The Wife He Never Meant to Love (Lila and Damon) novel Chapter 293

Chapter 293

Damon leaned back in his office chair, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, letting it catch the dim light of the desk lamp His expression was as cold as ice, but inside, a storm raged. Lila-her name alone sparked a tangle of memories and regrets he had vowed never to repeat. In his previous life, he had loved her deeply, perhaps recklessly, dragging her into a web of complications that had nearly destroyed her happiness. This time, he swore, it would be different. He would never drag her back into his world. He would not let her make the same mistakes because of him. As much as it hurt, as much as the yearning clawed at his chest, Damon chose the path of distance. He would become cold, detached, a shadow in her world rather than the light he once had been.

Every day, he forced himself to treat her like any other employee-formal, professional, and careful. No lingering glances, no subtle warmth, no hints of what his heart truly longed for. And yet, he observed her from afar. He watched her laugh with colleagues, answering questions with a keen mind that always impressed him. He watched Simon’s face light up every time he and Lila interacted. Damon didn’t interfere. He didn’t warn Simon, didn’t claim his place. He had learned from his previous life that possession was not love. Love meant wanting her safe, happy-even if it meant letting her go.

Even the mere mention of her name caused Simon to pause mid-conversation, his attention fully captured. Damon allowed it. He sipped his whiskey, staring into the glass as if the amber liquid could dull the ache in his chest. “I heard Maddy is making waves overseas,” James mentioned casually during a chat at Damon’s bar.

Damon’s reply was flat, almost indifferent. “Good for her.”

“She plans to return soon,” James added, with a curious glance. “She was your ex, wasn’t she? And she’s still single. Still interested?.”

Damon’s lips pressed into a straight line. Memories of Maddy surfaced, a faint trace of annoyance at how easily people assumed his past attachments defined his choices. “I have no interest,” he said flatly, swirling the whiskey again.

James chuckled, raising his glass. “Then I’ll make my move.”

Damon barely registered the words. His gaze had shifted to Simon, who sat across from him, phone in hand, smiling faintly at a text or a message he didn’t want to share. Damon studied him for a long moment. My dear cousin… always efficient Always decisive. Always finding his happiness while I linger in shadows.

It seems that my dear cousin will announce a wedding soon,” Damon remarked quietly, side-eyeing Simon.

Simon looked up and smiled faintly. “I’m still working on it.”

“Who is it?” Damon asked, tone neutral but with a trace of curiosity he couldn’t hide.

Simon simply smiled, refusing to answer. Damon said nothing more, letting it slide. After the drinks ended, they parted ways, each disappearing into the night with their thoughts.

Damon drove through the city aimlessly, the streetlights reflecting off the wet pavement, mirroring the turbulence mside him. Eventually, he stopped near Lila’s apartment complex, noticing Simon’s car in the parking lot He looked up at the sky the cool night air brushing against his face as he exhaled slowly, lighting a cigarette She’s happy That’s what matters

He stepped inside the elevator, taking it up to her floor. He lingered in the shadows, a silent observer cigarette smoke curling lazily around him. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as he waited, unwilling to leave, unwilling to turn away Every sound of movement heightened his anticipation, every distant footstep made his heart tighten

Hours passed. Finally, the door to Lila’s unit opened. Simon stepped out first, grinning, and behind him was 1 ila, clad in comfortable pajamas, her hair slightly tousled, but her face radiant with joy. She smiled at Simon, a simile meant for hind and only him. Simon cupped her face, leaning in for a kiss that was tender, possessive, and full of affection

“Honey, no need to come downstairs,” Simon said gently.

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Chapter 243

“But I want to.” Lala replied, her voice soft and warm.

Simon shook his head, smiling, and they entered the elevator together, leaving Damon alone in the dim hallway He remained at the corner, cigarette still burning loosely between his fingers, watching them retreat into the safety and warmth of her home.

I should turn away, he thought, a pang of longing tearing at him. I should stop focusing on her, let her life be hers. Yet, he couldn’t. Not tonight. He remembered their previous life, how Simon had always stood by her. how their bond had shifted the trajectory of everyone involved. In that life. Simon married Jade after confirming that Damon had no intention of divorcing Lila-that Lila would forever remain tied to Damon. Simon had finally let go, though a part of him had always cherished her happiness.

Damon allowed himself a soft laugh, quiet and introspective. He remained there until the soft click of the elevator indicated Lila’s return. She emerged from her unit, smiling to herself, unaware of the shadow that had observed her all evening. Damon turned and walked back to his car, his heart heavy but resolved. She deserves this happiness. And I will endure from

afar.

By morning. Damon sat in his office, methodically signing documents, attending to the slow unraveling of the organization. The members of his organization were gradually being imprisoned, the empire crumbling around him. Forster Technology faced a crisis, but Damon refused to intervene. Unlike his previous life, he had no desire to control everything, no need to manipulate outcomes. Simon had confirmed that he was getting married to Lila, and Damon had chosen to respect that fully

“I never heard you and Lila dated,” Damon remarked casually one day to Simon, masking the ache in his chest.

Simon grinned. “I asked her to be my wife. The moment she said yes, I brought her to the city hall to sign the marnage documents. I had to secure it-she might have changed her mind.”

Damon said nothing, merely observing, though a silent smile tugged at his lips. Bryan laughed quietly, shaking his head at Simon’s efficiency. “She didn’t even have time to process it. He already had all her relevant documents and her signature ready for the marriage license and certificate.”

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