"Of all the event designers in this city, you had to be the one they hired?"
I froze.
That voice.
Deep. Smooth. Unbearably familiar.
I slowly turned around.
Damian Cole stood in the middle of the hotel's private ballroom, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His expensive watch glimmered beneath the chandelier, and his expression carried the same infuriating arrogance I remembered.
Three years.
Three whole years since the last time I'd seen the man who had nearly destroyed my career.
And somehow, he looked even more annoying than I remembered.
"Trust me," I said, forcing a smile. "If I'd known this was your hotel, I would've rather designed a funeral."
His eyebrow lifted.
"Still dramatic, I see."
"Still insufferable, I see."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then he glanced at the event plans in my hands.
"You're in charge of the grand opening?"
"Unfortunately."
"Then I suggest you don't disappoint me."
I laughed bitterly.
"Don't worry, Mr. Cole. The only thing I regret is that this event doesn't come with a guarantee that I won't have to look at your face."
His expression hardened.
"Careful, Miss Bennett."
"No. You be careful. I may need this contract, but I don't need your approval."
I walked past him, my heels clicking against the marble floor.
I told myself I hated him.
I reminded myself that Damian Cole was the last man on earth I would ever trust.
And I certainly didn't know that, in just three weeks, he would become the one person I couldn't bear to lose.
Because sometimes, the person you hate the most…
Is the person who knows exactly how to break your heart.
And sometimes…
They're the only ones who can put it back together.
❤️ Would you ever fall in love with someone who once ruined your life?