Eternal Echoes

Chapter One Hundred- Fourteen: The Morning After

3rd Person POV

The next day, Michaella woke up with a heavy heart. Yesterday's events swirled in her mind—Damien unexpectedly coming over, the awkward tension between them, and Elijah's interruption. She rolled over in bed, clutching her pillow, trying to shake off the lingering unease.

He was charming, kind, and had made her laugh more than she had in a long time. But he wasn't Gabrielle—and that scared her. Getting close to someone new felt like opening a door she wasn't sure she wanted to walk through. The wounds from Gabrielle still hadn't healed.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She grabbed it, seeing a message from Elijah.

Hey, how are you feeling after yesterday? Want to grab coffee?

She smiled softly at the text. Elijah always had a way of knowing when she needed a distraction, but right now, she wasn't in the mood for company. She typed back, Thanks, but I need some time alone today. Let's catch up later?

After sending the message, Michaella rolled out of bed and stretched, trying to shake off the emotional weight. She had work to do—her book script needed editing, and she had a deadline to meet. As she sipped on her coffee, she opened her laptop, over looking the rain outside, attempting to focus.

But her thoughts kept drifting back to Damien. He had been nothing but sweet and patient since they met, but she wasn't sure if she could let him in. Her heart still belonged to Gabrielle in ways she couldn't quite explain, even though he had moved on.

She stared at her phone, scrolling through messages, finding herself looking at the last text Gabrielle had sent her a few days ago—a simple "Hope you're doing well." It had been a lifeline at the time, but now it felt like a distant memory.

As if on cue, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Damien.

Morning, beautiful.

Michaella sighed, her fingers lingering over the keyboard. Part of her wanted to drop everything and tell him to come over, specially after her dream. But she wasn't ready.

Morning, Damien, she typed. How are you?

His reply came quickly. I'm good, a little busy today. Thinking about you.

That was the thing—Damien was always upfront. He cares and makes her feel wanted. Despite how strong and powerful he is, he was delicate with her.

Before Michaella could reply, another message popped up, this time from Valerie.

Hey sis, you've been quiet. Everything okay?

Michaella sighed and called her sister instead of texting back. Valerie answered on the second ring.

"Hey you," Valerie greeted her, a hint of concern in her voice. "What's going on?"

"I don't know," Michaella started, pacing her kitchen. "It's Damien. He's great, but I don't know if I'm ready for anything serious."

"Ah," Valerie said knowingly. "So, it's about him and not about Gabrielle, right?"

Michaella's silence spoke volumes.

"Or maybe it's a little bit about both?" Valerie added softly.

Michaella sank into a chair, running a hand through her hair. "It's just... I still think about Gabrielle. What if I'm not over him? What if I get attached to Damien and it all falls apart again?"

Valerie sighed on the other end of the line. "Michaella, I get it. You're scared of getting hurt again, especially after everything with Gabrielle. But Damien isn't him. He's not going to disappear the way Gabrielle did. He's showing up. The question is, do you want to let him in?"

"I don't know," Michaella whispered, her voice shaky. "I don't want to make the same mistakes. What if I'm just not ready?"

Valerie's tone softened. "You don't have to be ready for anything right now. It's okay to take your time and figure out what you want. But don't push Damien away just because you're afraid of what might happen. You deserve to be happy, Michaella."

Michaella nodded, even though her sister couldn't see it. "I guess I just need more time to sort through all of this."

"Then take the time," Valerie said gently. "But don't shut him out completely. He's not Gabrielle, and this might be something worth exploring."

After hanging up, Michaella sat in silence for a while, sipping her coffee and staring out the window. Valerie was right—Damien wasn't Gabrielle. But opening her heart to someone again felt like a risk she wasn't sure she could handle.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Michaella tried to focus on her script, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Damien. She knew she had to face her fears, but the idea of getting hurt again paralyzed her.

By late afternoon, Michaella decided she needed fresh air. She grabbed her coat and headed out for a walk, the cool breeze clearing her mind. She wandered aimlessly, her feet carrying her to the small park where she and Gabrielle used to meet.

Sitting on a bench, she let herself reminisce for a moment. The memories of her and Gabrielle—both beautiful and painful—washed over her. She missed him. A part of her always would. But she also knew that he wasn't coming back, and it was time to stop holding onto the past.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Michaella pulled out her phone. She hesitated for a moment before sending a message to Damien.

Hey. Can we meet up? I think we need to talk.

His reply was instant. Of course.

Michaella stared at the screen, feeling a knot of anxiety form in her stomach. But she knew she had to face this, even if it terrified her.

Tomorrow, 2 pm?

I'll send you my driver, Damien replied.

Michaella put her phone away, the weight of the conversation that lay ahead settling on her. She wasn't sure what she was going to say, but she knew one thing for certain—she couldn't let fear dictate her life anymore. It was time to take a chance, even if it meant getting hurt again.

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What do you guys think, is she going to give Damien a chance?