I slowly opened my eyes, rubbing them with the back of my hand. The sun was shining gently through the curtains. At first, I thought I was dreaming.
But then I saw him.
Damian.
Standing right beside the bed, holding a tray.
"Good morning," he said with a little smile.
I was shocked. This can't be real. "Wait... you made me breakfast?"
He gave a little smile, but the look on his face told me he was clearly proud of himself. "I had the chef prepare it. I just brought it up myself."
I sat up, pulling the sheets around me. "You? Serving breakfast?"
"Don't get used to it," he teased. "I'm only sweet in the mornings."
I couldn't even answer. My eyes were glued to him. He wasn't wearing a shirt. Just a pair of dark shorts that hung low on his waist. His abs were on full display, hard, smooth, and perfectly shaped. His arms looked even bigger in the sunlight. He looked like something out of a magazine.
"Stop staring," he said, teasing.
"Then stop standing there like a Calvin Klein ad," I shot back, biting back a smile.
He placed the tray on my lap. Pancakes, eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee. "Eat. You'll need your energy today."
"For what?" I asked, taking a bite.
He sat down beside me. "I have something to show you."
I paused. "You're being mysterious again."
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he watched me eat for a moment, his eyes soft. Then he spoke.
"I've been thinking," he began. "You're smart. You have dreams. You shouldn't depend on me for everything."
I blinked. "Where is this going?"
"I want to open a business for you," he said. "Something that's yours. You run it, you make money, you build it however you want."
I dropped my fork. "Are you serious?"
He nodded. "Very. I already made the arrangements."
I stared at him. "What kind of business?"
He leaned closer. "I noticed how much you care about people. You're thoughtful, you pay attention, and you carry yourself with quiet strength. So, I got you a high-end fashion and beauty brand. Elena. Skincare, perfumes, intimate wear… everything. You can build it however you want."
I froze. "What?"
I covered my mouth, shocked. "You're giving me my own brand?"
"Your name is already on the label," he said with a soft smile. "ELENA."
I couldn't hold it. I threw my arms around him, hugging him tight. "You're unbelievable."
"I know," he chuckled, wrapping his arms around me.
"But that's not all," he said, pulling back slightly. "I want you to be more involved with my companies. Be my adviser and personal manager. Help me run some of my contracts. Lets build this empire together."
I pulled back, speechless. "Are you sure?"
He looked straight into my eyes. "I trust you."
Hours later, we stepped out of the car and walked into a tall glass building downtown. The space was modern, warm, and stylish. On the glass door was my name in gold letters.
ELENA
I was so happy. The space was perfect. Open design, beautiful white walls, mirrors, and soft lighting. It was everything I never thought I could have. I stepped inside, touching the doorframe with trembling fingers.
"This is incredible," I whispered.
"I don't even know what to say," touching the gold nameplate on the door.
"You don't have to say anything," Damian said beside me. "Just own it."
I turned to him, with gratitude. "Thank you."
He leaned down, his lips brushing mine. "You deserve it."
By afternoon, I was already signing a few documents Damian handed me. Property deals, contracts, agreements. He sat across from me, watching with admiration as I read through them, sharp and focused.
"God," he said, leaning back. "You're sexy when you're working."
I laughed. "Focus, Mr. CEO."
But deep inside, I felt something changed. He wasn't just giving me money or spoiling me. He was showing me trust, respect... power.
I was no longer just a girl trapped in a contract. I was becoming his partner.
In more ways than one.