TURNAROUND CEO

Dami's POV

The morning had drained me. The smiles, handshakes, and polite greetings. Thankfully, Sophia would be the one handling most of the heavy office work. My role was to rule from the shadows.

"I'm starving," Sophia groaned, clutching her belly.

I laughed softly, agreeing because I was hungry too. "Let's go eat."

"Finally." She grinned, already grabbing her bag.

As we walked out, the receptionist bowed slightly. Sophia leaned close, whispering, "They're all so nice here. Oh, and I've spotted someone. He is so cute. Like dangerously cute."

I narrowed my eyes, shaking my head. "Already? We've been here one day."

She shrugged with a grin.

"Relationships between staff and bosses are off limits," I warned.

"That rule," she smirked slyly, "It will never hold."

"Why not?" I challenged.

She didn't miss a beat. "Your ex-husband, Axel. I saw the tension between you both."

I froze mid-step, my lips tightening. "Nothing will ever happen between us again," I whispered, almost to myself.

Sophia gave me a knowing look. "Three years and no one else. You're still tethered to him, whether you admit it or not."

I ignored her, but my pulse quickened.

By the time we pulled up to an elegant restaurant, I had buried the thought. Inside, the scent of garlic and rich wine wrapped around me.

"Good evening, ladies. What may I serve you?" The waiter's smile was charming, but Sophia didn't waste time.

"A bottle of red wine and two plates of pasta," She ordered.

I smiled faintly. Pasta, my weakness.

The music was low, sultry, filling the air. I was about to take my first bite when I saw him.

My fork stilled. Across the room sat a man whose profile was hauntingly familiar. Axel's jawline, Axel's posture yet different. His hair was darker, longer, and his aura was darker, sharper, almost dangerous.

Sophia followed my gaze, and her eyes widened. "What the hell? Does Axel have a twin?"

"Half-brother," I corrected softly, memories stirring. "Born minutes apart. They hate each other."

Sophia's voice dropped. "What are you thinking?"

I smirked. "I'm going to talk to him."

"Why?"

"Because he's perfect for my next move," I replied.

Her eyes shot wide. "You can't possibly.."

"I want him to be mine," I cut in, my voice cold, laced with thrill.

Sophia hissed, "That's insane. I don't approve."

I patted her hand with a playful pout. "It's just a game, Sophia. Let me have my fun."

I rose, fixing my jumpsuit, steadying my breath. As I approached him, his eyes lifted, sharp and calculating.

"Well," he drawled, a half smile curving his lips. "To what do I owe the attention of such a beautiful stranger?"

I leaned against his table with a practiced smile. "Dami Winter."

His brow lifted. Recognition flickered. "Axel's wife?"

"Ex-wife," I corrected.

That one word softened his expression into a grin. "Doman." He extended his hand. His grip was firm, his eyes lingering on mine longer than necessary. "I've heard enough about you recently to know you're dangerous."

I tilted my head. "Good. Then you won't be surprised by what I'm about to say."

"And what's that?" His tone was amused, cautious.

I met his gaze without blinking. "I want you to be my boyfriend."

He stared at me. Then he chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "That's bold. Even for you."

"Is it a yes?" I asked sweetly.

"No." His answer was sharp. "I don't play toy games. Especially not ones involving my half brother."

I leaned in, lowering my voice. "This isn't a game. It's revenge. Axel ruined me. Now, I'm going to ruin him. Piece by piece. Heart first."

For a moment, Doman's smirk faltered. His eyes darkened, studying me like he was peeling back my soul. "Do you even realize what you're asking?" he said slowly. "If I touch you, Axel will come for me with everything he has left. You'll drag me into his war."

"Good," I whispered, lips curling. "Let him burn."

Silence. His jaw clenched, his gaze lingering on me, torn between reason and temptation. Finally, he laughed softly, bitterly. "You're insane."

"And yet," I smiled, "you're tempted."

His eyes swept over me, and I knew I had him. Still, he shook his head. "I don't share beds with women seeking revenge. I take what I want, when I want. If I say yes, it's not for Axel. It's for me."

"Then take me," I whispered, the words dripping like honey.

Something flickered in his eyes like desire, challenge, danger. He reached out, brushing his thumb across my knuckles. His touch sent a shiver up my arm.

"Fine," he said finally, voice low, almost a growl. "But when this explodes, don't pretend you weren't warned."

The deal was sealed. By the time we returned to the house, his hand in mine, I could feel Sophia's eyes boring holes in my back. But I didn't care. The thrill pulsed through me.

The door swung open, and there he was.

Axel. His mother and Alexa froze beside him. His eyes darted instantly to my hand in Doman's. The fury in his gaze could have set fire to the walls.

"What the hell are you doing here, Doman?" Axel's voice was a low snarl, trembling with rage.

I smirked. "Don't talk to my boyfriend like that. He deserves respect. He's also your boss now."

Axel's head snapped toward me, disbelief and fury warring on his face. "Your what?"

Doman tightened his grip on my hand, his eyes gleaming with wicked delight. "Her man," he declared, smirking directly at Axel. "Which makes me untouchable. What are you going to do about it, brother?"

Axel's face went scarlet, veins pulsing at his temple. He took a step forward, fists clenched. "She's my wife," he roared, the words ripping from his chest like a wounded animal. "Mine! You have no right!"

The room froze. Even the air seemed to shudder. My heart hammered violently. Wife? The word hung in the silence like a blade about to drop. And I knew.. this was only the beginning.