Chapter 2 The President's Gaze

The days flew by, and soon enough, the small local wedding ceremony in the village was behind them. Despite its simplicity, it was filled with love and tradition, with the whole town coming together to witness the union of Damian and Diana. As the celebrations wound down, Damian couldn't shake off the thought that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't predict.

After the week spent at his grandfather's home, he and Diana packed their things and made the long journey back to the city. Damian was eager to introduce his new wife to his world-one of luxury, power, and public attention. Though he had promised Diana a more grand wedding in the city, he kept the plans simple for the time being. He knew that once they were settled in the city, he would shower her with everything she could ever want.

They arrived in the city just as the evening sky was painted with a hue of pinks and purples. Damian had already made all the arrangements for their new life together. He had hired stylists, makeup artists, and even a catwalk coach, knowing that Diana would need to adapt to the fast-paced, high-society life. The simple country girl who had been his bride just days ago was now going to be the wife of a powerful businessman-a CEO who inherited two large companies. The transformation had to be perfect.

Diana, though a little nervous, was eager to step into this new chapter of her life. The city felt like an entirely different world. The streets were bustling with people, the air was filled with the sounds of honking horns, and the flashing lights of billboards illuminated the skyline. She felt small in the midst of it all, but Damian reassured her that everything would be okay.

They moved into a large apartment in one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods. It was a far cry from the humble cottage she had grown up in, and the sight of the towering glass buildings, the polished marble floors, and the stunning view of the skyline from their balcony left her in awe.

Over the next few days, Diana underwent a transformation. Stylists worked their magic, giving her a look that could turn heads at any event. Her hair was styled in the latest trends, her wardrobe was updated with luxurious pieces, and she was taught the art of walking gracefully in high heels by a seasoned catwalk teacher. Damian insisted on making sure Diana was ready for the public spotlight. He wanted her to shine, not just as his wife, but as a symbol of his success.

The wedding day was fast approaching. Damian had already planned for a grand affair, inviting all the right people-ministers, business tycoons, celebrities, and even HON. President of the Republic. He was determined that this event would be talked about for years to come. For him, it wasn't just about the union with Diana; it was a statement, a moment of pride. He wanted the world to know just how lucky he was to have a wife as beautiful and pure as Diana.

On the day of the wedding, everything was set. The venue was grand, decorated with opulent flowers and chandeliers, and the stage was set for a night of celebration. Guests from every corner of society gathered, many of them in awe of Diana's beauty. She looked every bit the part of a model, her delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the lights.

As the wedding ceremony went on, Damian couldn't help but feel proud. He looked over at Diana, his heart swelling with affection and desire. His friends, colleagues, and even the president couldn't stop talking about her beauty. Damian's chest puffed out with pride as the comments flowed in. But little did he know, the admiration from the president was something that would turn into an obsession.

The moment finally arrived when the president, a man who had known Damian's late father and was a respected figure in the country, stood up to speak. Damian was surrounded by a crowd of well-wishers, all eyes on the stage as the president made his way toward the couple.

The President, a tall, dignified man in his late fifties, walked towards Damian with a warm smile. He clapped him on the back. "Congratulations, my friend," he said in a deep voice, a hint of pride in his tone. "I must say, you've truly outdone yourself. Diana is... breathtaking. You've got yourself a gem, Damian."

Damian beamed, his chest swelling with pride. "Thank you, Mr. President. I'm the lucky one."

But as the president spoke to Damian, he couldn't help but keep glancing at Diana, his eyes lingering on her with an intensity that didn't go unnoticed. Damian, too caught up in the moment to pay attention to anything other than the praise for his new wife, didn't see the subtle change in the president's demeanor.

When the speeches concluded, the president grabbed the microphone again, to everyone's surprise. "Damian," he said, his voice full of warmth. "Don't worry about your honeymoon. I'll personally cover the expenses. Italy, for a month. Consider it my gift to you both."

The crowd cheered, clapping as the president handed the microphone back to the MC. But as the applause died down, something unusual happened. The president turned to Diana, a quiet smile on his lips. He stepped closer to her, holding her gaze for a moment longer than what was appropriate. He placed his arms around her in an extended hug.

Diana, taken aback by the sudden closeness, felt a twinge of discomfort. She didn't know what to make of the president's lingering embrace. She had never been in such close proximity to someone of such power, and while part of her felt flattered by his attention, another part of her felt uneasy.

The president's voice dropped to a whisper. "Diana, you are even more beautiful up close. I'm sure Damian is a lucky man, but I can't help but feel... you're too stunning to belong to him."

Diana stiffened slightly at the president's words, his breath warm against her ear. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. What was he saying? This was the president of the country, after all-an influential man who could have anyone he wanted. But why was he so focused on her?

The president continued, his tone smooth and coaxing. "Damian doesn't deserve a woman like you. You deserve more, Diana. You deserve someone like me. I promise, you'll be treated like the queen you are."

Diana stood frozen, her heart racing in confusion. Was this really happening? The president of her country, holding her in such a way, whispering these words in her ear? She didn't know how to react. She glanced at Damian, but he was caught up in conversation with a group of ministers, unaware of what was transpiring behind him.

The president pulled back, a wicked smile crossing his face as he gazed at Diana one last time. "I'll make sure you're well taken care of, Diana. Don't worry."

As the president moved away, Diana was left standing there, her heart still racing. She tried to shake off the unease creeping up her spine, but something inside her told her that this was far from over. Something had changed that night-and she wasn't sure if it was for the better.

Damian, completely oblivious to the conversation that had just taken place, was smiling as he greeted other guests. He had no idea that his new wife had just become the object of a powerful man's desire-something that would soon throw their lives into turmoil. The president, with all his charm and influence, had already begun to weave a dangerous web, and Diana was at the center of it.

And just like that, Damian's pride in his new wife would soon become his downfall.