Chapter 8: The Enemy’s Embrace

Chapter 8 - The Enemy's Embrace –Damon– I smirked, satisfied with how thoroughly we cleared out that operation in Livana's mini mansion. That maid who stole her jewelry? She's in prison now. She's going to pay—big time. I also got my hands on the evidence Livana had on Carrie and Richard's little affair. Disgust doesn't even cover it. They did it on the couch, even in the guest room. Like animals. Somehow, Livana's room is the only one they didn't defile. "Great job," I said to my men. "Make sure every staff member knows what happened—the affair and the nurse's stealing." "Yes, sir." I wrapped my arms around Livana's waist, pressing my lips to her cheek. Her expression barely shifted. We'd just signed everything, including the contract she mentioned. She said she still had more conditions. The originals were written in Braille on special paper—no idea how to read them myself, but I had the translated copies in English. "Someone's impatient for the honeymoon," Kai teased. He wasn't wrong. I couldn't wait to have her all to myself. "Let's go to our bedroom after this," I whispered against her ear. She brushed me off like it was nothing. "You go ahead. I'm staying for the food." Kai burst out laughing and smacked Damien's back. They both laughed while I looked over to Laura, who was snapping photos of the event on her phone. I turned to the chef. "Make sure there's not a single fish bone in her plate." "Yes, sir." I led Livana to our table. It was well-lit, the menu impressive—sisig salmon, wagyu steak, scallops. I liked today's spread. I pulled her chair out and helped her get settled, laying a napkin gently over her lap. I bent down, kissing her exposed shoulder. Her perfect shoulder. She pushed my face away, but I couldn't help smirking. "I had everything documented," I said. "They set up a black light in the room they always used. Every corner was filthy." "Did they use my room too?" "Your room was clean. Still is. But when we get there..." I leaned in, kissing her earlobe, "we'll make our own mess." I sat beside her as Laura cut in with her usual flair. "Maybe your men should check my bedroom too," she said. "But hey, I only make messes in the bed." "Oh, jeez! You didn't need to say that!" Damien groaned. "What?" I said, grinning. "You never hooked up in Livana's house?" I watched Livana reach out for her utensils. I hadn't served her yet; I needed to check her salmon for bones first. I arranged her plate meticulously—scallops, lobster, sisig salmon. "Wait, my phone's ringing," Laura said. She picked it up and put it on speaker. "Hello, Dad?" "Turn on your camera!" "We're at a wedding!" she hissed. "What do you want?" "You left the country without telling me?" "Oh, please. Like you told us you were marrying Mom's sister." "Shut it, Laura! I'm sick of your attitude!" I sneered. She really was a firecracker. I placed my hand on Livana's lap and guided her hand to the plate I'd arranged. "Here's the lobster... now the shrimp... sisig salmon, smoked salmon," I whispered, moving her fork-holding hand to each portion like I was giving her a map. "And where's your sister?" "She's eating," Laura said, not missing a beat. "And she doesn't want to talk to you. You're the reason she doesn't speak anymore." "Why is her house locked up? And who are those men burning furniture?" "Oh, you didn't know?" Laura's tone turned razor sharp. "That's where they used to screw. The maids, the nurse—they were all stealing from Livana. Even the family heirloom's gone." Silence. "And they kicked her out, too." "Sister? I don't have another sister besides Livana. Who are you talking about?" Laura rolled her eyes theatrically. "Oh wait, you mean our cousin? Your niece? Oops—your stepdaughter." "I don't have time for this, Laura. Put your sister on the phone." "Liva?" "I have no business with him. He can make an appointment next week," Livana said coldly. I stared at her. Savage. "Sorry, Dad," Laura said sweetly. "Livana's not in the mood to ruin the night. We'll be in the Bali for a bit, alright? Byeeee." She hung up. I laughed. "Bali? That's what my men told them, too." "Dad gets more annoying by the day," Laura muttered, tossing her phone aside. "Cut the cake already! I need sugar to deal with this mess." "You'll get fat," Damien said casually. Kai laughed—and Laura wasted no time. She got behind Damien and locked her arm around his neck like she was ready to snap it. "Say that again, Damien, and you'll never see sunlight again." He tapped out. She let go. "Why not cut the cake yourself, Laura?" I offered, amused. "No. It's tradition," she said, smoothing her dress as she sat back down. "I'll wait." My steak arrived next. I cut it into tender pieces and offered the smallest one to Livana. "I don't eat beef." "Come on, babe. You need this." "She really doesn't eat much