Chapter 178

Olivia's small villa stood on Southwell Lane in the heart of the city. Tall plane trees lined the street, their leaves swaying gently as dappled sunlight played across Damien's face. With his pale, cool-toned skin and a six-foot-two-inch frame that was both broad-shouldered and lean, Damien exuded refined arrogance. Three years as a CEO had made giving orders second nature to him. It was the weekend, and he wore a lightweight dark gray sweater paired with casual pants. At first glance, his tall, well-proportioned frame and impossibly handsome features made him hard to overlook. The mellow afternoon sunlight softened the edges of his usual aloof demeanor. The real estate agent, standing half a head shorter, had to tilt her chin upward to speak to him. In an uncharacteristic show of gentleness, Damien merely lowered his gaze to listen. In that moment, a rush of images Autumn had once idly dreamed of came flooding back to her. She imagined a life with Damien, the two of them walking