Do You Still Love Me When We Meet Again? (Aubrey and Damon) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

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Her phone alarm blared, jarring her awake.

Aubrey slowly surfaced from sleep, her temples throbbing with a dull ache. She reached a hand from beneath the warm covers, fumbling for the irritating phone, and swiped to silence it.

The alarm ceased, and silence settled over the room.

The balcony glass door and curtains had been drawn at some point, leaving the room warm and shrouded in a soft, hazy darkness.

Still groggy, she pushed herself up, sitting against the headboard.

She massaged her pounding temples with her fingertips, closing her eyes, trying to clear her head.

Memories of the previous night slowly began to surface.

But all she could recall were fragments of drinking in the living room, her last clear memory ending with her passing out on the coffee table.

She opened her eyes, pulled back the covers, and glanced down at her intact pajamas before looking around the room.

Had Damon carried her back to her room?

She wondered if she’d made a drunken fool of herself in front of Damon.

Aubrey’s stomach churned with unease as she got out of bed and went into the bathroom to get ready.

Half an hour later.

She emerged from her room.

Her gaze landed on Damon.

He leaned casually back on the sofa, dressed head to toe in black–a picture of sleek elegance and cool detachment.

“Good morning,” Aubrey murmured, walking through the living room to the water dispenser to pour herself a glass of water, hoping the lukewarm temperature would settle her stomach.

Damon remained silent, merely lifting his gaze.

Aubrey turned, meeting his gaze as she sipped her water.

An unfathomable question flickered in Damon’s dark eyes as they fixed intently on her.

A chill traced Aubrey’s spine under his intense gaze, her heart hammering. She took a large gulp of water, clutching the comforting cup in both hands Her lips pressed together, a hint of unease creeping into her voice. “What’s wrong?”

Damon’s voice was notably flat. “Nothing. You cooked me breakfast yesterday, so I returned the favor. There’s a plate in the kitchen”

Thank you,” Aubrey murmured. A beat of hesitation later, she asked, “I was drunk last night. Did you carry me back to my room

Damon lowered his gaze, returning his attention to his phone. “Mm–hmm”

A knot of anxiety tightened in Aubrey’s stomach. “Did I go crazy? Or… did I do anything out of line?

Damon pressed the screen dark, slipping his phone into his pocket. His gaze, when it met hers, was unnervingly calm. Do you usually go crazy when You’re drunk?”

‘I don’t know. I black out every time,” she admitted. “Sierra says I yell, throw things, or cry my eyes out when I’m drunk

Too bad I didn’t get to see any of it.” Damon’s eyes darkened instantly

She recalled how she’d indeed thrown beer cans everywhere last night when drunk, and she had definitely cried

Except, she’d been crying and shouting for some other guy not to leave her

Aubrey couldn’t shake the feeling that even though he answered her questions, his demeanor was even colder than usual

She set down her cup and turned, heading into the kitchen to retrieve her breakfast

It was homemade steamed dumplings and an egg pancake, kept warm in the steamer The familiar comfort food

Just then, the sound of a door closing echoed from outside.

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When she emerged with the food, Damon was already gone from the living room.

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In stark contrast to the harmonious vibe they’d shared yesterday morning, today felt noticeably strained and distant.

She must have deeply offended Damon last night while she was drunk.

But not a single detail came back to her.

What she did vaguely remember, though, was that last night’s dream had felt exceptionally vivid.

She often dreamed of Damon, and in those dreams, he was never harsh with her, never pushed her away.

Aubrey picked up a dumpling, put it in her mouth, and chewed slowly. Her mind, however, drifted back to last night’s dream.

Damon had been a little… intense. It had felt so overwhelming, even in the dream, that she’d felt an irresistible urge to hug him, to lean in and kiss him.

Strangely, this time, the kissing felt more fervent, deeper than ever before, with a startling sense of realism.

Pressed onto the bed beneath him, his kisses consumed her for what felt like an eternity. Her body burned, a nameless void within her yearning to be filled. She arched into him, desperate, needing him.

Then, abruptly, he stopped.

His voice a low rumble, he stated, “You’re drunk. I won’t take advantage of you.”

Then he was gone, without a backward glance.

