she said after a beat. "Celeste isn't just fashion. It's armor. Power. Identity."
Her team scribbled fast. None dared interrupt her in this state of vision.
Later That Evening – Xu Family Residence
The warmth of home returned with the scent of jasmine tea and murmuring elders.
Liyana sat at the dinner table with her parents and grandfather, answering their questions about the launch and Celeste's expansion.
Her mother served her more soup. "Are you… truly okay, Yana?"
"I am," Liyana said, voice soft but unwavering. "I'm where I belong."
Her father observed her. "We've seen how Damien fought for you. That matters. But trust must be earned over time."
She nodded. "I understand."
Grandfather Xu simply sipped his tea, but gave her a rare approving glance. "As long as he protects what is ours—and cherishes you—we'll talk."