Page 29 of My Ruthless Husband

“Then why were you running after me?” He asks softly.

“Because I think about you all the time. I-I… I just can’t stop. I can’t get you out of my mind,” I confess ruefully. “And when I saw you today… I couldn’t stop myself from running after you.”

All my life I was barely acknowledged, barely heard apart from the role I play of Christopher Gibson’s daughter and heiress. Even in a room full of people, I’ve always felt alone. Boys approach me for my dad’s money. Girls love the limelight they get from me. No one has ever done anything for me without an ulterior motive.

But with Damian, it’s different. That night, he chose to hang out with me without an ulterior motive. In the two encounters we shared till now, he made me feel seen. Heard. It feels like he can really see me. The real me. Without the big name and the big bank account.

When his eyes lock onto me, it’s more than just a glance. It’s like he’s peeling away the labels and expectations, acknowledging the ordinary beneath the extraordinary.

In his presence, I’m not a symbol of success or privilege; I’m just a girl—no special treatment. He treats me as if I’m any other person, and it’s in those moments that I feel truly seen and valued. There’s a comfort in being regarded for the person I am, unburdened by the weight of my name and status. It’s refreshing and I want more of that.

Years weren’t enough to forget him. I don’t want to waste another couple of years in torment. I know he is not interested but if I’m persistent, maybe I can change his mind.

In a silent battle of wills, I blurt the question, “Are you married?”

His mouth pulls in a tense line. “That’s none of your business, angel.”

My heart does a silly little back flip at the endearment. It gives me hope. “So that’s a no.”

He stares at me for so long that I get awkward again. “W-what’s your last name?”

“Why?”

“I want your full name so I can stalk you.”

He raises his eyebrows.

“I spent two years looking for you to no avail.” I look over my shoulder, expecting Derek to show up any moment. “I don’t have much time. Please can you…”

“Montgomery. Damian Montgomery.”

I didn’t expect him to give it to me so easily so I stare at him for a beat in shock. Then I remember hearing his surname tossed around in the business affairs and fundraisers I attended with Dad recently.

“Now I want you to go back down.” He glances at his watch again. “I’m running late for a seminar. I’m the speaker, so I have to cut this short—”

“Can I get your number please?”

Those dark eyes rake over my face like he is having difficulty figuring me out. Just then the elevators door open and Derek and two other guards step out. I wring my hands. “Maybe we can be friends?”

When he says nothing, I speak quietly, “I won’t pester you, I promise.” I lick my lips. “I don’t really have friends. You’re the first person to…” See me. who heard me. Who made me feel something.

“Ms. Gibson,” Derek is few feet away and I bite my quivering lip. I lost my only chance with Damian.

I threw myself at him and he rejected me. Shoulders slumped; I begin to face Derek when I feel something slip into my hand. I look down and see a black visiting card. My eyes fly up to Damian.

“Be good,” he murmurs and leaves me there stunned and so happy that tears well up my eyes. I hug the card to my chest and whisper. “I will.”

Chapter Nine

Present

Iopen my eyes at the sunlit room, my heart still beating fast like it did when I hugged his card to my chest that day.

I remain perfectly still when I feel Damian moving in his sleep. He is an early riser so I wasn’t expecting him to still be in bed. We got in bed in wee hours. So it’s understandable.

A second later, his heavy arm drops over my waist, pulling me snugly against his warm body. My eyes burn.

I had dreamed of this years ago. Of sleeping next to him and waking up with his scent and arms surrounding me. I’m living it now. I’m living my fantasies of being next to the love of my life. Only now, it’s pure misery.

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