Page 105 of Just The Way You Aren't

I'm saved from answering by a sharp knock at the door. Alfred enters without waiting for a response, his combover particularly unfortunate in Florida's humidity.

"The rest of us are waiting to resume the meeting ," he announces, glancing suspiciously between Steven and me. "What are you two discussing in here?"

"The future," Steven says cryptically. "Come on, let's get back to it."

As we return to the conference room, I find myself pondering Steven's question. Am I happy? I've been successful by any objective measure—wealth, power, professional respect. But happiness? That's something I've only glimpsed recently, in moments with Willow—her laughter, her warmth, the way she sees past my carefully constructed exterior.

And right now, she's gone to the Catskills, probably hurt and disappointed, while I'm in Florida discussing construction timelines and competitor budget projections.

Back in the conference room, the discussion resumes, but I find myself increasingly distracted. When my phone vibrates with a text, I check it immediately, not caring that everyone notices.

It's from Willow:I’m at my folks’ place. Currently being swarmed by nieces and nephews. Hope your meeting goes well.

No x's or o's. No heart emoji. Just a polite, distant message.

"Something urgent, Mr. Langley?" Alfred asks, his tone dripping with disdain.

I look up to find all eyes on me. "Actually, yes."

Alfred smirks. "Well, perhaps you could share with the group if it pertains to our current discussion."

"It doesn't." I set my phone down. "But it's helped me reach a decision."

Steven leans forward, a knowing look in his eyes. "And what decision is that?"

"I'm in love with Willow Harper."

The words hang in the air, surprising me as much as everyone else in the room. I hadn't planned to say them—hadn't even fully acknowledged the truth of them to myself until this moment. But now that they're out, I recognize their absolute certainty.

Alfred chokes on his water. "Excuse me?"

"I'm in love with her," I repeat, more firmly this time. "And I'm supposed to be meeting her family right now instead of sitting here."

"You can't be serious," Alfred splutters. "We're in the middle of a critical negotiation!"

"I'm perfectly serious," I reply, feeling lighter than I have in days. "I love Willow, and I belong with her right now."

Darlene Walt's mouth twitches into a smile. "Well, this is unexpected. Good for you, Damien."

"I beg your pardon?" Alfred looks around the room, clearly expecting the Walts to be as outraged as he is.

Ben claps his hands together once. "What are you stillsitting around here for? You should be on your way to the Catskills."

I stare at the Walts, bewildered by their response. "But what about the competitor's offer? The contract?"

Steven waves dismissively. "Personally, I was never seriously considering it. We just needed to confirm you were the right partner for us. And you have."

"What?" Alfred is practically apoplectic.

"Guardian Productions values people who understand what truly matters," Darlene explains. "We've been watching how you handled the Silver Hearts charity work. It impressed us."

I gape at them. "But this meeting?—"

"Was mostly a formality," Ben finishes for me. "And an opportunity to see how you prioritize. I think I can speak for all of us when I say you’ve aptly demonstrated that."

Alfred's face has turned an alarming shade of red. "This is completely unprofessional! I had important things to do today too!"

"Mr. Rothchild," Steven says, his tone suddenly cooler, "while we appreciate your attendance today, I think we'd prefer to continue this discussion with Mr. Langley alone."

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