Chapter 8 Damian's gratitude was meaningless now . " If that's all , I'm going home , " I said , turning to leave . He grabbed my arm , his voice cracking with urgency . " Now that the truth is out , Harriet will pay for her lies . Come back with me . We don't need kids . I'll treat you right . " His eyes were full of sincerity . " Are you serious ? " I asked . " I swear , " he vowed . " I'll never fail you again . " I laughed bitterly , shaking off his grip . " You think that erases everything ? That a few promises make me forget the pain you caused ? " " I ... " he tried to explain , but words failed him . I turned to walk away . He reached out to stop me , but a can suddenly flew from a distance . It hit his hand , causing him to recoil in pain . Valerie stepped out of the shadows and picked up the can with a mocking smile . " Well , well , isn't this Mr. Patton , the king at Harriet's party ? Now you're groveling in Frostuolton ? " Damian's gaze hardened . " This is a domestic issue . Stay out of it . " Valerie was unfazed . " Is it ? Serena has divorced you . This is harassment now . " " I never signed the agreement , " he refuted . " Then we'll see you in court , " she shot back . " My law firm eats cases like yours for breakfast . Leave ! " Several burly men appeared , forming a wall between us . Through a gap , Damian and I locked eyes . Then he turned and walked away . Valerie checked me over , exhaling in relief . " You okay ? I'm getting you bodyguards tomorrow . " The next day , she had a few imposing guards posted in the office . They shadowed me everywhere , never letting me out of sight . Unaccustomed , I protested , but Valerie insisted , " What if Damian shows up to bother you again ? They'll stay until he's gone for good . " I relented , adjusting to my new reality . The next afternoon , I managed to slip away during the bodyguards ' break . As fate would have it , I ran into Damian at a cafe nearby I turned to leave , but he called out , " Can we sit down and talk ? " This time , our encounter was far more civilized than the last . But his darkened eyes and the deep shadows beneath them Chapter 8 +25 BONUS showed he was troubled . " We ... " he started . " No ! " I cut him off . He lowered his head , a bitter smile tugging at his lips . " I deserve this . All these years , I was blind to the truth . You have every reason to be mad . " I listened quietly , letting him pour out his regret . " I didn't see my true feelings , " he continued . " I thought I owed everything to Harriet , believing she was the one who saved my life . After you left , I felt you everywhere . Your habits and your presence have been carved into me . I realize now that I've loved you all along . "