beef," Laura chimed in. "It's good for your skin," I teased. She sighed and opened her mouth. The way her lips wrapped around the fork—it was almost erotic. She chewed carefully, then shook her head. "This is the last time." I only smirked. That one bite was enough for now. I'd make sure she had all the strength she needed for our honeymoon. I had plans—and they included making sure she carried our children soon. After dinner, I led her to the cake. It wasn't anything extravagant, just two tiers with delicate edible pearls. Standing behind her, I wrapped my arm around her waist and guided her hand to the knife. As we prepared to cut the cake together, I leaned in, nuzzling into her neck. God, she smelled like heaven... and a hint of seafood. Somehow, it worked. — –Carrie– Ugh. I've never been so humiliated in my life. Of course it was Livana. But come on, she couldn't have pulled this off by herself. Those creepy men? Obviously Blackwell thugs. I saw her with Damon Blackwell. Like—seriously? I thought they hated each other. But then again, Laura had that thing with Damien, didn't she? I smirked. Maybe Livana's planning to ruin us all by hooking up with that arrogant bastard just to spite the family. So typical of her. "Did she run off with Damon Blackwell?" I asked Dad, like it was nothing—but I knew it would make him lose it. "What?" His eyes narrowed. "I saw her at the party—with Damon Blackwell," I said sweetly, flashing Dad my best innocent look, while sneaking a glance at Richard. Ugh. He just shook his head like some wounded saint, trying so hard to look innocent. Pathetic. We both knew the truth—and he was trying to hide it. We were this close to finishing what we started in that VIP room he swore he booked just for us. I almost rolled my eyes. If he wasn't so damn good in bed, I would've dropped him weeks ago. But no—he had to be engaged to Livana. That's the only reason I'm even still with him. Being with Richard makes me feel powerful. Like I'm stealing something precious from her right under everyone's nose. He's not as innocent as he looks. And neither am I. "Carrie, are you telling the truth?" Dad asked, all stern. I nodded innocently. Our grandparents didn't look thrilled, but whatever. Dad grabbed his phone and barked at his men to find Damon. "Were you at the party too, Richard? You were supposed to be with her, right?" Grandma Olivia stood like she was about to scold a toddler. "Yes, I was. But Laura took her off somewhere," Richard replied. Well, at least that part wasn't a lie. "Still, she's your responsibility!" she snapped. Classic. "I'm sorry, Grandma," he mumbled like a puppy. "Grandma, it's not Richard's fault," I stepped in like the hero. "He tried to protect Livana, but Damon is just... vicious." I sighed dramatically, rubbing my temple. "Livana just sit there and let him beat Richard up." "For what reason?" Grandpa Reagan asked, skeptical as always. "From what I know of Damon, he doesn't strike unless provoked." Then he gave Richard that look. "Also, Livana is blind." "We all know Damon's been obsessed with Livana since high school," Mom cut in, always ready to play the victim card. "He bullied her constantly." "We need to find Livana now," she added, like some dramatic soap opera lead. "The wedding can't be delayed again." Grandma Olivia gave her a sharp look. "What's the rush with the wedding, dear?" Mom didn't even flinch. "We've already delayed it for years. And now that Livana's blind, she needs someone to take care of her." "Laura can do that," Olivia snapped back. "Isn't she already doing just fine?" "She's partying, Mom," my mom scoffed, crossing her arms. "Casey." Dad cut in, all authoritative. "I think Laura's doing a fine job, but Livana's safety is the priority." I nearly laughed. Now they care about her safety? Three years ago, when she lost her sight from that pepper spray incident, the whole family practically lost their minds. But here's the thing—Livana's not some helpless little girl. She's ruthless when she wants to be. Everyone in the business world knows she's sharp enough to close deals and keep her hands clean. She can even pull strings in the underworld without blinking. Honestly? If she's teamed up with Damon Blackwell... it could be the end of us. But no. Livana wouldn't really betray her family. Right? Right?? The room fell quiet when Grandpa Edward stood up, looking smug as ever with his phone in hand. "Oh, no need to panic!" he chuckled. "Laura just sent me a photo. She and Livana are at a spa. Apparently, there's some miracle massage that might help restore her vision." He turned to Dad—er, Gregory—"They'll be back next Monday. No need for your men. The wedding's still on track. Livana just needed a little R&R, she's been stuck in that house forever." I forced a smile. They better get back in time. This wedding has to happen.