Nancy looked at herself donned in a long silver dress. The fabric was hugging her perfectly and it restricted her a little to only make smaller steps. She looked into her reflection's eyes but the moment she felt Damon's mouth leaving small kisses on her shoulder she closed it all the while raising her hand to his face.

"Why do you think..." Nancy paused not helping a moan. "...I will be able to pull it?"

"I know you can own the whole world." Damon smiled holding her waist. Nancy realized her body reacting to his advances.

"What if I embarrassed you?" Nancy asked making Damon raise his head to look at her reflection. Their eyes were locked for a moment before Damon said, "We both know you are capable of it. You know it, right?"

Nancy's eyes shone with amusement. "I think you are right,"

Damon escorted her to the driveway and held the door of the sleek black limousine for her. Nancy got in and refused to look at him. A little smile played on her mouth and Damon knew she was already in her act.

Nancy looked at the invitation in her hand when her car left the gate. Somehow, she wasn't only able to make things easier for her. Damon was even treating her as his wife. He has put his trust in her.

She leaned her back against the leather chair. Damon had shared with her about the auction of his hotel in Italy. What Nancy could grasp was that someone cleverly bought shares of the hotel as small as possible before overtaking the business' most shares. Damon had told her how important it was for them to get the hotel back. Not only because it was Damon's favourite but also because no one else could own what was Anderson's once. Nancy realized the message was not only meant for the hotel.

Damon had told her to keep her demeanour as if she owned the world during the auction. She could bid whatever she wanted. Sky was the limit. But the hotel was not to fall in anyone's hands but Anderson. Later, Damon wanted to throw a party to announce that it was none other than an Anderson who had bought the property back. Nancy was going to shop for a freaking hotel to her name. Of course, Damon didn't mind as long as she was an Anderson. He had allowed her to sit in his place too in his office. But she knew that she only had the right as long as she was an Anderson.

She took some time to think about the turns her life had taken in the recent days. She realizes she has accepted to be what Damon wanted her to be. She would do anything where her survival takes her. From the first day, she knew it was impossible to escape Damon. But now after winning his heart, she knew she had closed all the doors to distant freedom. The madness she witnessed in his eyes was immeasurable. There was no going away from him now. Being the Lady Anderson was her identity now. She could either spend her life feeling suffocated or rule the world and be remembered as someone who is envied by millions.

It was after half an hour when their car drove into the city area. And, more than fifteen minutes before her car entered the grandiose Aurelia hotel. She looked around realizing how huge it was. And, Damon owned all of it. In fact, could buy it all over again. Looking at all of what he could afford made her feel a little intimidated by Damon. But then realizing she was someone who could play the strings of his heart she raised her head high.

The sun was dipping low casting a golden glow over the majestic landscape of the hotel. She already realized from where its name would have come. When Nancy's sleek black limousine pulled up to the entrance it drew the attention of the well-dressed crowd milling about. The heavy doors of the car opened, and Nancy stepped out exuding an air of confidence. Bordered by two stern-looking guards, she strode toward the lobby. Each of Nancy's steps was purposeful yet deliberate. The mystery around the new unfamiliar face was already turning heads. They would stare a little longer to see if they could recall her face from somewhere.

She was escorted by her eight guards now to the respective hall. It seems she didn't need anyone's assistance to look for the ways. One of her guards had already handed the invitation to the man standing out of the auction hall. The name had the invitation for some man Nancy knew nothing about. The man outside believed that someone had sent his companion in his place and let Nancy in without raising a brow.

Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. A podium had been set up at the far end, where an auctioneer was preparing to kick off the evening's bidding for the hotel. Nancy was sent at a time when people were left with no time to strike up a conversation. The evening's most awaited part had already started gaining everyone's undivided attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," A voice boomed to call for attention but more like hush the chatter, "Welcome to the bidding for the Aurelia Hotel! We're starting at a cool twenty million dollars!" A wave of murmurs swept through the area but as Nancy still walked in her high heels to her assigned table that was at the front row curious eyes were shifted. Piqued by the unexpected arrival of the striking woman. A woman who is not with a male partner to decide or call for the last shot. Just a woman sitting in all her glory ready to make the bid as she wills.

"Who's that?" A man whispered to his wife believing she would know if she belonged to the circle. "I've never seen her before. No idea," she replied but her eyes widened when Nancy sat on the most-priced VIP table. "But she certainly has money to throw tonight." The wife added.

The auctioneer continued, "We have twenty million from Mr. Albert! Do I hear twenty-five?" Nancy didn't turn to see who Mr Albert was like most of the crowd did when the spotlight was shown at him.

Another man in a tailored suit raised his paddle. "Twenty-five million!"

