The morning sunlight filtered through the towering windows of Lu Group's headquarters, casting golden rays over the sleek, glass desk where Damien sat, deep in discussion.
His tailored navy suit fit like armor, and the gleam in his eyes was sharper than any blade.
Across the table sat a prestigious client—Mr. Chen Jiyuan, a well-known property mogul and investor, who had recently partnered with Damien's Aurora Grand Hotels for a high-end luxury resort in Sanya.
"I've reviewed the plans. The integration of eco-design is bold," Mr. Chen said, sipping his tea. "You're not just expanding. You're rewriting the hospitality game."
Damien offered a calm nod. "Sustainability isn't the future. It's now."
They went over projections, architectural blueprints, and upcoming marketing events—but then, with a chuckle, the older man leaned back.
"I've always admired how you conduct business, Damien. So focused, so… discreet. But tell me—" Mr. Chen tapped the table with a smile, "—when are you going to conduct your marriage in one of your own hotels?"
Damien blinked, the question catching him slightly off guard.
"Or at least an engagement? The media loves you both. That woman of yours, Miss Xu, she's—how do I say it—magnetic."
A faint smirk touched Damien's lips.
"We're… discussing it. The engagement will happen soon."
His voice was steady, certain.
But even as the words left his mouth, his mind shifted.
Liyana.
He hadn't exactly asked her. Not directly. Not in words she couldn't sidestep with teasing smirks and dry wit.
As the meeting concluded, Damien didn't return to his chair right away. He walked to the window, phone in hand.
And then he sent a message.
Damien: "Lunch today. I need to see you. Let's talk about something serious… and maybe a little selfish."
The Celeste Lounge wasn't just for clients. On the top floor of the Celeste building, it was a private space Liyana had created—part fashion haven, part power center.
She was already seated by the window when Damien arrived.
Her black silk blouse contrasted her pearl earrings, her aura effortlessly composed. As he approached, she glanced up and arched a brow.
"You look like you're about to fire someone."
"Worse," Damien murmured, pulling out the chair beside her. "I'm about to be honest."
She tilted her head, amused. "That is rare."
Damien leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "I had a meeting with Chen Jiyuan this morning. He asked if we were getting engaged."
Liyana paused, her expression unreadable. "And what did you say?"
"I said… soon." His gaze locked onto hers. "But I want to know if you're ready. Or if I'm just rushing into something you're still figuring out."
Her fingers brushed the rim of her water glass. "That depends."
"On what?"
"On whether you'll propose like a businessman," she said quietly, "or as the man I once begged to look at me."
The air between them tightened—but it wasn't tension. It was something older. Something simmering.
Damien's answer was cut off by a voice—warm, casual, but carrying a weight of familiarity.
"Liyana?"
They both turned.
A tall figure approached, dressed in a light cashmere coat and designer sunglasses, even indoors. His stride was confident, charismatic.
Liyana blinked in pleasant surprise. "Aiden?"
Damien's gaze narrowed—subtly.
Aiden Zheng, the nation's heartthrob and international superstar. Actor. Model. Philanthropist. Just a few years younger than Damien. Born with the same privilege, but twice the media attention.
Aiden removed his sunglasses, revealing the kind of smile that made cameras fall in love.
"I thought it was you. You haven't changed," he said, reaching down to hug her briefly. "Still breathtaking."
Liyana laughed softly, standing up. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm meeting with your Celeste team. I just got confirmed as the face of your winter campaign, remember?"
Damien's jaw ticked. No, he hadn't remembered.
Aiden turned to him. "Ah, you must be Damien Lu. I've seen you across far too many headlines."
"And yet we've never crossed paths," Damien said, rising from his seat. "Surprising."
The handshake between them was firm.
And a little too long.
"I hope the partnership between your companies turns into something great," Aiden said. "Of course, I'm mostly here for Liyana. We go way back."
Damien's eyes flicked to Liyana, then back to Aiden.
"I'm sure you do."
The silence that followed was polite—but sharp enough to cut glass.
As Aiden stepped away, flashing a grin and promising to catch up again, Damien turned to Liyana.
"How far back do you two go?"
Liyana smirked. "Relax, Gege. He was a flirt back in college. Nothing serious."
"He still looks like a flirt," Damien muttered.
She leaned closer, her tone teasing. "Are you jealous?"
"Possessive," he corrected. "You already know that."
She chuckled, brushing her hand over his. "Then prove it."
He arched a brow. "By what?"
"By asking me the right way."
Damien's voice dropped to a murmur. "Then have lunch with me again tomorrow."
"I meant the right right way."
His smirk returned.
"Careful, Xu Liyana. I might just propose right here, next to your new ambassador."
She rolled her eyes.
But her heart? It was starting to prepare itself—for something real.