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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Boundaries and Broken Glass

Chapter 5: Boundaries and Broken Glass

 A Chilly Morning

Liana barely slept. When morning came, the penthouse was colder than usual—silent, sterile, and tense.

She came down to find Damien already dressed in a sharp navy suit. His tie was slightly crooked.

"You're not eating," he said without looking at her.

"I'm not hungry," she replied, pouring herself coffee.

He reached for the sugar bowl at the same time she did, their hands brushing briefly.

Both froze.

"Thank you," she said quickly, pulling away.

"Liana—" Damien started, but she cut him off.

"Don't," she said. "Don't act like we're okay just because the kitchen is quiet."

He said nothing, but the weight in the air said more than words ever could.

 A Visit from Ethan

Later that day, Liana was surprised to see Ethan waiting outside the flower shop she sometimes volunteered at.

He leaned casually against the brick wall, sunglasses perched on his head and a charming grin in place.

"Mrs. Blackwood," he teased.

"Ethan," she said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you. You've been silent for days."

She smiled softly, but there was pain in her eyes.

"You ever feel like you signed up for something with your eyes wide shut?"

"All the time," Ethan replied. "But some mistakes are worth making—because they reveal the truth."

They walked through the nearby park, talking about everything but Damien. But Ethan could tell her heart was split.

"I have to go back," she said eventually. "Even if it hurts."

"You're stronger than you think," he replied.

"Sometimes I wish I wasn't."

 Damien's Surprise Gesture

When Liana returned to the penthouse that evening, something was different.

The dining room had been transformed.

Candles flickered on the long table. Fresh gardenias—her mother's favorite—adorned the centerpiece. A single note lay by her plate:

"I can't undo the past. But I want to understand it—with you."

She turned to find Damien behind her.

"I know I can't erase what happened. But I asked my legal team to investigate the loan rejection. It wasn't just my father. There were others involved."

"Why are you doing this?" she whispered.

"Because I want to rebuild something with you. Even if it starts with ashes."

Liana stepped closer. "I'm not ready to forgive."

"I'm not asking for forgiveness," he said. "Just a chance."

They ate in silence.

But for once, it was a peaceful silence.

 A Close Moment

Later that night, she walked into the kitchen to find Damien cleaning up. He looked different—more tired, more… human.

"You didn't have to do all this," she said.

"I wanted to."

She stepped closer, her fingers brushing his sleeve.

"Why now?"

He looked at her, his eyes softer than she'd ever seen.

"Because I'm starting to hate the version of me that pushes you away."

The distance closed between them.

She reached up slowly, her fingers grazing his cheek.

Their breath mingled. Hearts pounding.

But Liana pulled away first.

"Goodnight, Damien."

And she walked away—barefoot, beautiful, and still just out of reach.

To be Continue...!

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