Where Darkness Learned Breath by Rylor Dusk 155

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155 Chapter 155: Official Announcement 

155 Chapter 155: Official Announcement 

Aria pov 

“We’re going to make each other happy,” I corrected. “Partners, remember?” 

“Partners,” he agreed. “Always.” 

That Evening 

After picking up Noah from the house keeper’s house–where he’d spent the day learning to bake cookies and had been thoroughly spoiled–we settled into the penthouse for a quiet family evening. 

“Mama, why do you look so happy?” Noah asked, his face covered in cookie crumbs. 

“Because today was a good day, baby.” I pulled him onto my lap carefully. “A really good day.” 

“Did you win?” He tilted his head, curious. 

“Yeah, we won.” Damien ruffled his hair. “The bad people can’t bother us anymore.” 

“Good.” Noah nodded seriously. “Bad people should leave families alone. That’s what 

Mr. Peterson says.” 

“Mr. Peterson is very smart.” I kissed the top of his head. “Just like you.” 

“Mama?” Noah looked up at me. “Do I have grandparents? Emma talks about her grandparents a lot.” 

My heart clenched. “You have” I paused, choosing my words carefully. “You have people who love you. Aunt Olivia and Uncle Lucas. Lots of people who chose to be your family.” 

“Chosen family is the best kind,” Damien added, sitting beside us. “Because they love you for who you are, not because they have to.” 

“Oh.” Noah considered this. “Then I have the best family ever.” 

“You really do,” I agreed, feeling tears prick my eyes. 

After we put Noah to bed–complete with his new favorite dinosaur book and elaborate bedtime negotiations–Damien and I stood in the doorway watching him sleep. 

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“He’s amazing,” Damien said softly. “How did we make someone so perfect?” 

“Luck.” I leaned against him. “And maybe a little bit of us, minus all the trauma and 

damage.” 

“The best parts of us.” He pulled me close. “Aria, I know today was hard. Facing your parents, having everything dragged out in court.” 

“It needed to happen.” I turned in his arms. “And you know what? I don’t regret it. Not anymore. They showed exactly who they are–greedy, selfish people who see relationships as transactions. And the judge saw it too. Everyone saw it.” 

“You were incredible.” His voice was fierce with pride. “The way you stood up to them, told the truth, refused to back down. Aria, I’ve never been more proud of anyone in my 

life.” 

“I learned from the best.” I kissed him softly. “You taught me to fight for what matters. To protect the people I love. To choose courage over fear.” 

“We taught each other.” He rested his forehead against mine. “And now we get to teach Noah. Show him what real love looks like. What a real family is.” 

“No more toxic people.” I smiled against his lips. “No more drama. Just us, building our life together.” 

“Just us,” he agreed. “Forever.” 

Few Weeks Later 

I stood in front of the mirror in my office, adjusting my blazer for the third time. Navy blue, tailored perfectly, paired with a white silk blouse and heels that made me feel powerful. Today was the final official announcement of the Monroe Global and Blackwood Enterprises merger, and I needed to look like the co–CEO I was about to 

become. 

“You look beautiful.” Olivia appeared in the doorway, holding two cups of coffee. “And terrifying. The perfect combination for a power move.” 

“I’m nervous.” I took the coffee gratefully. “What if the board pushes back? What if investors think it’s a bad idea? What if” 

“What if you stop catastrophizing and remember that you’re brilliant at what you do?” Olivia cut me off gently. “Aria, this merger makes perfect sense. Monroe Global’s tech innovations combined with Blackwood’s infrastructure and resources? It’s a 

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billion–dollar synergy. Anyone with a brain can see that.” 

“Anyone except the old–guard board members who think women shouldn’t run companies, let alone co–run them with their fiancés.” I sipped my coffee, letting the warmth calm me. “Sterling tried to block it last week. Said it was ‘inappropriate‘ for engaged couples to share CEO duties.” 

“And what did you say?” Olivia grinned, already knowing. 

“I reminded him that he’s on the board, not running the company, and if he had concerns about my capabilities, he was welcome to review my quarterly reports.” I smiled at the memory. “He shut up pretty quickly.” 

“Because you’re a badass.” Olivia clinked her coffee cup against mine. “Now finish getting ready. Your co–CEO is waiting in the conference room, and you have a press conference in an hour that’s going to change the business landscape of this city.” 

She was right. This merger was huge–not just for our companies, but for the industry. Two of Ravenwood’s biggest corporations, previously rivals, now joining forces under joint leadership. The business world was going to lose its mind. And I couldn’t wait. 

