Eternal Echoes

Chapter One Hundred- Twenty-One: A Decision on New Year's Eve (Part 2)

3rd Person POV

When they finally pulled apart, Michaella took a small breath, feeling the blush in her cheeks. She looked down, fingers grazing the edge of his sleeve.

"But..." she hesitated, catching Damien's eyes. "I don't think I can go with you to the gala tonight."

A flicker of confusion crossed Damien's face, though he quickly masked it. Maybe she didn't want to be seen with him yet, or maybe it was nerves. He opened his mouth to ask, but Michaella pressed on, eyes darting to the side as if mustering courage.

"Because, well, it's New Year's Eve, and my family is hosting a big dinner and party," she said, the words spilling out quickly. "Not just my parents, but my whole family, like everyone—my dad's side, uncles, aunts, cousins, all of them. My mom already told me I have to come, and, well..." She faltered, glancing back up at him with a shy smile. "I can bring a date, if you'd like to come."

Damien's surprise softened into something warmer. "First," he said, his voice gentler, "I was actually going to text you that the gala got delayed. It's moved to the day after tomorrow."

"Oh!" Michaella laughed softly in relief. "Well, that's good timing."

"And second..." he continued, leaning in slightly. "Are you asking me to be your date?"

A rush of warmth flooded her cheeks. She nodded, averting her eyes with a sheepish smile as she mumbled, "If you'd like. I mean, I know you're busy and all. But yeah... I'd be happy if you came."

Gently, he lifted her chin, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her face as he met her gaze. "Michaella," he murmured, his eyes intense yet tender. "I'd love to, beautiful."

Unable to contain her smile, Michaella leaned forward and hugged him, sinking into his warmth. His arms wrapped around her, grounding her in the moment. He smelled like cedar and a hint of the winter air outside steady and comforting.

They lingered like that for a moment before Damien pulled back, studying her face with a soft smile. "So... what's the dress code for a New Year's party with the 'whole crew'?" he asked with a light tease.

"Oh, you'll see," she grinned. "Just be prepared for a lot of questions."

"Questions I can handle," he replied, confidence flickering in his eyes. "As long as you're the one by my side."

Michaella's heart skipped at the words, feeling the unexpected calm that had settled over her since he'd arrived. "Then, it's a plan."

The two of them walked inside, the chill of the morning quickly replaced by the warmth of Michaella's home. Damien let his gaze wander, admiring the soft, natural touches she had throughout her living space—fresh flowers on the counter, light pouring in through the large windows, a book opens on the coffee table.

"So... what do you say we make breakfast?" he asked, breaking her from her thoughts.

"Breakfast?" She chuckled, glancing back at him. "Are you offering to cook, Mr. Knight?"

He shrugged with a playful smile. "If you're up for a collaborative effort, Ms. Stone."

Michaella smirked, moving toward the kitchen. "Alright then, let's see what we can whip up together."

She opened the fridge, peering inside. "Okay, I've got eggs, bread, avocados... And I think I have some smoked salmon in here somewhere." She rummaged through a few containers before triumphantly pulling out the salmon.