"Thirty million!" came a voice before the spotlight could be turned to the second bidder.

Nancy paused for a moment and then with a calm demeanour she raised her paddle high for the first time and waited for a moment. Maybe letting the crowd some time to notice that someone from the front had raised the paddle.

"Forty million!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Everybody looked at the woman realizing she wasn't here to only look pretty and preside over the VIP table. Whispers filled the air.

"Who does she think she is?" a woman in a red dress scoffed,

"Forty million is outrageous!" Someone else said with his voice filled with disdain. The woman certainly ruined the business for many.

"She looks serious. She is here to own it." A woman smiled wanting to friend Nancy immediately.

The auctioneer, momentarily taken aback, quickly regained his composure. "Forty million going once! Anyone else?"

"I'll go fifty!" the man in the tailored suit shot back. This time he finally got the spotlight. Nancy let him the limelight for a moment before she smiled again. "Sixty million!" Nancy declared, her voice steady and unwavering, unlike the man who sounded panicked bidding to fifty million.

The room fell silent, shock evident on every face. "Sixty million? This is madness!"

Someone gasped, shaking their head. "Who is she?"

"She's bold, I'll give her that," another bidder murmured, eyeing Nancy with a mixture of admiration and suspicion.

The auctioneer's voice cut through the tension. "Sixty million once! Anyone willing to challenge?" Nancy stood tall with her expression unreadable. A slight smile was playing on her lips. She knew she had it and it was all coming to an end when someone shouted. "Seventy million!" The man in the tailored suit exclaimed. Desperation was evident in his voice now.

"Eighty million!" Nancy shot back with her paddle raised high. A glint of mischief in her eyes. A collective gasp echoed through the crowd, and the atmosphere shifted. Whispers escalated into a flurry of raised brows and questions.

"Who is this woman? Is she a serious contender?" A bystander whispered.

"Or is this just a game?"

Nancy picked up the glass of champagne and sipped on it calmly. She was the only person in the room who didn't have any questions on her face.

The auctioneer leaned forward, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Eighty million going once... going twice..."

"Wait!" shouted a voice from the back, a newcomer stepping into the fray. "Ninety million!" Nancy turned to look at the man who had spoken for the first time. The rest of the crowd did turn to look at the newcomer but they were quick to look at Nancy again who raised her glass to the man who had dared to challenge.

The crowd held its breath. Every eye was waiting for her response. She raised her glass instead of the paddle this time and nodded, "One hundred million, of course," The room erupted into chaos, a mix of gasps and grunts.

"Did she just say one hundred million?" someone exclaimed,

Eyes wide with disbelief an old man scoffed. "Is she serious?"

"Looks like she is," The old man's young girlfriend commented. "But who is she?"

The auctioneer's voice struggled to keep pace with the mounting excitement. "One hundred million going once! Any further bids?" He paused, sensing the tension in the air. "Going twice... sold! To the mysterious lady at one hundred million!" The crowd erupted in a mixture of applause and shock. "You are looking at the owner of the Aurelia Hotel."

"Whoever she is, she's made a statement," A woman murmured still in disbelief. Nancy stepped away from the table. Her guards were about to reach her when she turned to the crowd and paused for a moment. "Feel free to dine in this evening. I will soon arrange a party to know all of you better. Now, if you will excuse me." Without waiting for anyone's response or giving them a chance to react she got herself surrounded by her guards and walked out holding the glass of champagne still in her hand. She almost disappeared between eight men walking around her. All of the guards maintained a respectful distance all the while keeping her hidden inside the circle.

Nancy went straight for her car. Wondering at what table Damon was sitting in. She couldn't find him but she knew he was there. He had promised that he would be there to look at her. The limousine glided through the quiet streets of Italy. Inside, Nancy sat in silence, her fingers tracing the rim of the glass of champagne. The city lights gradually faded as they headed towards the coast. The distant hum of the docks came into earshot as they turned a corner. For the first time, she realized that the car hadn't headed home. "What?..." She raised the question and the driver was quick to tell her. "Mr. Anderson is waiting for you here," A little unsettled feeling arose in her stomach. Damon hadn't told her anything about meeting here. Soon her eyes fell upon the sight of Damon's cruise ship. She knew because it had the logo of their family. She could tell Damon owned it.

The car pulled up at some distance from the ship. The ship was a masterpiece. It was a breathtaking work of opulence and stood proud on the water. The soft glow of lights from its decks illuminated the water around it.

