A pained expression crossed Damien's face, and Ciara felt a twinge of guilt. "You're right, this isn't ethical." He admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought my personal feelings into this. It's just that...you're the only woman I ever loved, and I thought maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for us."
"Us...?" She asked him, wearing an obfuscated look. "Was there ever 'us'?"
Damien looked at her with pleading eyes. "Tell me honestly, Ciara. Is there any chance you might feel the same way?" He replied to her questions with his own question instead.
"Look here, Damien." She started on a simple note. "Wejust met after a couple of years of being drifted apart from each other -feelings don't grow that easily in a day, Damien."
Damien closed his eyes tightly, breathing in the frustration he's feeling at the moment. Why is she always this way -finding every possibly way to make him and his feeling seem inferior? Why does she never reciprocate his feelings the same way he's doing to her? Is he that bad looking as a man?
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew he had to be patient; otherwise he would only push her further away. "I understand." He said, he mellowed his head.
"I know I can't force you to feel the same way as I do. But please, just give me a chance to win back your heart." He reached out to take her hand in his, his touch gentle and comforting. "I promise I won't push you. I just want the chance to be in your life again."
Ciara slowly withdrew her hands from his, not bothering to meet his eyes, but he wasn't ready to let go of her hands.
She already felt his sincerity from his touch, if she looks into his eyes -she might start reciprocating that feelings for him, which she knows will only be pitying and sympathy, not love.
"Damien, I thought we're here to discuss business?" She requested. This time, she tried not to sound cold, knowing that her cold attitude will only hurt him more.
Ever since she knows Damien, she understands how transparent he is. He's always lucid with his feelings, and always ready to show it whenever he got the chance to.
Damien let go of her hand, a disappointed expression on his face. He had hoped she would give him another chance, but he could see she wasn't ready.
"You're right, it seems like I'm taking things too far." He muttered out, trying to hide his hurt. "We should discuss business, since that's what we're here for, after all."
Damien sat back in his chair and tried to clear his head, deciding to focus on the matter at hand instead. "So, let's get down to business..."He finally said after several seconds ofsilence and thoughts.
Ciara was relieved that he had been able to put his emotions aside, at least forthe moment. She knew it couldn't be easy for him, but she also knew it was the only way to get through this meeting.
She cleared her throat and reached for her briefcase, taking out a stack of papers. "As you know, my company has been interested in acquiring yours for some time now." She began, taking a deep breath. "And we are prepared to make you a very generous offer, but as this business proposal is not about my company."
Damien creased his brows, unable to comprehend the meaning of her words. Why then did she need to talk business with him when it not about her company? That just did not make sense to him at all.
"What do you mean, Ms. Fellers?" He asked with an obfuscated look. "Ifthis isn't about your company, why would you request for a business partner when you don't need one?"
"I know, right?" She cited simply. "It's just that one of the companies I'm heading is facing some difficulties at the moment." Ciara admitted, knowing there was no point in denying it.
Damien was intrigued to hear this. She is only a company owner, but has other companies she's in charge of. He couldn't help but be amazed at her prowess -just like the old times, she has always proved to be competent in any field she finds herself in.
"But I believe that by working together with your company, we can overcome these challenges and come out even stronger." She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "In fact, I believe that by joining forces, we can create something truly great. We can make history together." She looked at him, hoping he would understand her vision.
Damien listened intently to herwords, pondering over the possibilities. "I see what you're saying." He finally said, nodding his head.
"But it's not an easy decision to make. My company is my life's work, and I can't just hand it overto anyone." He took a deep breath, considering his options. "But I'm willing to hear you out. Can you tell me more about your vision for our companies?"
"I think I'll go with the less complex idea." She told him. "My proposal to you is strategy alliance."
"A strategy alliance, you say." Damien repeated. "I have to admit, the idea is intriguing." He was beginning to see the potential benefits of such a partnership.
"Can you tell me more about how this alliance would work?"
"The idea is simple, yet powerful. We would pool our resources and expertise, to create a new entity that is greater than the sum of its parts." She continued, growing more excited as she spoke. "We would work togetherto develop new products and services, and expand into new markets."
Damien was impressed by her enthusiasm and the grandeur of her vision. "I have to admit, the idea is certainly compelling." He said, leaning forward in his chair. "But I have to ask, what's in it for my company? Why should I take this risk?"
"There are many reasons why this alliance would be beneficial for your company. For one, my company has a strong presence in certain markets that your company is not yet in." She listed the examples of these markets, to emphasize her point.
"Secondly, my company has certain resources that could be extremely valuable to your company." She listed a few examples of these resources, hoping to convince him of their value. "In addition to these tangible benefits, there are also intangible benefits to consider."
Ciara continued, her voice full of conviction. "The alliance would bring a new energy and creativity to both of our companies, and a fresh perspective." She paused, to let this idea sink in. "And finally, I believe that the alliance would also bring a certain prestige to your company, by association with my company's brand."
Damien was intrigued by the idea of a strategic alliance with Ciara's company. She made a strong case for the benefits that such an alliance would bring to his company, both tangible and intangible. He was beginning to see the possibilities, he was convinced that the risks were worth taking.
"To be honest with you, I'm intrigued by your business strategy but..."He paused his lips, staring intensively at her. "-I'll have to think it through before giving my consent on this, I hope you understand."
"Sure, I do." Ciara nodded curtly. "I'm looking forward to doing business with you, Mr. Vizio."
"Drop the formality, Cee, it's making me feel uncomfortable." He told her with a warm smile on his face.
"I can't help it when dealing with business." She told him and picked up her folder, ready to take her leave. "Since we've come to the business conclusion, I'll appreciate it if you can excuse me."
Damien was quick to grab her wrist, wearing a pleading look. "Can you stay a bit longer, please?" He requested. "Justfortoday."
She sighed. "Fine. Just for today...!"