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My uncle was walking past my office and stopped when he heard Theodore’s name.
“Was that Theodore Vale you were talking to?” He stepped into my office.
“It was.” I grinned. “He’s proceeding with the merger. It should be finalized within 8-12 weeks.”
“I knew you could pull it off!” he exclaimed. “I’ll get in touch with the board and let them know. Good work, Damien. Your father would have been so proud.”
“Why is he so happy?” Charlie walked into my office.
“Theodore Vale is going ahead with the merger.” I smiled.
“No fucking way! That’s awesome, Damien.”
Christine walked in carrying a large box. “This just came for you, " she said, setting it on my desk.
“What is it?”
“I don’t know. Open it and find out.”
Grabbing the scissors, I slid them along the top and ripped open the box. On top was a stock card with words typed in a fancy font.
Put the Guard Down, Sir.
“What the fuck is this?” I furrowed my brows as I removed the colorful tissue paper and started removing the items individually.
ChapterEighteen
Damien
Pulling out a pocket-sized leather journal, I noticed the embossed message on the front:This is not a contract. It’s for your feelings. Opening it, I found a handwritten page.What are you afraid would happen if you let someone love all of you? Write it all down.
“Oh look, a candle. It’s dark amber and smoked sandalwood. Wow, this smells good. What the fuck?” Charlie laughed. “Light it up and let shit go.”
“What’s this?” Christine stuck her hand in the box and pulled out a small silver tin. “Emotional Baggage Blend.Soothing chamomile and mint. Pairs well with vulnerability and long talks on the couch.Damien, who would send you this?”
I inhaled a sharp breath, for I knew exactly who sent this.
“Is that a chocolate bar?” Charlie asked, pulling it from the box. “Because letting your walls down deserves a reward.” He laughed.
Pulling out another stock card, I noticed it had a QR code and was labeled,Don’t fight it—a playlist of music.
“Oh, lavender spray!” Christine said. “In case sleeping alone in your big fancy penthouse starts to suck.” She laughed. “Oh my God, Damien. This is epic.”
When I reached down into the box, I pulled out a small plush fox with a small stock card taped to it, saying,Just in case you need to hold onto something that doesn’t bite back.
“Jesus Christ.” I shook my head. I pulled out the last of the items: a handwritten card that said:
You don’t always have to be the strong one. Not with me. I don’t need perfect. I just need real. And right now, you’re it.
~W
My stomach clenched as I sat down in my chair and rubbed my forehead.
“God, I love your wife.” Charlie chuckled.
“Be quiet.” I sighed.
After he and Christine left my office, I turned my chair around and stared at the city. I was livid that Willa sent me that box like I was going through some shit and needed her. I didn’t need her or her stupid as fuck boxes. I was pissed. Grabbing my phone, I called her.