Chapter 206
AUTHOR’S POV.
Alina blinked, caught off guard. “A point?”
“Yes.” There was a slight chuckle in his tone. “Event planning could be the perfect extension to your brand. Think about it, when you plan an event, your clients won’t just hire you for the occasion. They’ll also want to wear something from your collection. You’d be creating the atmosphere and the look. It’s smart business, Doll.”
Alina let out a small groan, though her lips curved in reluctant amusement. “Hmm… it’s a nice idea, but babe, it’s stressful. Do you know how long it took me to pull off your surprise party? I had to hide everything from you for weeks. That nearly drove me crazy.”
His laugh rumbled low, genuine. “You did fine. Better than fine. But at least think about it. Honestly, I’d love for you to plan Mrs. Gracia’s event. I’ve been working with Mr. Gracia, he’s a good man. Consider it a favor for me too.”
Alina softened at that, her tone lighter. “I already planned on doing it. I know what kind of exposure it would bring, especially with Mrs. Gracia’s influence. It’s too good to pass up.”
“That’s my girl,” Lucian murmured, warmth threading his words. “So, are you heading back to the store now?”
“Yes,” Alina replied, stretching her legs out. “But I’m stopping briefly for coffee. It’s been a long day, and I need the caffeine.”
“That’s fine. I’ll see you at home,” he said gently. “Enjoy your coffee, Doll. Have a good day.”
“You too.” She whispered before the line clicked off.
Sliding her phone into her purse, Alina leaned forward. “Jordan, park at the coffee shop a couple blocks from the store. I’ll just be a minute.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jordan replied, steering smoothly before pulling over.
Alina unbuckled her seatbelt, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Wait for me here. I’ll be in and
out.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jordan affirmed.
Pushing open the glass door of the café, Alina was halfway to the counter when she collided with something solid. No, someone solid. Her palms pressed against a broad chest, and she staggered back a step.
A low, familiar voice, tinged with amusement, spoke above her. “We really need to stop meeting like this.“.
Alina’s eyes snapped upward.
Damien.
corps Damien. Fancy meeting you here.”
“Yes,” he replied smoothly, glancing at the paper cup in his hand. “I heard the coffee around here is the best, so I came to get some” He tilted the cup slightly; revealing the mess where the liquid had spilled over his fingers
Alina’s brows furrowed with regret “Oh. Im so sorry: Let me get you another coffee”
Damien’s mouth quirked in a half–smile, his voice low: “Okay”
They walked back toward the counter side by side, the quiet space between them charged in a way Alina tried not to notice. She ordered her usual, then turned slightly, looking up at him. “What do you want?”
He
gave his order, calm and steady, and she relayed it to the barista before stepping aside with him to wait.
As the humm of the cafe filled the silence, Alina found her gaze drifting toward him more than once. Each time her eyes caught the line of his jaw or the intensity in his eyes, that inexplicable pull stirred inside her again. strange, magnetic, unsettling yet familiar. She exhaled softly, then turned to face him.
“Have we met before?” She asked suddenly, her tone carrying a note of curiosity.
Damien’s head angled slightly, brows lifting “Excuse me?”
“I mean…” she hesitated, then pressed on. “have we met before? Like before we met at Laucian’s office. I keep getting this feeling that I’ve seen you somewhere. You seem really, really familiar
He studied her with unreadable eyes, then answered evenly. “I do”
“Yes,” she insisted lightly, frustration flickering in her expression. “But I can’t quite place it. I’m not good with remembering a lot of things, but I know I’ve seen you somewhere”
Damien shrugged, casual, almost dismissive. “Maybe in the news. Or in the papers
“Maybe.” Alina murmured, though doubt lingered in her eyes.
Their orders arrived, and as she reached for her cup, Damien’s gaze lingered on her. “You have something in your hair.” He said softly.
Before she could react, his hand lifted toward her, fingers poised to brush it away. Just as he leaned closer, a sharp throat–clearing cut through the air.
Alina turned, and groaned aloud, not even attempting to hide her irritation. “Why are you here, Seraphina?”
Seraphina stood a few steps away, arms folded, lips curved in a mocking smile. “It’s a coffee shop. You don’t own it.” Her eyes slid pointedly between Alina and Damien. “Does your fiancé know that you’re getting all cozy with another man?”
Alina’s jaw tightened. “Don’t start shit, Seraphina. Don’t. Not today” She grabbed her coffee from the counter, her tone clipped but steady. Turning to Damien, she forced a small smile. “It was nice running into you again. Sorry about your coffee. See you around.”
Chapter 206
55 VOUCHIOTS
Without waiting for a response, she walked briskly out of the café, her heels clicking against the floor until the door swung shut behind her.
Left behind, Damien’s jaw clenched, his fists curling tightly at his sides, annoyance flashing in his eyes. He turned a sharp glare on Seraphina.
Seraphina arched a brow, then glanced at the door where Alina had disappeared before returning her gaze to him. “You like her, don’t you? I can help you get her.”
Damien’s eyes hardened, his expression twisting into one of pure disgust. He looked at her as though the very suggestion was revolting, then pivoted on his heel and strode away without a word.
Seraphina watched him go, scoffing under her breath. “What’s his problem?”

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