The memory slammed back into her, and Aubrey’s grip on her fork tightened. She chewed her food with a vengeance, a hollow feeling settling in her chest, fueling her quiet fury. Why, even in her dreams, did Damon still act like such a perfect gentleman? Couldn’t she just have one truly satisfying sex

dream?

Just thinking about it made her cheeks flush all over again.

After breakfast, Aubrey washed the dishes and headed out for work.

Aubrey froze, her steps faltering as she reached the complex entrance. Her mother, Layla, was standing just outside.

A jolt of panic shot through her, and she scrambled behind the security booth, using the structure for cover.

Yesterday, it had been her brother, with Chloe in tow.

Today, her mother.

Relentless. They wouldn’t quit until they got what they wanted.

Aubrey hesitated for a beat, then spun on her heel, heading for a narrow path that snaked around the back of the complex.

When she returned to the law firm, she made sure to pick assignments that kept her out of the office.

She spent the next two days actively avoiding any contact.

Then, Ethan Sterling and Sierra both texted her, their messages nearly identical.

“Your mom came to me asking to borrow twenty thousand dollars, claiming you’d pay it back after the Christmas.”

The audacity left her beyond speechless. She typed out two blunt words.

“Don’t lend it to her.”

Ethan and Sierra, her childhood friends, naturally knew what Layla was like and understood Aubrey’s personality and her firm stance.

If they lent the money, not only would their friendship be ruined, but they might never see that money again.

A week later.

It was evening, and the twilight was deep and heavy.

Aubrey still came home through the back gate of the complex, but there, waiting at the front door of her apartment building, she saw her mother. Layla, again.

It seemed she could run for a while, but she couldn’t hide forever.

Layla’s face was grim, her eyes sharp, and Caleb stood beside her.

After a week of waiting for Aubrey at the complex entrance and failing to see her, Layla had resorted to enlisting Caleh, who lived in the same complex

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for help.

She was truly relentless, all for the money she expected for her son’s wedding.

Aubrey was utterly exhausted, her heart heavy. She walked toward them, her voice flat as she greeted, “Mom.”

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Layla, hands shoved deep into her jacket pockets, had an air of arrogant disdain. Her voice, laced with seething anger and sarcasm, sliced through the air. “Don’t sound so chummy,” she sneered. “What right do I have to be your mother? Aubrey, Aubrey,” Layla continued, her voice dripping venom. “Even an ungrateful wretch I raised for over twenty years wouldn’t treat their own mother like this, would they?”

A heavy weight settled in Aubrey’s chest, her mother’s voice sharp and grating.

She couldn’t take in a single word, yet still felt a profound ache.

She couldn’t be bothered to speak, just stood there in silence.

Layla tugged on Caleb’s arm. “If it weren’t for Caleb, I doubt I would’ve ever seen you again in this lifetime.”

Caleb said warmly, “Layla, if you ever need anything, anything at all, just say the word. I’ll help in any way I can.”

Layla’s face softened instantly, becoming kind and gentle. “Thank you, Caleb. You’re the kindest, most generous man I’ve ever met. My husband treated your father so poorly, and yet you can forgive him, forgive our whole family, and you’re still so eager to help us. You’re truly a good person.”

Caleb smiled, his intense gaze sweeping over Aubrey, unmistakable in its heat.

Layla instantly understood. She cleared her throat, her face hardening back into a cold, angry mask, her voice gaining several degrees of authority as she addressed Aubrey: “Your brother is getting married, on Thanksgiving weekend. Make time to come back for the wedding.”

“I know,” Aubrey replied flatly.

The wedding photos, the reception, buying the wedding rings and jewelry–it’s all drained my savings. So, your financial contribution to the wedding expenses will have to come from you, his own sister. Chloe is from out of town, and according to their local customs, the requested amount for the bride’s family is $188,000, and the name–change fee is another $20,000.”

“No.”

What do you mean, ‘no‘?” Layla erupted, furious.

Aubrey’s voice was exceptionally calm. “I’ll give ten thousand dollars as a wedding gift. Beyond that, not a single cent more.”

Layla put her hands on her hips, letting out a long, exasperated breath, gritting her back teeth. “Other lawyers make tens of thousands, even hundreds of housands, from a single case. You’ve been a lawyer for four years now, haven’t you? Always too busy to be seen, and you can’t even save two hundred housand dollars?”

