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Chapter 86 – Damon's POV
"Temptation and Loyalty"
The hotel lobby buzzed with energy — polished marble floors, men in tailored suits, clinking glasses from the networking bar, and the quiet hum of money exchanging hands through deals and handshakes.
It was my second day on the business trip. Meetings, presentations, contracts — all routine.
What I didn't expect was her again.
Sophia.
She was sitting by the glass windows of the hotel café, legs crossed elegantly, a wine glass in hand. Like she was waiting.
Like she knew I'd pass by.
And I did.
I stopped short when I saw her, already exhaling heavily. The last time we spoke, I'd made things clear — firmly and respectfully. But now, the look in her eyes told me she wasn't done.
"Damon," she said sweetly, standing as if we were old friends. "What a coincidence."
I stared at her, my jaw tight. "Sophia."
She smiled, as if my cold tone didn't faze her. "Didn't expect to see you here."
I nodded toward the conference badge she wore. "Yet here you are. Same event. Same hotel."
She stepped closer. "Fate has a funny way of working."
"No," I said calmly. "You knew I'd be here. It was on the published speaker list."
She didn't deny it. "Maybe I was hoping we could talk again. Without an office door between us."
"I said what needed to be said."
She tilted her head, walking slowly around me like she was trying to find cracks in my armor. "You said you'd changed. That you were a new man. But are you sure about that?"
I stayed rooted. Unbothered.
"Very sure."
Sophia smiled again, but this time it didn't reach her eyes. "Because the man I remember — the one who used to call me at 2 a.m. saying he needed me… the one who never let another woman last longer than a season — that man wouldn't be happy playing family with someone else's child."
I narrowed my eyes.
"That man," I said sharply, "was miserable. Empty. And stupid enough to think love was a weakness."
"And now?" she asked, voice quieter. "Now you think it's real with her?"
I stared at her, unmoving. "I don't think. I know."
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She exhaled, clearly frustrated by my resolve.
Her fingers brushed the strap of her purse nervously. "Damon… I can't pretend I haven't missed you. I know I messed up. I know I never fought hard enough for us before. But I'm here now, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get you back."
"I'm not coming back," I said simply.
Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I still love you."
"No, you don't," I said, shaking my head. "You miss the idea of me. You miss the man who made you feel needed — when in truth, we were using each other."
"That's not true."
"Yes, it is," I said. "We both ran from our pain by clinging to each other. That wasn't love, Sophia. That was survival. And I'm not that man anymore."
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She stepped forward, closer than I liked, her perfume wafting between us.
"What if she leaves you again?" she said quietly. "What if she breaks your heart a second time? What if this little dream you've built… falls apart?"
"She won't," I said. "Because I trust her. Because she fights for us. And because I'd rather have one real love than a lifetime of pretending with anyone else."
Sophia's eyes watered — a flicker of vulnerability cracking through her calm, manipulative exterior.
"I was willing to forgive everything," she whispered. "Your coldness, your distance, your moods. I waited."
"You didn't wait," I said gently. "You moved on. And now, you're circling back not because you love me… but because you lost control."
She flinched.
I continued, my voice low but firm. "I love Arya. I love Liam like he's my own son. And I love the child she's carrying. That's my family. That's where I belong."
A tear slipped down her cheek.
She wiped it quickly, trying to compose herself. "You really won't give me another chance?"
"I already gave you one," I said. "Years ago. And so did Arya — and I won't disrespect that second chance by throwing it away now."
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Sophia's shoulders slumped. "You've really changed."
"I had to," I said. "For Arya. For the baby. For myself."
After a long pause, she nodded.
"I guess I needed to hear it from you… again."
"I hope you find what you're looking for," I said quietly.
She took one final look at me — and then turned, walking away without another word.
This time, I let her go completely.
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Later that night, I stood on the hotel balcony, phone in hand, staring at a photo of Arya Liam had sent me. She was sitting on the couch, hair messy in a bun, one hand on her swollen belly, the other stroking Liam's hair as he curled beside her.
My heart swelled.
This was it.
This was peace.
This was home.
I clicked on her contact and typed:
Damon: I miss you. I'll be home in two days. Please tell the baby to stop kicking until I can feel it again.
Her reply came in seconds.
Arya 💛: Only if you bring me mango ice cream.
I smiled, chest warm.
Damon: Done.
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End of Chapter 86 – Damon's POV