CHAPTER 94

Damien's POV

I was certain Adrianna Vineyard would be successful. The only way I could have revealed my involvement in the bizarre presents and letters left on Lisa's doorknob was by doing that.

Due to Grandma's request that I wait until she was back in America before approaching her and my lack of bravery, I had to remain quiet until then.

I want to see her now that she's back but now is absolutely not the day.

Grandma and I did not book the same flight. It was done on purpose for my aircraft to take off after theirs so that she wouldn't accidentally run into me.

The message I left behind this morning should explain everything, and I hope she has read it.

If only she would allow me the opportunity to accomplish that since I've recognized my error and want to make apologies.

Due to the time difference, it was already becoming dark when my aircraft arrived in America, but Jude was waiting for me at the airport. Since we have already located Lisa and I am certain that Grandma will make her return to America, I requested him and Fred to return yesterday.

I told him to take me to Gabriel's mansion after getting in the vehicle, expecting he would already be home from work.

Just as Gabriel is exiting his automobile while wearing his business suit and holding a briefcase in his right hand, a car pulls in through the gate.

He is unaware that I have located Lisa. Before departing for Paris, I kept it a secret from all of them, and I still plan to do so right now.

He has been encouraging, and he should be the first to hear that our quest has been successful.

Despite the fact that I haven't talked to Lisa, I am truly delighted that she is back in the country and that I was able to locate her.

I shout out "Gabriel" as I open the door to go. He looks around when he sees me and starts to approach.

"Damien, are you returning from Italy this week? Has anything happened? He asks as he approaches, but pauses to stare at me when he sees the expression on my face. "Something took place."

When I tell him Lisa is back, I can't wait to see the enormous relief on his face. I grin and put my hands in my pants pocket.

He says, "Lisa," without sounding like a question, but I nod nevertheless, and he moves quickly around to my side. "Is Lisa here? Have you located her?

Yes, I say while trying to contain my laughter. She has returned from Paris.

"Paris?" In amazement, he draws away from me. "What's up? How about the infant?

"The baby is fine," I reply. I haven't even had time to go closer to her so I can feel my baby kick and touch it.

Was she in Paris? How did she end herself in Paris? He frowns and asks me while closely observing me.

I sigh carelessly. It came out that she had been in Paris instead of Italy all along. We traveled to Paris together after she contacted her grandmother, who ordered that I return home.

Oh, my God. He shouts. How come you didn't tell me? I would have joined them.

"We didn't want to alarm her or alert her to our impending arrival. Really, it's a lengthy tale. I simply come to let you know.

"You only just got back?" I nod as he comments on my outfit.

Before leaving for home, I simply thought I should let you know.

"What the heck are you two talking about?" A voice from behind is audible. Sabrina is here.

"Babe, Lisa's back!" As he spins around to re-embrace her, Gabriel says to her. She screams as he enfolds her in a hug.

She looks amazing after giving birth even though.

Do you mean that, Damien? She asks as she moves away from her spouse and approaches me.

I tentatively nod.

"Goodness me! How is she doing? To check whether Lisa is in the vehicle, she stoops to check.

She's at Grandma's house.

I want to see her, so let's go. Is she alright?

I just shrug passively. We haven't spoken, so. Just thought I'd let you all know before doing anything. I'm not sure whether she's ready to see me right now.

Both of them stop speaking. I keep staring at Gabriel and his wife as they give me pathetic and depressing grins instead of turning around and walking away so I can go home to relax and consider what more I can do to get her back.

I'm simply happy that she's back. I'm happy she's secure. Isn't that the most crucial factor?

Gabriel nods in agreement and gives me a sly grin.

I should get out of here at this point. I've completed the task for which I came.

Sabrina murmurs to Gabriel before I can let them know that I'm going. Let's go see Lisa.

"Tonight?" Gabriel and I join in, and Sabrina nods while grinning widely. She, too, has missed Lisa. Although they were becoming more close to one another, running away broke their growing connection.

Lisa must have thought about her as well.

"I'll accompany Damien. When you have changed, you may join us.

She teeters enthusiastically to my side without waiting for his response or approval. Saying "Let's go."

Gabriel gives me a quick nod, and I spin around to help Sabrina get into the vehicle while moving to the other side so that I can do the same.

Gabriel keeps an eye on us till we exit the gate as the automobile roars to life. There is a long pause in our conversation.

While I am not aware of Sabrina's thoughts, I am aware of my own. Instead of coming here tomorrow after work, I'm unsure whether I should take advantage of this chance to see Lisa tonight.

However, I don't feel ready. not right now.

Never before have I felt so unconfident in myself.

Wow, Lisa is back. Sabrina laughs as she makes her point.

I inquire, keeping in mind that she is a breastfeeding mother. "How is your infant? She's with the nanny, right?

"Yes. The nanny is staying here tonight, and I have already put her to sleep.

"Ok."

Do you share my enthusiasm? I oblige her request by nodding without turning to face her. I'm happy, but my joy won't be complete until she accepts my apology.

Once again, silence reigns.

She then queries. Has she kept the child?

I take a breath and nod sporadically. The answer is "yes, she did."

Sabrina puts her hands on her chest and lets out a long sigh of relief. "Oh, thank God! I was so afraid she might take a dramatic action.

I stopped talking after that.

As we get closer to Grandma's house, there is yet another deafening quiet.

"Damien?" I swiftly open my eyes to face Sabrina's keen stare after being startled out of my daydream by her words. The question "Do you love her?"

The question caused my heart to beat faster. I haven't given it much consideration since I've been trying to keep my true desire for her a secret.

Even if what I feel is love, I'm not sure. I'm not sure whether it's strong enough to qualify as love.

Every minute of the day, I think about her, and at night, she appears in my nightmares. My pulse has been weird and quicker ever since I first saw her in Paris when she left her building that morning to go to the bookshop.

Does this all imply that I have feelings for her?

She's more attractive and gorgeous than I remember.

What does this imply exactly?

You still don't understand how you really feel about her, do you? I shake my head as she presses the issue more with me.

I wish I could explain my sentiments to her, but I'm unable to do so since I lack the voice and the words to do so.

I see the automobile slowing down as we get closer to the home. I'm relieved that Sabrina has interrupted since I won't have to respond to her inquiries because she will soon be getting out of the vehicle. I look her way.

Please be quiet and say I brought you here. I said, "You need to go down and meet her by yourself.

"What? Why?" She declares, her face displaying shock.

I clicked my tongue in the hope that she would say "nothing" immediately. I'm not quite ready for this yet. I'd rather not muck things up. I want to be mentally and physically ready for anything.

"Come on, let's go together."

"Sabrina, no. I won't spoil the evening for you, I promise. If Lisa sees me, she could get too enraged to speak to you. I'm giving her the space she needs.

How long will you two continue to act childishly and pretentiously? I turn my head away as she cuts me off once again.

I won't be going, regardless of what she says. She may call me childish all she wants.

When she realizes I've made up my mind, she sighs. She exits without instructing Jude to open the door for her, and I see her walking toward the entrance.

A little while later, she arrives at the front door and knocks while huddling her small body against the cold.

I should have prevented her from leaving the house without a cardigan. When he arrives, I should definitely phone Gabriel and have him bring it for her.

When Sabrina knocks again, someone opens the door.

"Lisa!" Before Sabrina encloses Lisa in a tight embrace, I overhear her joyful voice. Lisa is also beaming broadly, as I would have anticipated.

I turn aside before waiting for them to release the embrace, and Jude in the rearview mirror comes into focus.

"Drive!" I give orders in a firm voice.