Chapter 3 Shattered illusions

Layla's pov

I gazed at my image in the mirror, fixing the crimson red dress that Damian had picked out for me. The material embraced my figure flawlessly, highlighting my curves with a sweetheart neckline and a slit ascending one side. It was stunning, graceful, and unmistakably daring-entirely beyond my comfort zone. But tonight wasn't about me; it was about Damian.

I took a deep breath and grabbed the matching clutch resting on the dresser. I felt tense, and my hands trembled a bit. As I left my room and went down the majestic staircase, I saw Damian awaiting me at the bottom.

He stood upright, his tailored black suit fitting him flawlessly, resembling a second skin. The dark crimson tie he had on complimented my dress, and the faint grin on his face made it hard to look elsewhere. Damian was attractive every day, but this evening, he appeared to be a man who possessed the universe-and likely did.

When I hit the final step, his gaze moved over my body, pausing just enough to cause a blush on my cheeks. "You clean up nicely," he said, his deep voice conveying a touch of admiration.

I clutched the railing for support, his gaze making me feel both flattered and uneasy. "You don't look too bad yourself," I managed, my voice soft.

His smirk widened. "That dress suits you. Remind me to pick your outfits more often."

I wanted to reply but quickly closed my mouth, uncertain about how to reply. Compliments from Damian are hard to come by and I couldn't tell if this was sincere or just a part of his deliberate charm.

The drive to the dinner was largely quiet. Damian concentrated on his phone, browsing through texts and responding with brief, terse replies. I gazed out the window, attempting to soothe my anxiety. My stomach twisting, the burden of the night weighing heavily on me.

Upon our arrival, I got out of the car and leaned my head back to admire the enormous structure in front of us. It was entirely made of glass and steel, rising into the night sky. Warm lights illuminated the entrance, where a red carpet led inside. Luxury cars lined the driveway, and a valet opened the door for us as Damian offered me his arm.

"Don't look so nervous," he said under his breath, leaning closer. "You're with me. That's all they need to know."

Inside, the ambiance was filled with excitement. The magnificent ballroom featured crystal chandeliers, golden details, and tables decorated with elaborate centerpieces. At the front of the room, a large screen showed prominent, white text: Welcome Back, Damian Blackwood.

The moment we entered, everyone's gaze shifted towards us. The room became quiet for a brief instant before bursting into applause. Individuals gathered, applauding and chatting quietly with one another. My heart raced as I looked around, I felt like I was out of place. Damian, conversely, strolled with ease and assurance, a subtle grin on his face as if he had anticipated this outcome all along.

"Smile," he murmured, his tone soft yet commanding. "You're my wife now. Act like it."

I managed a slight smile and squeezed his arm tighter as we headed to our seats at the head table. The applause finally faded, and the event commenced.

Damian was in his element. He greeted people with charm and authority, effortlessly shifting between casual conversation and business talk. I mostly stayed quiet, nodding politely whenever someone acknowledged me.

At one point, an older man approached our table, his hair silver but his posture still commanding. He extended a hand toward Damian, who stood to greet him.

"Blackwood," the man said, his voice filled with admiration. "It's nice to have you back." "I've been tracking your progress-it's remarkable, to put it mildly."

"Thanks, Mr. Hartford," Damian said smoothly, shaking his hand. "It's nice to be back."

The man's eyes flickered momentarily towards me, featuring a courteous smile. "And this must be your wife. You've outdone yourself, Damian."

"Layla," Damian introduced, his tone calm but distant. "My wife."

I murmured a polite greeting, but the man quickly turned his attention back to Damian.

"You've come a long way," Hartford continued. "Bouncing back after what Monroe did to you must've been tough."

I froze, my smile faltering as a cold wave of confusion washed over me. Monroe-my father. What had he done to Damian?

Damian's demeanor remained unchanged, but his voice carried a subtle sharpness when he responded. "Tough, yes. But nothing I couldn't handle."

They changed the subject to other matters, but I couldn't concentrate. The phrases echoed in my thoughts repeatedly. What did Hartford mean?

The rest of the evening went by in a haze. Damian kept socializing, effortlessly captivating everyone he engaged with.

I stuck to his side, pretending to enjoy myself while my thoughts spiraled. Once we got back to the penthouse, I was unable to contain my questions any further.

The moment we entered the room, I turned to look at him. P"What did that man mean tonight?"

Damian didn't try to pretend that he didn't understand. He unfastened his tie and headed to the living room, serving himself a glass of whiskey from the bar.

"Be precise, Layla," he stated, his voice steady yet dismissive.

"Don't play games with me, Damian," I snapped, following him. "Hartford said my father did something to you. What was he talking about?"

Damian turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "Drop it, Layla. It's none of your concern."

"It is my concern," I insisted, my voice rising. "I have the right to learn the truth."

His gaze deepened, and he moved nearer, his aura dominating. "Deserve?" he echoed, his tone menacingly deep. "You think you deserve answers?"

"Yes," I responded, my voice shaking yet resolute. "I have the right to know."

He let out a harsh laugh, moving his head from side to side. "You have no rights in this, Layla." You're a pawn, nothing more. A piece on the board that I'll move as I see fit."

His words pierced deeply, rendering me voiceless. Tears welled in my eyes, yet I wouldn't allow them to fall.

Damian's eyes softened a bit, yet his voice stayed icy. "This world isn't as you perceive it. "You want answers? Fine. Earn them. "Prove that you're beyond mere responsibility."

I looked at him, feeling a mix of anger and embarrassment rising within me. His words struck me like a blow, leaving me astonished. For an instant, I was unable to breathe, unable to talk. Damian's eyes remained on me, his face resolute, before he turned and walked off, leaving me there with tears stinging my eyes.