Her voice trembled.
“I don’t fit in that world. Your world.”
Damien’s expression changed—sharp and still, like a storm gathering.
“I ride buses,” she said quietly. “I use coupons. I’ve spent half my life learning how to stretch a dollar. And you? Your suits probably cost more than my rent.”
She dropped her gaze.
“I’m just… temporary. A charity case the universe threw a little luck at. I got lucky—just lucky—to land that internship. Six months. That’s all it is.”
Her breath shook.
“Our paths weren’t supposed to cross. I’m supposed to be making coffee. Sending emails. Organizing reports and printing documents. And you—you’re supposed to be upstairs in your office, signing contracts, making power moves, deciding the future.”
Her voice cracked, barely holding on.
“I’m just ordinary. T
