Heart Of A Fighter

Blissful Peaks

Together in the comfort of each other's presence, they completed their individual assignments in silence. Damien sat on the sofa while Lavender was sprawled over his legs, using her back as a desk.

Her father paid the remaining school fees in full and things were finally working out for the good. Lavender was truly satisfied with the way her life was turning out.

Furthering her education, the last year of college.

A stable job.

No more messing around with self-indulgent men.

A generous, loving, handsome boyfriend with a past so deep that only made her love him more. They were so much alike, fighting their own battles but together overcoming it all.

In that order.

Guess good things really do happen to those who wait, she thought with a smile.

"Damien."

Lavender jolted up causing Damien to scribble over his drawing, startled by the feminine's voice. Strong yet angelic just how she remembered.

Sophia Ryder.

The woman had looked different from when Lavender last saw her, seeing as she was an unexpected visitor at an unexpected time.

With the help of Liam, she got information on where Mrs. Ryder was and went there at night. Lavender expected her to be face deep into the latest talk show, catching up with the hottest gossip or beautifying herself, but she caught Mrs. Ryder on a treadmill, listening to Madonna and bopping her head with strands of her hair matted on her face.

For a woman with children, she was elegantly beautiful and still looked ever so youthful. She really did stand out.

Lavender didn't know if it was her killer long legs, fair skin, flat chest, or her striking and intimidating green eyes just like Jacob's.

Mrs. Ryder's Jersey accent was raw, unlike Damien's accent which only slipped when he was angry or horny. At first, Lavender wondered why her accent was so strong if it was Mr. Ryder who was from Jersey but remembered Damien telling her that Mrs. Ryder had moved there with his father at their early ages.

Now Mrs. Ryder was photoshoot ready, dressed for the latest magazine. Hair pinned up, makeup on, a designers dress that hugged her curves and heels that made her look more model material. The jewelries that adorned her skin flashed beautifully and screamed millions.

"Damien."

This time the voice was more commanding, but again Damien remained quiet, looking both shocked and furious almost as if he saw a ghost he wasn't supposed to see.

"Why did Gustave let this woman in?" He mumbled to himself, placing his work on the coffee table.

"I told him to. Please, don't fire him. He was just doing his job."

"Why in the world would you tell him to let her in, Lav?"

"Because it's necessary," Lavender said gently, relieved that she didn't cost the man his job.

"Damien Danger Charming Ryder."

Lavender stifled a laughter, almost forgetting that now was not the appropriate time.

"I heard about Anjelica," she continued, noticing that he wasn't going to answer her.

Sadness washed over Lavender that the poor woman had cancer, reminding her of her mother. She glanced up with a frown. Even in her son's presence Mrs. Ryder still had the audacity to hold her prideful stance.