Damien walked through the grand entrance of the Smith mansion, his footsteps heavy with the weight of what he was about to face. His mind raced, replaying every moment, every decision that had led him here. The mansion, usually a place of comfort and familiarity, now felt foreign—cold even. The large marble floors, the high ceilings, the portraits of his ancestors—they all seemed to judge him.He made his way through the grand hallway, his heart pounding in his chest. As he approached the family room, he saw his father, Mr. Harold Smith, sitting in his usual chair by the fireplace. His stern expression didn’t change when he noticed Damien enter.“Damien,” his father said, his voice sharp and laced with disapproval. “Where have you been? What in the world possessed you to abandon your wedding, your responsibilities, and your family?”Before Damien could respond, Mr. Harold stood up, his face red with anger. His hand shot out in a swift motion, striking Damien across the cheek with a h
Damien arrived at the hospital with Rachel, after calling her up to apologise too. His heart was heavy with the weight of the guilt from hurting Gina. The air felt thick with tension as they walked down the sterile corridors, and each step closer to Gina’s ward made him feel more apprehensive. He had hurt her. He had abandoned her on the biggest day of her life, and now, the consequences of his actions were clearer than ever.When they reached her room, Rachel knocked lightly before entering. Gina was sitting in the bed, her eyes red and swollen from crying, her once flawless makeup now a mess of smudges and tear stains. The sight of her like this pierced Damien’s heart, and he felt a wave of remorse wash over him. She looked broken, and he was the cause of it.Gina’s gaze flicked over to him, and for a moment, her eyes were empty, devoid of the warmth she had once shown him. Her lips curled into a bitter smile as she sat up straighter in bed.“You,” she spat, her voice hoarse but fil
As Damien drove away from the hospital, the weight of the confrontation with Gina still hung heavily over him. The silence in the car was suffocating, the only sound was the hum of the engine as he made his way through the city. Rachel sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the road ahead, her arms crossed in quiet frustration.Finally, breaking the silence, Rachel spoke, her voice tinged with disappointment. “Damien, I know you’re hurting, but you were wrong. You should have ended things with Gina before the wedding day, before the humiliation. You shouldn’t have waited until that moment to run.”Damien’s grip tightened on the steering wheel as Rachel’s words hit home. He knew she was right, but hearing it from her, from someone who cared about him, made the reality of his actions even harder to swallow.“I wasn’t ready,” Damien admitted, his voice low. “I didn’t know how to handle it, and I thought maybe it would work out on its own. But I was wrong.”Rachel sighed, shaking her head as s
It had been a month since the chaos of the wedding day, and the Smith family had become the centre of media attention. The scandal had not only spread across the city but had also made waves in other cities, with news outlets and social media buzzing nonstop. Damien's disappearance at the altar, followed by the discovery of his new relationship with Blaire, had become the talk of the month.The Smith family's name was now synonymous with drama, and despite the shame, their popularity skyrocketed. The media couldn’t get enough of them—especially the mysterious, heartbroken bride, Gina, and the runaway groom who had found solace in the arms of a woman from an entirely different world. The contrast between Blaire's humble background and the Smith family's wealth was too intriguing for the public to ignore.Damien had tried to keep a low profile during the month, focusing on his work and his relationship with Blaire. But the pressure of being constantly in the public eye was beginning to
Damien’s jaw clenched, his heart pounding. He had anticipated this moment, but now that it was here, he felt the full weight of his father’s ultimatum. The family legacy, the business, the wealth—all of it hung in the balance.Blaire’s presence beside him was a steady anchor, reminding him of what truly mattered. He turned to look at her, his eyes softening as he met her gaze. She didn’t say a word, but in that moment, he knew she would stand by him no matter what.Mr. Smith’s voice broke through the silence, harsh and unforgiving. "I can’t believe this. Do you think you can live off her salary? Do you think she can offer you the life you deserve? This is your future we’re talking about, Damien. Don’t throw it all away for someone like her."Damien took a step toward his father, his voice steady but filled with finality. "I’ve already made my decision, Father. I choose Blaire. I choose my happiness, my life with her. If that means walking away from everything you’ve built for me, then
