Chapter 7 My eyes stung , my voice hoarse with emotion . " Thank you , Valerie . I don't know how I'll ever repay you . ' She arched an eyebrow . " Just live your best . " I smiled , letting the moment settle . " I will . " +25 BONUS The next morning , we dove into work . Valerie's vision stretched far beyond the horizon . A long time ago , she had acquired a local company . It was beginning to show some promise , though it still hadn't made a significant mark . My role was to elevate it . Long absent from the workplace , I struggled to adjust to the fast pace . Valerie laid out a work plan and patiently guided me . During the day , I helped her with documents , and in the evening , I joined her for business meetings . My time spent accompanying Damian to various events paid off . I handled the corporate world with ease . I tackled tasks with precision and soon tripled my output . My colleagues were impressed . " You're a powerhouse ! " As dusk fell , the office emptied . Valerie lingered at her desk , teasing me , " You're a machine , Serena . I can't keep up . I'll linger for a while . Head home and grab wine on the way . We'll unwind tonight . " I slid a steaming coffee across her desk , nodding with a smile . " Sure . " When I stepped outside the office , the sky had darkened . I walked down the road , suddenly halting . I turned around to see a shadow darting into an alley . My heart raced , and I slipped my hand into my bag , my fingers closing around a small knife I carried for safety . As the figure drew closer , I whirled and pressed the blade to his throat . " It's me , Serena , " he said I paused , looking up to see Damian's face Dark circles carved beneath his eyes , exhaustion etched into every lime . His voice was soft , almost broken . " I'm sorry Did I scare you ? " " Sneaking at night is terrifying , " I said , putting the knife away . " Here for me ? " " Yes , " he admitted " I got the ring . You saved me back then , didn't you ? " " Yes , " I confirmed His Adam's apple bobbed " Then why did you leave without a word ? All these years , you never told me the truth " I lowered my gaze . " That night , the burns were so severe that I was rushed to a hospital in the capital My right hand was ruined , and my piano dream was gone . My parents moved us there , afraid the painful memories would break me " Chapter 7 My chest tightened , the weight of loss resurfacing . His eyes softened , belated sympathy in their depths . " I'm so sorry . If I'd known , things would have been different . Thank you for saving me . " His gratitude , seven years late , finally arrived , but it stirred nothing .