CHAPTER 18 — Decisions and Departures

“I am definitely leaving this place today. I can’t believe I was a fool to think I could just exist here peacefully. I never tried to take him from her—it’s fine if she marries him! So what is her problem with me?” I ranted to the empty room, shoving my leftover clothes into an empty box with aggressive thuds.

“Where are you going?”

Damien’s voice sliced through the air. I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. I hadn't even heard the door open.

“Why are you packing in such a hurry?” he asked again, his silhouette blocking the light from the hallway.

“Because I… I am leaving,” I finally managed to say, the words feeling heavy. “I’m going back. I’m done with all of this.”

Damien closed the door behind him and moved closer, his footsteps slow and deliberate until he stood directly in front of me. “Have you always been this mischievous? Or is this impulsive streak something new?” he asked, a brief, unreadable smile playing on his lips that didn't reach his cold eyes.

“What the hell are you saying? I said I want to go back to my life, to school! Don’t you get it?” I snapped, my voice cracking under the pressure.

Damien sat down on a chair, watching me as I resumed pacing. My movements were frantic, my jaw clenched so tight it ached—a clear sign of my rising frustration.

“I just want to go home and go back to my normal life,” I admitted, finally collapsing onto the edge of the bed. I ran a hand through my hair, my shoulders slumping in sheer exhaustion. “This whole situation… Jessica… the kidnapping… it’s just too much for one person.”

“You want to go home? Fine. We’ll leave tonight then,” Damien said, standing up. He paused, his expression softening for the briefest of seconds. “But are you sure about this, Aiden?”

“Of course, yes! I’ve never wanted anything more,” I exclaimed. “I’m tired of being locked up in this mansion and being a target for people I don’t even know. I didn't realize I was so 'attractive' that people would start snatching me off the street!”

“Get ready by 7:00 PM,” Damien said simply, turning to leave.

As the door clicked, I muttered to myself while tucking the last of my things away. “He finally said something reasonable. I can’t stand another minute here. Let Jessica boss him around; she can have him all to herself. I don't care.”

Outside the door, Damien lingered, listening to my muffled grumbling. He held a finger to his lips, signaling for Charlie, who was approaching, to be quiet. A flicker of something painful crossed his face before he smoothed it back into his signature mask of detachment.

A few minutes later, in Damien’s private study, Rex’s voice came through the speaker of his desk phone:

“What? You mean you’re actually letting him go? I don’t blame him for being cranky, Damien. If you know you don’t love him, just let him return to his life. There are plenty of other options out there that can meet your needs. If you keep holding him against his will, you’re just putting a target on his back.”

Damien’s expression darkened, but he remained silent, staring at the amber liquid in his glass. A sharp knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” he sighed, his patience already wearing thin.

Charlie entered, concern etched into his brow. “Damien, we need to talk about Aiden.”

“I don’t have time for a lecture, Charlie,” Damien cut him off.

“This is important. You need to let him go—truly let him go,” Charlie persisted, crossing the room.

“We’re leaving tonight at 7:00 PM. The flight is booked,” Damien replied, trying to end the conversation.

“That’s not what I mean. I’m worried about you. Are you sure you’re making the right decision? You’re acting like you don't care, but we both know that's a lie.”

“It’s none of your concern, Charlie,” Damien said firmly, his voice rising.

Charlie continued anyway, undeterred. “Damien, you saved him, but you can’t keep him as a trophy. He has a life, a mother, and a café back in Monaco. You're dragging him into a war he didn't start.”

“I said it’s none of your concern!” Damien roared, slamming his glass onto the desk. “We are leaving at 7:00 PM, and I need privacy. Get out!”

Charlie hesitated, seeing the raw turmoil in his brother's eyes. Realizing that Damien wasn’t ready to listen to reason, he turned and walked away, leaving Damien alone in the growing shadows of the room.