The morning passed in a haze, as they packed up his things and made their way to Blaire’s apartment. The world outside felt as if it were moving faster than he could keep up, but for the first time in a long time, Damien felt like he had a place in it—beside Blaire, starting a new chapter, away from the pressure of his family and the legacy they had forced upon him.As they arrived at her apartment, Damien felt a small sense of relief. It wasn’t much, but it was something. And for now, that was enough.Gina's stay in the hospital had been long and painful, not just physically but emotionally. She had spent days lying in the sterile white room, her thoughts consumed by the wreckage of her life. The betrayal from Damien still stung like a raw wound, each moment spent in her hospital bed, nursing both her broken heart and bruised ego.The doctors had assured her she was physically fine, but her heart felt as though it were shattered beyond repair. Gina didn’t want anyone’s sympathy. She
Rachel sat in the quiet of her room, her phone pressed to her ear as she listened to Damien’s voice on the other end. Despite everything that had happened, she still felt a deep connection to him, like they had both been swept up in a storm they couldn’t control. Damien’s voice, though tinged with weariness, carried a sense of determination."How are you holding up?" Rachel asked, her voice soft with concern.There was a brief pause before Damien responded. "I'm managing. It’s been tough, but I’m figuring it out. Blaire and I are doing alright, just taking it one day at a time."Rachel sighed, her thoughts swirling. She had watched as Damien’s life unraveled, and though her father’s rage and disownment were still fresh in her mind, she couldn’t help but want to help him."I know you’ve been through a lot, Damien," she said, her voice sincere. "I’ve been thinking about what I can do for you. I don't want you and Blaire staying at her mom's house—it’s not the best place for either of yo
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains of the small apartment that Blaire and Damien had just moved into. The space was modest, the furniture minimal, but it was theirs. Their haven from the world. Despite the tension of their new beginnings, there was a quiet sense of contentment in the air.Damien sat on the couch, his fingers running over the rough wood of the coffee table. Blaire, standing by the window, was scanning the street below. They had just signed the lease, but the reality of it all was still sinking in. Their lives had changed drastically in such a short period—Damien, once the heir to a multi-billion-dollar empire, now had only what his own skills and determination could provide. Blaire, once struggling to survive, was now building a life with him, no longer defined by her past.“Do you think we can really make this work?” Blaire asked, turning to face him.Damien smiled, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. “I know we can. It’s going
In the weeks that followed, plans for a small, intimate wedding were set in motion. The ceremony was to be held in a quaint countryside chapel, surrounded by close family and friends.On the day of the wedding, as Blaire walked down the aisle holding their daughter, Damien felt a surge of love and gratitude. Despite all the obstacles, they had found their way to each other, proving that love could overcome even the darkest of times.As they exchanged vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Their journey had been fraught with challenges, but it had also been filled with love, resilience, and hope.Together, they looked forward to a future filled with joy, ready to face whatever life had in store.The soft glow of the evening sun filtered through the Smith mansion's grand windows, casting warm hues over the family gathered in the spacious living room. It had been weeks since Damien and Blaire’s intimate countryside wedding, a joyous occasion that marked the start of a new chapter in
Harold was silent, his gaze flickering between Damien, Blaire, and the baby. Rachel stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm.“Dad,” she said, “this isn’t about business or reputation. This is about love. Isn’t that what family is supposed to be about?”For a moment, the room was filled with tense silence. Then, without a word, Harold turned and walked away, leaving them standing in the foyer.Damien let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He turned to Blaire and Rachel, a determined look on his face.“No matter what, we’ll be okay,” he said. “We have each other.”Blaire smiled, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. Together, they left the mansion, ready to start the next chapter of their lives.The tension in the air was palpable as Damien and Blaire left the Smith mansion, their baby cradled in Blaire’s arms. Damien’s jaw was tight with determination, but there was a newfound peace between them. For the first time in months, they felt like a true family, ready to
The evening was still, with only the faint sound of the wind brushing against the windows. Blaire sat on the couch, her hands clutching her phone tightly. She had tried calling Damien countless times, each attempt met with silence. Her heart sank deeper with every unanswered call, and the weight of regret pressed heavily on her chest.Her pacing filled the room with restless energy, her thoughts racing. “What if I’ve lost him for good?” she whispered to herself, her voice quivering.Mrs Taylor, sensing her daughter’s turmoil, stepped into the room. “Blaire,” she began gently, “you need to calm down. He just needs time. Damien loves you. I saw it in his eyes the day he held your daughter.”Blaire shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “But what if he doesn’t come back, Mom? What if he decides this is too much?”Mrs Taylor placed a comforting hand on Blaire’s shoulder. “He’s a good man, Blaire. He’ll come around. You just need to have faith.”Despite her mother’s words, Blaire’s he