As the limousine stopped, the chauffeur opened Nancy's door. She stepped out into the cool night air. The sea breeze, rich with the scent of saltwater brushed against her skin as she made her way toward the waiting yacht. Damon stood at the top of the gangway. His tall figure against the shimmering horizon made him look commanding. Nancy only walked to the middle before coming to a stop. Damon smiled and took a moment before he started making his way to the love of his life without hiding the edginess of his walk. He was almost running to her later on to cut the distance short. Nancy smiled seeing him running to her. She too raised her arms a little to welcome him when they collided. Damon picked her off her feet in the next second and swung her around.

Nancy giggled holding his shoulders before she leaned forward to kiss his head. "Were you there?" She asked him.

"What do you think?" Damon asked before they shared a heated kiss.

When they reached the deck Nancy looked around. Damon pulled her wrist and got her back to him. His face was breaking into a proud smile. He took her hands in his and pulled her close getting their hands at her back. Fully caging her in his embrace.

"You were incredible tonight," Damon admitted with his voice filled with admiration. "One hundred million? You left everyone stunned. You handled it with such grace, as expected."

Nancy smiled faintly. Her expression was still reserved but appreciative. "I did what I had to. The Aurelia Hotel was always going to be yours..."

"Ah, huh...ours. Every fucking thing I own is ours except for one." Damon raised his head to look at her before completing. "You,"

He kissed her softly on the cheek, his lips brushing the line of her jaw before he pulled back to look at her. "You are unstoppable." His fingers lingered on her back, tracing slow circles as he continued, "That's one of the things I love most about you, Nancy. You have this quiet power. And I'll always be in awe of it."

Nancy's gaze met his. "There is nothing in here you can't handle. You are giving me too much credit."

"You deserve all of it," Damon stopped her.

Together, they walked to the edge of the ship. The water stretched out beneath them. The ship had already left the coast. The city had started disappearing somewhere far and the night in front of them was turning dark and endless. The moonlight casting a dim light over the waves was adding to the vibe. Damon stood behind her, his arms wrapping protectively around her waist as they both leaned over the railing. Damon breathed over her neck feeling the air around them.

"Look at this," Damon whispered with his lips close to her ear. "Just you, me, and the sea. It's like the whole world belongs to us tonight."

Nancy let the moment settle. Her posture was relaxed yet poised. She turned her head slightly and felt his breath against her skin. "It's so calm here, Damon darling. With you, every inch of this makes sense to me." She replied softly.

Damon tightened his grip around her. His chest was pressing gently against her back. "It's more than enough," he said with his voice filled with a strange possession. "You're more than enough."

They stayed like that for a while. After a time, Damon led Nancy toward a small candlelit table set up on the deck, overlooking the sea. The soft flicker of the flame cast shadows over their faces as they sat down. Nancy could spot more than eight guards on the ship but each of them had their head facing to the waves.

Damon reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "I can't imagine spending a day without you."

Nancy softly leaned in his direction too before telling him. "I can't imagine a moment." Nancy couldn't help her smile when Damon's ear reddened. He was letting his soft side up with her.

They shared a quiet meal. The soft glow of the candlelight was creating a sense of calm between them. Damon watched her closely throughout. His pride was evident in every glance. And though Nancy remained reserved, she acknowledged his affection with grace without letting herself fully surrender to the moment. With him, she had learned to keep her guard up. And, it has always served her. Whether the future would have anything changed or not was still a question.

As the night wore on, they sat in comfortable silence. The sound of the sea was ever-present around them. Finally, Damon broke the quiet with a soft laugh. "You know," he said, leaning back in his chair, "I still can't believe you took it to a hundred million dollars. Raising every time not to one or two but ten more."

Nancy raised an eyebrow. A hint of amusement in her eyes when she said, "And I can't believe I'm married to the man who lets me do it."

Damon laughed, reaching for her hand again. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Go to twenty in each turn if you would want. Take anything you want. Just stay by my side,"

They sat together, the world around them slipping away, leaving only the two of them lost in their moment under the night sky.

The gentle clink of glass broke the stillness of the night as Damon poured another glass of champagne for himself and Nancy. His eyes never strayed far from her. The candlelight flickered between them. The sea's rhythm lulled them into a peaceful moment, with only the sound of waves and the distant hum of the ship's engine beneath them.

"To us," Damon said and his glass. His eyes held the same intensity of possession and pride. He had indeed started seeing her differently.

Nancy smiled reaching for her glass but before she could take it the ship shuddered violently beneath them. It caused the glasses to tip over and spill the champagne across the table.

"What the hell?" Damon muttered and stood abruptly. His instincts honed over years of such confrontations kicked in instantly.

Shouts erupted from the deck above and were followed by the unmistakable crack of gunfire. Nancy's eyes widened as the peaceful night shattered in an instant.

"Damon!" Nancy exclaimed with her alarmed voice.

Damon was already moving, grabbing her hand and pulling her close. "Stay with me," he shouted. His voice was firm but protective when he announced. "We're under attack."