*** 

The conference room was packed when I arrived. Board members from both companies, legal teams, PR specialists, and Damien–standing at the head of the table looking devastatingly handsome in a charcoal suit. 

“Ms. Monroe.” He smiled, all professional, but his eyes were warm. “Ready to make 

history?” 

“Always, Mr. Blackwood.” I took my place beside him at the head of the table, our shoulders nearly touching. “Shall we begin?” 

The next hour was a blur of presentations, contract signings, and carefully worded statements for the press. Every detail had been negotiated to ensure true equality–we would share the CEO title, split decision–making power, have equal say in all major company moves. 

“This is unprecedented, “one of Blackwood’s senior board members, said. His tone wasn’t quite disapproving, but it wasn’t enthusiastic either. “Two CEOs, equal power. What happens when you disagree on strategy?” 

“We discuss it like adults and find a compromise.” I met his gaze steadily. “Much like a 

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board would. Mr. Walsh, I understand this structure is unusual, but Mr. Blackwood and I have complementary skill sets. Where I’m strong in innovation and tech development, he excels in infrastructure and resource management. Together, we’re more effective than either of us would be separately.” 

“And if personal matters interfere with business decisions?” This from margret Sterling, no relation to the lawyer but equally skeptical. 

“They won’t.” Damien’s voice was firm. “Ms. Monroe and I are professionals first. Our personal relationship doesn’t cloud our business judgment–if anything, it enhances our ability to work together efficiently.” 

“Plus,” I added, unable to resist, “we’re not the first engaged couple to run a business together. And we won’t be the last. The question isn’t whether it’s appropriate, but whether it’s effective. And I guarantee you—it will be.” 

The vote was called. Fourteen in favor, three against. The merger was official. 

As board members filed out, congratulating us or offering stiff nods, Damien turned to me with a smile that made my stomach flip. 

“We did it,” he said quietly. 

“We did.” I wanted to kiss him but maintained professional distance. “Co–CEOs of the newly merged Blackwood–Monroe Corporation.” 

“Has a nice ring to it.” His hand found mine under the table, hidden from view. “Though personally, I prefer ‘partners.” 

“In business.” I squeezed his hand. 

“In everything,” he corrected, his eyes intense. 

The loaded promise in that word made heat pool low in my belly, but I forced myself to focus. We had a press conference in thirty minutes, and I needed to be sharp, not distracted by how much I wanted to tear that suit off him. 

“Later,” I murmured, pulling my hand away. “Right now, we have reporters to dazzle.” 

** 

*** 

The press conference was held in Blackwood Enterprises‘ main auditorium, cameras everywhere, reporters packed in tight. I stood at the podium beside Damien, hyperaware of every point where our bodies almost touched. 

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“Good afternoon.” My voice was steady, confident. “Thank you all for coming, Today, we’re announcing the official merger of Monroe Global and Blackwood Enterprises, creating Blackwood–Monroe Corporation–a unified company that will lead the industry in technological innovation and infrastructure development.” 

Flashes went off as photographers captured the moment. I continued, outlining the merger details, the projected growth, the new initiatives we’d be launching. 

Then Damien took over, his voice smooth and authoritative. “This merger represents more than just a business decision. It represents a commitment to excellence, to innovation, to building something stronger together than we ever could separately. Ms. Monroe and I will serve as co–CEOS, bringing our combined expertise and vision to lead this company into the future.” 

“Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Monroe” A reporter stood. “There’s been speculation about whether your personal relationship influenced this merger. Can you address that?” “Our personal relationship made us want to work together,” I answered honestly. “But the merger itself is based purely on business logic. Monroe Global’s technology combined with Blackwood’s resources creates a synergy that will benefit our employees, our shareholders, and our clients. The fact that Mr. Blackwood and I are engaged is secondary to the fact that we’re excellent at what we do.” 

“Will you keep your separate identities or rebrand completely?” another reporter 

asked. 

“We’re keeping both names,” Damien explained. “Blackwood–Monroe represents the union of two strong companies, each with their own legacy and strengths. We’re not erasing the past–we’re building on it.” 

More questions followed–about leadership structure, about potential conflicts of interest, about our upcoming wedding. We fielded each one smoothly, presenting a united front. 

“One final question.” A young reporter in the back stood. “This is quite unusual in the business world–equal co–CEOs who are also romantic partners. What message does 

this send?”