Damian couldn't help but notice the way Isla moved through the house—graceful, thoughtful, and quietly radiant. Every time she smiled, something inside him stirred. He found himself looking for excuses to be near her, to hear her voice, to make her laugh.
That morning, Isla was humming softly as she arranged the kitchen. Damian leaned against the doorway, watching her with a gentle smile.
"You always hum when you're focused," he said.
Isla turned, a little startled. "Oh, I didn't realize. Sorry if it's annoying."
"No," he said quickly. "It's... beautiful."
She blushed slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Damian felt his heart skip.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Damian walked over and opened it to reveal a tall, confident woman with striking green eyes and a cascade of auburn curls. She wore a sleek travel coat and carried a designer bag.
"Damian!" she exclaimed, stepping in and giving him a quick hug. "You didn't tell me you had company."
Isla peeked from the kitchen, unsure.
"Oh," Damian said, clearing his throat. "Isla, this is my childhood friend—Seraphina Vale. She just got back from Paris."
Seraphina turned to Isla with a dazzling smile. "Well, aren't you lovely. And who might you be?"
"I'm Isla Sunray," she said politely.
"Sunray," Seraphina repeated, her tone playful. "How poetic."
As the day unfolded, Seraphina made herself at home, chatting animatedly with Damian and occasionally throwing Isla curious glances. Damian, meanwhile, found himself distracted—his thoughts drifting constantly to Isla. Her quiet strength, her kindness, her mystery.
Later that evening, as Seraphina stepped out to take a call, Damian joined Isla in the garden.
"She's... energetic," Isla said with a small laugh.
Damian chuckled. "She's always been like that. But honestly, I prefer calm."
Isla looked at him. "Like this?"
"Exactly like this," he said, his voice softer now. "Isla, I don't know what it is, but... I feel something when I'm around you."
Isla's breath caught. "Damian..."
Before she could respond, Seraphina's voice rang out from the hallway. "Damian, darling, I need your help with something!"
He sighed and stood. "We'll talk later," he said, giving Isla a lingering look.
As he walked away, Isla sat quietly, her heart fluttering with uncertainty. Something was changing—and she wasn't sure if it was for better or worse.