Before they could make it across the deck a group of armed men appeared and stormed onto the ship. Damon's guards rushed to intercept them. Guns were drawn but they were outnumbered. The gunfire intensified and a barrage of bullets flew through the air.

Damon shoved Nancy behind him and shielded her as he pulled his weapon from inside his jacket. He fired off shots with practised precision, taking down two attackers but there were more—far too many.

Nancy crouched low. Her heart was pounding in her chest but her focus remained on Damon. He fought with everything he had. His movements were swift and deadly but it was clear they were being overwhelmed. She noticed how Damon would get his shoulder stretched out to keep her safe in every move he would make. One by one, his men fell, leaving only Damon. Realizing more were coming to get on the ship he had to make a decision. He shot the last two on the board before grabbing Nancy's hand again. He started pulling her toward the edge of the ship. "We need to get off this boat, now!" Because more seemed to be coming any second now. Their cover could only be dark waves.

Nancy's breath came fast. Her eyes darted toward the dark endless ocean before she looked at Damon.

The ship jolted again. This time from the force of an explosion below deck. Smoke rose in plumes and Nancy could feel the heat from the fire licking at the air.

"We're not going to make it!" Nancy shouted as fear gripped her.

Damon's jaw clenched while his focus shifted entirely to her. "Yes, we will. I'll make sure of it."

He led her toward the lifeboats but as they neared another explosion ripped through the ship. It destroyed the remaining escape options. The deck beneath them groaned, and Damon's face tightened with frustration. Smoke covered them whole and Damon pushed her down to get some air.

With no time left, Damon spotted a life jacket and grabbed it. He started forcing it onto Nancy despite her protests. "Take this. You need to get in the water."

"No!" Nancy's eyes were wide with terror. "I'm not leaving without you!"

"You have to, Nancy!" His voice was sharp. "The ship's going down. You need to swim. Head toward the lights on the horizon. You'll make it."

Nancy's breath hitched, her hands gripping his arms tightly. "Damon, I can't—" she hesitated, panic rising in her chest. "I don't know how to swim!"

His eyes flashed with sudden realization but it was too late. Another explosion rocked the ship, sending debris flying through the air. Damon had no choice when he pushed her toward the edge of the ship. His hands were firm but gentle as he guided her over the railing.

"Damon!" she screamed, her voice breaking. "I'm scared—please!"

"I am coming with you!" he told her but a gun pierced into his left arm with a loud bang. And, fearing the next could come at Nancy who refuses to stop being frantic he pushed her into the sea with all his might. Nancy looked at Damon's eyes which held the fear of losing the rare pearl he had once found.

Nancy's scream was cut short as she plunged into the cold and dark ocean. The icy water engulfed her pulling her under. She struggled with flailing as she tried to stay afloat. But her limbs felt heavy and uncooperative. The fear surged in her chest when she managed her last desperate plea before the waves swallowed her words.

"I don't know how to swim!" Her voice was barely a whisper as she sank beneath the surface.

Damon leapt into the water after her. Diving repeatedly in a frantic attempt to find her in the inky depths. His heart pounded in his chest as he searched the water. His mind was racing with terror.

"Nancy!" he shouted with his voice ragged. But she was gone, lost to the sea's unforgiving embrace. His bleeding wound was a sure bait for the unforgiving beasts around.

It was past an hour while Damon fought against the current. His body grew weaker with each dive. His voice went hoarse from calling her name over and over again. He was attacked twice in the past hour but he couldn't care but call for her name. He had lost her. He had lost his pearl and the ocean gave him no answers. Exhausted, he clung to a piece of floating debris, his heart heavy with despair when he got on it. He looked at the endless water depth around him when he shouted for the last time. "Nancy!"

Meanwhile, Nancy drifted unconscious and was carried by a set of strong arms. As the sun began to rise her body was pulled ashore on a distant beach. Her dress was torn at most places barely keeping her decent for a stranger.

The morning light touched her skin warming her as she lay motionless on the sand. A man knelt beside her. His hands pressed against her chest as he performed CPR. Water gurgled from her throat as he leaned down, giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Nancy's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurred and her mind dazed. She felt lips against hers, breathing into her, and filling her lungs. For a moment, she thought it was Damon. Relief flooded her, and she whispered weakly, "Damon..."

But the voice that responded was different. Unfamiliar yet calm.

"Easy," the man said gently. His hand brushed her cheek as her eyes fluttered closed again and her head lay motionless to the side.

Nancy tried to speak, but her voice failed her. Her mind slipped into unconsciousness once more, and the last thing she remembered was the taste of saltwater on her lips and the fading sound of the stranger's voice.