DAMIEN’S POV

My mind felt restless. No matter how hard I tried to focus on Tiffany, Sophia’s pale face kept appearing in my head.

The image of her lying in that hospital bed refused to leave me alone.

I clenched my jaw as I stood outside one of the fitting rooms.

My wolf had been uneasy for days.

Ever since I learned about the miscarriage, something inside me had felt wrong. I kept telling myself that Sophia and I were already divorcing. I kept reminding myself that our marriage had been falling apart for years. Yet none of those excuses worked.

The fitting room curtain moved. Tiffany stepped out wearing a cream-colored dress that probably cost more than most people earned in several months.

She smiled brightly "How does it look?"

The sales assistants immediately started praising her.

"It looks beautiful on you, Miss Tiffany."

"Sir Damien has excellent taste."

"You look like a queen."

Tiffany’s smile widened.

I studied the dress for a moment then nodded.

"It’s fine." I said.

The sales assistants exchanged awkward looks.

Tiffany walked closer and turned in the mirror.

"The waist feels a little loose." She said.

I stepped forward, reached out and adjusted the fabric near her waist.

Tiffany looked up at me "What do you think now?"

"Better."

A small blush appeared on her face. Right now, she looked genuinely happy.

Seeing that expression should have made me feel something. Instead, my mind drifted elsewhere again.

Sophia used to look at me that way years ago....before everything between us became cold.

My wolf shifted uncomfortably.

I immediately pushed the thought away. There was no point thinking about the past. It changed nothing.

"Should I try the blue one too?" Tiffany asked.

I nodded "Buy both."

Her eyes widened "Both?"

"Buy everything you like."

The sales assistants nearly fainted from excitement. One of them hurried away to prepare the purchases.

Tiffany laughed softly "You always solve everything with money."

"Does it work?"

She thought for a moment then grinned "Most of the time."

Tiffany disappeared back into the fitting room.

I sat down on a nearby sofa and rubbed my forehead. The exhaustion was beginning to catch up with me. I hadn’t been sleeping properly.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw blood. I saw Sophia collapsing.

I hated how much those memories affected me. I hated feeling weak.

The feeling only grew worse when Tiffany stepped out again wearing another expensive dress.

This one was dark blue and elegant. She looked beautiful.

Suddenly, a thought entered my mind.

I thought hard about something. Ashley needed stability. She needed someone beside her, someone who could take care of her, someone who could become her mother.

Without realizing it, I stood up.

"Tiffany."

She looked surprised by my serious tone.

"Yes?"

For several seconds, I simply stared at her. Even I wasn’t sure why I was about to say it.

Maybe it was because of everything that had happened recently. Maybe it was because Sophia and I were already finished.

Maybe it was because I wanted to believe there was still a future waiting somewhere ahead.

I took a deep breath "I want you to become Ashley’s mother."

Silence.

The entire boutique seemed to freeze.

Tiffany stared at me in shock.

"What?"

My expression remained calm "You heard me."

Her lips parted slightly. For a moment, she looked completely stunned.

I’d expected surprise but not this level of shock.

Her hands trembled a bit "Damien..." She looked almost speechless. "I..."

The confident woman who always knew what to say suddenly seemed unable to find words.

I continued calmly "Ashley likes you. She needs someone."

Tiffany swallowed "And you’re asking me to be that person?"

"Yes."

"There is one condition."

She tilted her head as she looked at me "What condition?"

I looked directly into her eyes. "If you become Ashley’s mother...you can never have children of your own."

Tiffany froze. She completely froze.

Her mouth parted like she wanted to say something but she closed it back.

The color slowly drained from her face. Her eyes went totally wide now.

For several seconds, she simply stared at me.

The boutique suddenly felt much quieter and much colder.

I watched her carefully, waiting for her answer.

She laughed nervously "You can’t be serious."

"I am."

The smile disappeared from her face. I could practically see her thoughts racing.

She looked away first. That alone told me enough.

Most women dreamed of becoming mothers. Most women wanted children, a family, a future.

I understood that but I also knew something else. I would never allow Ashley to feel replaced.

Never. Not after everything she had already been through.

My wolf agreed completely. Ashley came first always.

Tiffany lowered her eyes. Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress.

I could see the conflict inside her.

"What if..." she spoke "What if I want both?"

I shook my head "No."

The answer had come too quickly. There was no room for negotiation, no room for compromise.

For the first time since I had made the proposal, genuine disappointment appeared on her face.

She looked away again.

Part of me expected her to agree immediately. Instead, she seemed confused.

It surprised me. Most women would jump at the opportunity.

Finally, she forced a smile onto her face.

"I need time." She said

I understood perfectly. It wasn’t an easy decision.

I nodded. "Fine."

I turned and looked out the large glass windows of the boutique.

The city moved outside as usual. People walked past. Cars filled the streets. Life continued.

Yet for some reason, there was an uncomfortable feeling in my chest.

My wolf became restless again.

Sophia’s face appeared in my mind once more.

I immediately clenched my fists.

Why was I thinking about her again? Why couldn’t I stop?

Behind me, Tiffany remained silent. When I glanced back, she was staring at the floor, lost in thought.

The excitement she had shown earlier was gone.