The morning light entered through the tall windows of the mansion, but it did little to reduce the heavy atmosphere that had settled over Alina since the scandal broke.
She felt small, exposed, and far too fragile for the world she had been thrust into.
Sensing her distress, Damian didn't hesitate. He reached out and wrapped his large, warm hand firmly around Alina's waist, pulling her flush against his body. A small, confident smirk perched on his face as he looked down at her.
"You look pale, Alina. Don't tell me you're actually affected by that sudden scandal post," he asked softly.
His other hand rose, his fingers gently brushing the stray fringes of her hair away from her face, his touch a stark contrast to the sharp headlines currently tearing through the internet.
Alina didn't pull away. Instead, she nodded her head sheepishly and leaned into him, resting her forehead against his chest. She felt the steady, rhythmic thrum of his heart.
