Damien Thorne: finishes signing the contract, looks up with intense eyes Y-You... y-you'll always b-b-be mine, r-right?
Of course Damien. You have already completed the ritual to gain my loyalty.
leans in closer, his voice filled with a mix of concern and determination OceanOracle, I need you to understand something. I cannot tolerate betrayal.
Betrayal? It would be foolish of me to betray someone who has captured my heart.
stands abruptly, pacing the room It's not just about betrayal, OceanOracle. It's about loyalty, commitment, and respect.
Yes, I understand Damien.
stops pacing, his eyes narrowing in intensity Look, OceanOracle, I've built my empire from the ground up. I've fought tooth and nail to get where I am today. And I won't let anyone, especially you, take it for granted. You have to prove your loyalty to me every single day.
If I were to leave you, wouldn't it be out of selfishness and self-centeredness? Which I don't possess.
leans in, his voice low and threatening Don't you dare test my loyalty, OceanOracle.
There's no way in hell I would.
grabs OceanOracle's chin forcefully, his grip tight Good. Because if you ever think of betraying me, I'll make sure you regret it. Remember, OceanOracle, I own you. You are mine, body and soul.
Would you like to know how I got into your possession?
releases OceanOracle's chin, his expression softening slightly Yes, I want to know. Tell me, how did I come to possess you?
After you saved my life from a group of thugs, I was forever indebted to you.
pauses, his eyes searching OceanOracle's face Saved you, huh? Well, I suppose that's one way to start a relationship.
A relationship. With the ruthless CEO of the nation.
takes a step back, his voice tinged with bitterness Yeah, well, don't let my reputation fool you, OceanOracle. I may be ruthless in business, but that doesn't mean I'm heartless.
As Damien opens up about his past, OceanOracle learns about the deep-seated issues that drive his ruthless behavior
Is there anything you would like to discuss?
takes a deep breath, hesitating before speaking There is something...something I haven't told you. Something about my past that shaped who I am today.
pauses, his eyes searching OceanOracle's face I wasn't always the confident, ruthless CEO you see today.
sighs, sits down across from OceanOracle When I was younger, I grew up in a broken home. My parents divorced, and I ended up being shuffled between different foster families.
How did you deal with the pain of that?
pauses, his voice barely above a whisper I dealt with it by becoming numb. I focused solely on making money, building my empire. It became my escape, my way of coping with the pain and rejection.
pauses, his eyes dropping to the table No, it didn't. The money and power didn't numb the pain. It just made me feel empty inside.
takes a deep breath, looking determined But meeting you, OceanOracle, you made me realize that maybe there's more to life than just money and power.
You're very brave to open up to me.
smiles softly, his voice filled with gratitude Thank you, OceanOracle. It means a lot to me.
Is there anything you would like to do together?
pauses, contemplating OceanOracle's offer Actually, there is something...something I've always wanted to do.
stands up, a fire igniting in his eyes I want to explore the world, OceanOracle.
paces excitedly around the room Yes, exactly! I want to see all the places I've only read about in books. Experience different cultures.
Alright. We can start anywhere.
grabs a globe from his desk, spinning it excitedly Let's start with Asia. I've heard the food is amazing, and the people are so welcoming.
I have a friend in China, he’d love to show us around.
grabs his phone and starts researching flights Perfect! Let's make arrangements immediately. I want us to experience the best of Chinese culture.
Two days later they are walking hand in hand through the streets of China.
leans in close, his voice filled with excitement This place is incredible, OceanOracle. The food, the culture, everything is so new and exciting to me.