I told you a long time ago, I’m a pro bono lawyer. I make about the same as a white–collar worker. Living expenses take a chunk, and I have Blake’s nedical bills every month. I barely save anything.”

ayla snapped, “Go borrow it.”

Aubrey slowly clenched her fists, nails digging deep into her palms, biting back a surge of fury. “I won’t borrow it, and I won’t give it.

ayla exploded, “What kind of sister only gives ten thousand for her brother’s wedding? It’ll disgrace the Hayes name! You will pay that two hundred housand for the wedding expenses, Aubrey! I carried you for ten months, raised you, put you through all that schooling–and you have no gratitude? You ungrateful monster! You had me thrown in jail for ten days just because I pinched you a few times? You’ll be cursed for this!

Aubrey scoffed. “Then let it strike.”

“You…” Layla’s face turned dark with rage, veins bulging on her forehead as she raised her hand, ready to slap Aubrey

Caleb seized her wrist. “Auntie, please calm down I’ll cover the initial payment for their expenses After all, we’ll be family after the holidays

Layla’s rage dissipated instantly. Her demeanor towards Caleb softened, and a grateful smile spread across her face. “Really?”

‘As we agreed,” Caleb said, a warm smile playing on his lips, “the promised funds for Aubrey to join our family is $66,000, not a penny less. Even though Aubrey and I aren’t married yet, I trust you, and I trust Aubrey So, I’ll pay $20,000 upfront, and the rest will be given on the wedding day”

Layla gripped his hand, overcome with emotion. “Thank you, Caleb Thank you so much”

Aubrey watched the two of them perform their little charade with a detached gaze, unconcerned. “Tin not marrying Caleb. Your agreement holds no legal standing. You’ll have to bear the consequences yourselves”

With that said, Aubrey skirted around them and walked away.

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Layla, her anger flaring, yanked Aubrey’s arm and roughly shoved her.

Shoving her backward, Layla prevented her from reaching the large door behind them.

Aubrey stumbled backward.

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She lost her balance, stumbling backward. Abruptly, her body collided with a warm, solid chest, and a pair of strong arms steadied her waist.

She turned her head and looked up, Damon’s dark, grimly handsome face filling her vision.

For a split second, Aubrey was disoriented. She quickly pulled herself steady from his arms, stepping sideways, putting distance between them. “Thanks” she murmured.

Damon asked softly, “Do you need help?”

Aubrey shook her head. “No.”

Caleb’s face curdled into a foul expression at the sight of Damon, his eyes flashing with sharp, venomous malice as he glared.

Layla frowned, scrutinizing Damon from head to toe.

Aubrey’s heart, previously calm, now fluttered with unease, a nervous, adrift feeling brought on by Damon’s presence.

Their relationship had been at a freezing point all week,

They were both swamped with work, so their paths rarely crossed at home. Even when they did, it was usually just a quick, polite nod.

Lately, Damon’s demeanor toward her had been distant, almost indifferent.

Layla glared at Damon, her voice laced with ice. “Who are you?”

Damon was about to speak when Caleb cut him off. “He’s Aubrey’s ex–boyfriend, and now her roommate. Auntie, be careful around him. He’s a ruthless guy, completely heartless. Didn’t even bat an eye when he violently dealt with my dog.”

“Ruthless guy, my foot,” Layla scoffed, scrutinizing him again, her eyes filled with utter disdain. “He’s all looks and no substance, obviously useless. No wonder he ended up as an ex.”

Damon’s eyes darkened.

Aubrey nervously tugged on Damon’s sleeve, whispering, “Would you mind going upstairs? This is my family matter; I’ll handle it myself.”

Damon turned to her, his deep eyes dark, his voice tight with irritation. “You’ve been working back channels all week, out from dawn till dusk, dodging everyone. This is your solution?”

Aubrey’s heart squeezed, and she stared at him, taken aback.

How did he know?

Did he have a GPS tracker on her?

Hearing this, Layla snorted in displeasure, shooting Aubrey a harsh glare.

Damon gently moved Aubrey’s hand aside and walked up to Layla, his tone soft. “Ma’am, can we speak privately?”

Layla scoffed. What do I have to talk to you about?”

