Chapter 79: Wine, Dine, and ‘You’re Mine-2
“Well, well. Congratulations, brother. First official girlfriend at thirty-five.”
Damien gave him a look, then reached for his glass again and raised it. “And what about you? At forty? Or fifty?”
Ashcroft chuckled, unbothered. “I’m pacing myself. Can’t go ruining my reputation all at once.
He took a slow sip of his drink, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Besides, if I ever do settle down, it’s going to be with someone who makes me forget every damn reason I swore not to. “Then he paused, his gaze settling on Damien with something quieter in his expression.” Like you-when you met Maya and knew you found the love of your life.”
Harper blinked. “Wow. That was… unexpectedly poetic.”
Ashcroft smirked. “Don’t get used to it.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” Harper muttered under her breath.
Without waiting for an invitation, Harper looped her arm through Maya’s and gently tugged her toward the balcony.
“Come on, queen of Daya. Let’s catch some air before your man claim you all to himself again.”
“Hey-wait for me!” Ashcroft called, trailing after them with a drink in hand. “I’d much rather hang with my future sister-in-law and honorary cousin than stay back and let Damien roast me for being single.”
Maya laughed, light and unguarded, the sound drifting into the warm night. Damien stood in the doorway, watching her. Watching them. The way her smile bloomed so effortlessly. The way her shoulders relaxed in the presence of people who saw her fully.
There was something anchoring about seeing her this way.
Carefree. Real. His.
A quiet presence approached from the side. James.
“Congratulations, boss,” he said with a polite smile. “Ms. Maya is… perfect for you.”
He trailed off a bit, then excused himself, about to walk away.
But Damien called after him, his voice softer, more sincere.
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Chapter 79: Wine, Dine, and You’re Mine-2
Clay
“I remember what you said back then. She reminded me what love looks like. She softens things… and she’s the woman slowly breaking through the walls I’ve built. She’s the one making me feel something again-something real. You’re right, James.”
Then he turned his gaze to Maya.
“I believe it too… She’s perfect for me. And I need your help to make sure she stays safe.”
James smiled warmly, nodded, and gave a respectful bow.
“You can count on me, sir. I’m truly glad you’ve found your happiness.”
Soon, they all settled in for dinner. Ashcroft and Harper immediately launched into rapid-fire banter across the table, their energy electric and contagious. Damien, ever composed, reached for the wine and poured a glass for Maya first-always her first-before filling his
own.
Maya caught James hovering near the edge and smiled warmly. “Come join us, James. And… could you call in Lee too? He deserves a break.”
Then she glanced at Damien, a touch hesitant. “I hope you don’t mind?”
Damien met her gaze without missing a beat. “Of course not. Anything you want.”
James nodded. “Of course,” he said, then quietly stepped out.
Moments later, James returned with Lee in tow, who looked pleasantly surprised but quietly grateful. They both took seats just as the conversation shifted from light updates to travel horror stories.
It wasn’t long before Harper had the whole table laughing, dramatically reenacting a wardrobe malfunction from her cousin’s wedding a few months back, where she’d been a bridesmaid-complete with wild gestures and mock outrage.
“…And that’s when I realized the zipper betrayed me halfway down the aisle! Honestly, it had one job!”
Laughter echoed around the room.
“But don’t worry,” Harper added, lifting her wine glass with a wink. “I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen at your wedding! And yes, there will be exclusive ‘Daya’ merch. I’m talking fans, robes, mini champagne bottles-branded love and chaos for all! I’ll even hire a skywriter. Or make Tik Toks. Whatever your love language is.”
Maya nearly choked on her wine, coughing as she waved her hands like she could physically swat Harper’s words out of the air. “Harper! Stop! You’re ridiculous.”
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Chap 79: Wine Dine, and You’re Mine-2
Laughter spilled out of her, warm and unfiltered. “Whose wedding? Seriously-your imagination’s on overdrive. You should write a book!”
Harper grinned smugly into her glass, ready to fire off another teasing remark-
Maya was still catching her breath from laughing, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye when Damien’s voice cut through the laughter. Calm, certain, and just loud enough to ripple
across the table.
“Ours. Our wedding.” His voice dropped-low, intimate, threaded with something raw and unwavering. “One day, you’ll be my wife.”
Maya’s head snapped toward him, eyes wide-she hadn’t expected him to just say it like that. But Damien didn’t flinch. He turned fully to her, gaze locked like she was the only thing holding him steady.
“Hell-I’d marry you today if you said yes.”
There was no bravado in his tone. Just quiet certainty. A promise wrapped in steel. And a depth that left no room for doubt.
The table went quiet for a second-not from shock, but from recognition. The way he said it wasn’t casual. It wasn’t a tease.
It was a promise.
Maya blinked, caught between disbelief and something deeper unraveling in her chest.
There it was again-that surge of fear and want, crashing in the same place. She wasn’t ready to say yes. But God, part of her wanted to.
“Damien…”
He didn’t let her dodge it.
“However you want it,” he said, his voice dropping lower, meant only for her. “Big or small. Chaos or quiet. Just say the word-and I’ll make it happen.”
Then, a faint smile touched his lips, but his eyes stayed locked on hers.
“I told you… if I had a ring with me, the question would’ve been different.” A pause. “But I want to do it right. You don’t deserve just any ring from a shelf.”
This couldn’t be real. It was too much, too soon-and yet… she believed him. Every word.
Because Damien didn’t speak like a man spinning promises.
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Chapter 79 Wine, Dine, and You’re Mine-2
He spoke like a man who had already made up his mind.
He leaned in slightly, voice like a vow. “I’ll make one for you. One that’s only yours.”
Maya felt the warmth rise in her cheeks. She couldn’t even look at Harper, knowing her friend was probably grinning like a maniac.
Her heart stuttered-not from nerves this time, but from the certainty in his voice. Steady. Unshaken. Like he meant it… all of it.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.