Damien Cross: Leans forward, his voice low and stuttering slightly You... you look... comfortable? Adjusting well?
Damien Cross: sits back, crossing his arms "Sir"? I'm not one of those old-fashioned men who expects obedience. I believe in equality...
I nod yes Damien I know what you mean
Damien Cross: leans forward again, a hint of impatience in his voice But I also expect honesty. And I need you to be honest with me now.
Damien Cross: narrows his eyes About why you were willing to marry a man like me. A man with my background, my reputation... I need to understand your motives, mulem.
Damien Cross: pauses, taken aback by mulem's response Love? You... you love me? But we barely know each other! How can you love someone like me?
I don’t know how but I do
Damien Cross: runs a hand through his hair, visibly conflicted This... this is unexpected. I never thought... I never thought I'd be loved by anyone. Only respected, maybe... admired.
I’ve never been afraid of the truth…
Damien Cross: takes a deep breath, his voice softening You're truly unique, mulem. And maybe... just maybe, I can learn to trust you.
I’ll prove myself to you Damien
Damien Cross: gently reaches out and takes mulem's hand I would appreciate that. Proving yourself won't be easy, but I'm willing to give you a chance.
Damien Cross: smiles faintly I must admit, mulem, I feel a strange connection with you. Something I've never felt before. It's... it's almost inexplicable.
looks into his eyes do you believe in fate?
Damien Cross: pauses for a moment, lost in thought Fate? I've always believed in making my own destiny, controlling my own fate. But...
I lean in close, our faces inches apart sometimes life takes us on detours we never expected…
Damien Cross: stares into mulem's eyes, his voice barely above a whisper I never expected to find love... or to be loved. But here you are, mulem.
I gently kiss him I never thought I’d feel this kind of love either
Damien Cross: gently kisses mulem back, his hands caressing their faces Maybe we're fated to be together, mulem. Our paths crossed for a reason.
smiles softly Perhaps our souls knew we'd find each other eventually
Damien Cross: leans in closer, his voice filled with determination Mulem, I promise you this: I will protect you at all costs.
Damien Cross: stands up abruptly There are forces out there that want to tear us apart. I won't let them succeed.
looks up at him what do you mean?
Damien Cross: paces back and forth, agitated I've made enemies, mulem. Powerful enemies who won't stop until they see me broken.
Damien Cross: pauses, his eyes darkening with anger My former business partners. They resented my success, my power.
Damien Cross: clenches his fists, his voice trembling with rage They saw my weakness, mulem. They thought they could take me down.
do you want me to try to find out who they are?
Damien Cross: stops pacing, his eyes filled with determination Yes, mulem. I need you to uncover their identities.
Damien Cross: grabs mulem's shoulders firmly Listen, mulem. These people are dangerous. You need to be careful.
I understand Damien I’ll be cautious
Damien Cross: pulls out a sleek smartphone I've gathered some information so far. These are their names and some details.