"Are you going to Milan?" Maya asked, mixing her drink.
Aria said yes, her look far off. "Damien wants me to head the pitch."
Maya got close. "That's big. But also... rough."
Aria let out a breath. "I'm not sure if I'm going up or down."
Maya gave a soft smile. "Maybe both. That's how you learn to fly."
---
The trip to Milan was fast and full. Aria stayed up late, working on her pitch, making her designs better, and saying every word over and over.
Damien was more quiet than usual. He checked her work with care but only said "Good" or just gave a nod.
But he looked at her for a long time. His quiet felt big. And when their hands met over some cloth, no one pulled back.
---
On the plane, Aria sat next to him in first class. The space was calm, the lights low.
"You're scared," he said.
"A bit."
"You shouldn't be."
She looked his way. "Why pick me?"
He looked out the window. "You see what others miss."
"Like you?"
He didn't reply.
---
In Milan, the hotel was grand. Damien had booked rooms next to each other, but it felt like a wall was there.
That night, she stood on her balcony, looking at the city lights. Damien came up next to her, not talking.
"You should sleep," he said.
"I can't."
He glanced at her. "You're scared of not doing well."
"I'm scared of letting you down."
He faced her. "You haven't."
Aria's throat felt tight. "Then why do you back off?"
Damien's face got stiff. "Because I don't know how to stay close."
She moved near him. "Try."
He really looked at her. Then walked away.
---
The pitch went perfect. Aria talked with sureness, fire, and clear words. The investors liked it. The deal was made.
Later, Damien pulled her aside.
"You did good."
"Thanks."
He paused. "You saved the merger."
She smiled. "We saved it."
He nodded. "We."
---
That night, there was a party. Aria wore a red dress—bold, fine, hers.
Julian was there.
"Miss Lane," he said, raising his glass. "To your smart mind."
Aria smiled just a bit. "Thanks."
Julian got close. "You know, Virex's offer is still here. Full lead."
Damien came over, his stare sharp. "She's not free."
Julian smiled with a sly look. "You don't own her."
Damien's voice was calm. "No. But I prize her. More than you do."
Aria broke in. "Stop."
Julian laughed. "Think on it, Aria. Free looks good on you."
---
Back at the hotel, Aria saw Damien on the balcony.
"You were right," she said. "The world hurts people."
He didn't turn. "But you still shine."
She came closer. "Julian's offer sounds good."
"I know."
"Yet, I don't want to be just a tool."
"You're not."
She paused. "Then what am I?"
He turned. "You're the one thing I can't lose."
She caught her breath.
"I'm lost here," he said. "But I want to learn."
Aria reached for his hand. "Start now."
He kept her eyes. Then, slowly, took her hand.
---
Next morning, Aria got a text from Julian.
"Offer ends in 48 hours. Full lead. No ties."
Her heart raced.
Damien was next door. Quiet. Waiting.
She stood at a choice point.