CHAPTER 98

Damien's POV

There is stillness the whole way to the lake cottage. At one point, I think Lisa was not only ignoring me but was also nodding asleep and unaware that we were going to the lake home.

I hoped that skipping work today would be worthwhile. When I saw her, I let her know I wanted to take her somewhere.

Although she was hesitant, I could see Lisa had moved beyond that point. the state of dissatisfaction, betrayal, rage, and sorrow.

I hoped that she would learn what she needed to know from my letters to her and that they would aid in her recovery in the same way that they had for me.

I suppose it succeeded. I don't want to get too enthused about it, however. Even though I don't think she would ever trust me again, I'm determined to go forward one step at a time until everything is resolved.

She may not have the same level of heartfelt confidence in me as she previously had. She is still attempting to put the parts back together after I crushed it and broke it into bits.

She inquired as to our destination, and I said that she would be surprised. Before she realized that I hadn't chosen the path to go to the mansion, I could see how much she wanted to demand and yell at me not to take her there.

I have no desire to coerce her into doing anything. The contract has nothing to do with my forcing her to return.

All I want now is for her to return of her own will.

I stop the vehicle and exit. She opens her eyes and looks about while yawning before I can go to her side to unlock the door for her.

When she sees the lake home, she exhales and her eyes sparkle.

She exits when I open the door while she is still gazing around.

I gesture to her to lead the way without saying a word, and she does so while I quietly follow after. I brought her since I realized a lot of things when I was here with her.

There are many memories of coming here with Lisa that are hard to get rid of. This was the beginning of everything. I became attracted to her because of this. We had our first kiss here, but we tried to act like it never happened later.

I began to confide in her at this point. The burden that had been on my shoulders was removed at this point. At this point, I behaved in a bright, carefree, and happy manner, much like the Damien I was when Helena was alive.

Most significantly, Lisa was the one who expressed to me Helena's desire for my happiness at this point.

I really value these two ladies. Even though Helena has never been here, this site makes me think of both of them.

The door opens when she twists the knob. As she walks in, I can see she's surprised.

I quickly turned back to the home after realizing I had forgotten to bring the file I had left in the vehicle.

Lisa is still gazing around, perhaps searching for the surprise or any modifications to the lake home.

Nothing is surprising. The surprise is in this. It's surprising that you're here.

I could see how eager she was to return when we first visited, so I am setting up another visit right now.

She reclines on the sofa like she's going to sleep again.

I inquire while putting the file behind me. "Are you famished? Should I prepare anything for you?

She waves her hand and exclaims, "No, no, I'm fine," with her eyes still closed. She continues to avoid me, but I'm relieved that the coldness in her tone has vanished.

Her stomach suddenly grumbles, and she blinks her eyes wide in shame. I nearly chuckled out loud, but I quickly restrained myself.

She had cereal this morning before we left the house. We drove for over two hours, and I couldn't tell whether the mention of food was making her tummy growl.

I go back to the document. "I should create something for you."

I go from the living room to the kitchen, making sure she can't see the file. Since my maid mentioned chicken the last time, I gave her instructions to bring me some yesterday, and I want to prepare chicken meals for her.

I set the file on a table and opened the refrigerator to fetch the necessary items.

I combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl and put it aside.

I create a pocket in each of the birds using a sharp knife, taking care not to cut through to the other end.

I season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides and spread some oil all over it, including the pocket. Additionally, I use the dry rub to season the chicken, including the pocket, before continuing to prepare the filling.

I combine cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and chopped spinach in a small bowl.

I put the spinach cream cheese filling in the chicken breast pocket and closed it with toothpicks.

I melt the butter in the microwave and rub it on the baking dish while holding a tray of raw chicken.

The filled chicken is then placed in the baking dish and baked in the oven without being covered.

I turn my focus back to the file and when I open it, the contract is visible. I read it through while thinking about Lisa.

I'm a complete asshole. I violated every one of the contract's strict provisions. Lisa didn't take any actions that violated the agreement.

This is the reason I've chosen to bring it here and put a stop to it.

I checked the chicken in the oven again after a while. I take the chicken out of the oven, noting the time and its color, and start serving it right away on two distinct plates.

My attention returns to the paperwork on the table, and I heave a heavy sigh. I considered the best time to do it, so I set down my own plate of food in order to take Lisa's meal and the file.

I return to the living room where I find her asleep after that. I gently awaken her. When she sees the chicken meal I cooked for her, her eyes enlarge, and as I watch, she soon begins to eat it.

I said, "Aren't you eating?" She eventually asks, avoiding looking at me.

I respond, "I will," while I keep watching her.

I get up and go back to the kitchen to collect my dinner and some yogurt for her to have when she is nearly finished.

Lisa is finished by the time I return to the living room. She stretches the plate in my direction while looking up at me. "Can I please have more?"

As I look at her hot face, an unconscious grin forms on my face. I offered her my plate to eat off of instead of the empty one.

Before starting on it again, she doesn't bother to inquire whether it's mine or not. I place the yogurt next to the meal on the table and then I sit and wait for her to finish.

Half of the yogurt is gulped down by her, and she seems happy. It gives me a hearty flutter.

As soon as our eyes make contact, she glances away. The eerie quiet gets uncomfortable.

I touch her on the lap and she looks up at me as she leans back on the sofa as if she wants to resume sleeping.

I raise the contract and, without saying a word, rip it into little fragments to symbolize the termination of my contractual union.

I took something with me to represent that I desired more than the planned marriage.

diamond jewelry.

Her eyes widen as she realizes that the document I just tore is the contract that will bond us together in marriage, and I quickly produce it.

I want more.

I want her completely.

I want more than a year. I want to be with her forever.

I bring the box of rings nearer to her by putting my knee on the ground. "Would you kindly become my real wife?"