Aubrey panicked, clutching his arm and tugging him toward the door. “Damon, everyone I know understands my stance on this. If you still want to be my friend, don’t you dare try to solve this with money. I won’t be grateful; in fact, I’ll despise you for it even more”

Damon’s brow furrowed with disappointment. “Aubrey,” he said, his voice low. “Is that truly all you think I’m capable of?”

Aubrey froze, silent and utterly at a loss.

No. It wasn’t.

In her mind. Damon was incredibly capable and impressive, brilliant and truly exceptional

It was just that her mother was utterly unreasonable, stubbornly set in her ways, and only ever saw her brother and money

This whole rotten situation–no one, nothing, could fix it but money.

When she continued to say nothing. Damon’s expression grew stony, and his voice dropped to a low, stern register. “Do you want to keep hiding from your mom, letting her harass and pressure you, getting drunk and crying when you feel awful? Only to wake up the next day and face the same damn

o wake up problems all over again?”

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< Chapter 36

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When it came to her mother and Caleb’s relentless demands, Aubrey felt surprisingly calm.

But a single word of reproach from Damon, even a slightly harsher tone, twisted her gut. A wave of raw vulnerability surged through her, and her eyes inexplicably welled up..

She lowered her head, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor, desperate to hide her helplessness and vulnerability from anyone who might be watching.

She could put on a tough, unyielding front for anyone else.

But in front of Damon, her guard always crumbled, exposing her most fragile side.

Her eyes welled with tears. Damon pushed, his voice sharp and unforgiving, “Or are you planning to marry a Taylor, take his money to help your brother, and finally give your mother what she wants?”

A bitter ache seized Aubrey’s heart, and her nose stung with the effort to hold back tears. Her head was bowed so low it almost touched her chest, and a suffocating tightness constricted her lungs. Slowly, she fisted her hands, gripping the fabric of her pants until her knuckles went white and her fingers trembled.

“Aubrey,” Damon said, his words sharp and deliberate, a hint of helplessness lacing his severe tone. “You carry everything by yourself, never leaning on your friends. Do you really think that makes you brave, independent, strong? It doesn’t. Friends aren’t just for good times; they’re meant to be leaned on. What’s wrong with asking for their help?”

Aubrey was so stunned by his harshness, she couldn’t utter a single word.

Under the dimming twilight, no one saw the crystalline tears falling from her eyes, hitting the ground. Her heart felt squeezed by a giant hand, numb and swollen with pain, almost making it impossible to breathe.

Damon turned to Layla, his expression cool. “Layla, let’s go. We need to talk outside.”

Caleb tilted his head back, a smug, cold air about him. “Layla said there’s nothing to talk about with you.”

Damon disregarded him, his attitude toward Layla hardening even more. “Are we going to solve this, or are you going to keep putting your daughter through this? You choose.”

Layla glanced at Aubrey, then fell deep into thought.

She knew in her heart that her daughter was exceptionally stubborn; she wouldn’t easily agree to marry Caleb, and there was no way she’d lend money

to her brother.

If they didn’t solve the problem, she’d just have to keep fighting, pushing, and making things difficult–a draining effort that might not even get her the money in the end.

She looked at Damon again. Hearing his solution couldn’t hurt.

“Fine, I’ll go with you. Where to?” Layla asked.

“Auntie…” Caleb said, a note of tension in his voice. “You can’t go with him. He has serious connections. I’m afraid he’ll try to hurt you.”

Layla offered a comforting smile. “It’s fine. Don’t worry.”

Damon wrapped an arm around Aubrey’s shoulders and walked towards the main door. His finger brushed the scanner, unlocking it, and he gently nudged her inside. His voice softened. “Go home and wait for me.”

Aubrey discreetly dabbed at the tears in her eyes, then turned to face him. “I’m coming with you.”

“No need,” Damon said, meeting her tear–filled gaze. He realized his concern had made his tone sharper than intended.

He closed the door, brushed past Caleb, and walked alongside Layla out of the complex.

Aubrey stood inside the front door, watching Damon and her mother’s retreating figures fade into the distance through the tempered glass

She just hoped her mom wouldn’t bring up her dad’s time in prison

Even if Damon did find out, it wouldn’t matter anymore. It wouldn’t change anything, anyway.

Still, how was Damon going to solve her mother’s demands for money?

< Chapter 37