Eternal Echoes

Chapter One Hundred- Sixteen: Unwritten Desires (Part 3)

3rd Person POV

The city lights flickered by as Damien drove, the hum of the car engine creating a comfortable silence between them. Michaella stole a glance at him, noting the way his hands gripped the steering wheel with ease, how the city lights reflected off his sharp features. There was something magnetic about Damien, something that made her feel both exhilarated and uncertain all at once.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked, her voice breaking the quiet.

Damien glanced over at her, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It's a surprise."

Michaella raised an eyebrow, but didn't press further. She could feel the anticipation building as they drove through the heart of the city, past familiar landmarks and into a part of town she rarely ventured.

Eventually, they pulled up to a building with soft, ambient lighting spilling from its windows. It was elegant and understated, much like Damien himself. As he helped her out of the car, Michaella caught the scent of jasmine in the air, mingling with the cool breeze of the night.

Damien led her inside, his hand resting gently on the small of her back. The interior of the restaurant was even more stunning—intimate and refined, with a cozy, warm ambiance. The low hum of conversation filled the room, but it was soft enough to feel like they were in their own little world.

"This place is beautiful," Michaella said, her voice almost a whisper.

Damien's smile was confident as he led her to a private corner, the table set for two under the soft glow of candlelight. "Only the best for you."

They sat down, and for a moment, Michaella felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders. It had been so long since she'd done something like this—allowed herself to simply be present with someone. Damien seemed to sense that too, his eyes softening as they met hers across the table.

"I'm glad we came tonight," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I've been wanting to spend time with you outside of all the... chaos."

Michaella's heart fluttered at his words, though a part of her still held back, cautious. "It's been a while since I've done something like this," she admitted, tracing the edge of her wine glass with her finger.

"With someone like me?" Damien teased, a playful glint in his eye.

Michaella smiled, but her gaze drifted for a moment, thinking of Gabrielle. She quickly pushed the thought away, determined to be in the moment. "Yes, with someone like you."

Damien's eyes locked onto Michaella's with unflinching determination. His confidence, the sharp edge of his gaze—it was impossible to ignore. The air between them was thick with tension, both unspoken words and an undeniable pull.

"Tell me," Damien said, his voice low and firm, cutting through the comfortable silence. "What's really holding you back?"

Michaella hesitated, feeling the weight of his question. She didn't want to talk about Gabrielle. Not now. Not here. But Damien's presence, the way he looked at her like he could see right through the walls she'd built—it made it impossible to hide.

She let out a soft sigh, tracing the rim of her glass. "It's complicated. I'm not sure I'm ready to move on yet."

Damien leaned in, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's him, isn't it? Gabrielle."

His name on Damien's lips sent a shiver down her spine. She nodded, the admission painful but inevitable. "Yes. We... It's hard to explain. He's still there, in my head, in my heart."