The evening was serene, the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow through the windows of Blaire’s small apartment. Mrs Taylor sat at the dining table, cradling her grandchild with a tender smile as Blaire moved around the kitchen, tidying up and preparing a light dinner.“Blaire,” Mrs Taylor began, her voice soft but firm. “You’ve done so much for your daughter. You’ve given her everything she needs. But don’t you think it’s time to be honest? To tell Damien the truth?”Blaire froze, her hands trembling slightly as she placed a dish on the counter. She had been dreading this conversation, even though she knew it was inevitable.“I... I don’t know if it’s the right time,” Blaire admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if he doesn’t believe me? What if he thinks I’m trying to use him?”Mrs Taylor shook her head, rocking the baby gently. “He deserves to know, Blaire. And you deserve to live without this weight on your shoulders. He loves you—anyone can see that. Yo
The air in Blaire’s apartment was thick with warmth and joy, the kind that only a newborn could bring. Her daughter, wrapped in a soft pink blanket, lay cradled in Blaire’s arms, her tiny fingers curling around Blaire’s thumb. It was as if all the struggles, heartache, and fear of the past months had melted away, leaving behind only love and hope.Maria, Blaire’s mother, hovered nearby, her eyes glistening with happy tears as she handed Blaire a glass of water. “You’ve been through so much, my dear. Seeing you like this, with her—it’s a blessing.”Damien stood close, his hand resting protectively on the back of the couch where Blaire sat. He looked down at his daughter with awe, his piercing blue eyes softening in a way no one had seen before.“She’s perfect,” Damien said, his voice thick with emotion. “Just like her mother.”Blaire glanced up at him, her heart swelling. Their journey to this moment had been anything but easy. From their unlikely connection to the trials that had test
Rachel sat on her bed, staring at the glowing screen of her phone. The posts, the comments, the endless judgement—it was all too much. The photos of her and Marcus were everywhere, plastered across gossip sites and social media platforms. The caption stung more than the images: "Rachel Smith disgraces the Smith name—caught with a low-class lover."She tossed her phone onto the bed, pulling her knees to her chest as tears streamed down her face. Her father’s harsh words echoed in her mind, but she pushed them away. She didn’t regret standing up for herself or her love for Marcus. But the weight of the public humiliation was more than she had anticipated.A soft buzz from her phone interrupted her thoughts. She grabbed it, her heart lifting slightly when she saw Marcus’s name on the screen.“Rachel?” Marcus’s voice was gentle, filled with concern.“Marcus,” she replied, her voice trembling.“I saw everything,” he said. “Are you okay?”Rachel swallowed hard. “I don’t know. It’s just...
Gina sat at her opulent vanity, her fingers drumming against the polished wood as she stared at the photos the watcher had sent. The images of Rachel laughing and leaning into Marcus screamed intimacy. In another, Marcus held her hand, his expression tender.Gina’s lips curled into a malicious smile. “So Rachel thinks she can play the hero, aiding Damien while sneaking around with someone beneath her status. Let’s see how the Smith family handles this scandal.”She called the watcher. “Upload the pictures,” she ordered coldly. “Use a burner account and make it salacious. Make sure it spreads like wildfire.”The watcher hesitated for a second. “What caption should I use?”Gina’s eyes gleamed with malice. “Write this: ‘The mighty Smiths are crumbling—Rachel Smith caught sneaking around with a man far below her class. Does this family have any dignity left?’ Add a hashtag: #SmithScandal.”“Consider it done,” the watcher replied.Within moments, the photos were posted, and the internet de
The next day, the mansion was eerily quiet as Rachel slipped out unnoticed, her heart pounding. She had grown accustomed to sneaking away to meet Marcus, but today was different. She wasn’t just meeting her lover—she was also visiting Blaire, someone she felt a strange yet undeniable connection with. Blaire had become a confidante in a way no one else could, someone who understood the weight of defying Harold Smith.Rachel arrived at Blaire’s modest apartment just as Damien was stepping out. “Perfect timing,” he said with a warm smile. “I need to run a quick errand. Rachel, you’re in charge until I’m back.”Rachel rolled her eyes playfully. “Got it, boss.”Once inside, Blaire greeted her with a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you. You look like you’ve got something on your mind.”Rachel sighed, sinking into the couch. “It’s my father. He’s relentless, Blaire. I can’t even breathe without him questioning my every move. And then there’s Marcus…” She trailed off, her cheeks coloring.Blai
Rachel Smith stepped out of the sleek black car in a quiet corner of the city, her heart pounding with anticipation. She glanced over her shoulder to ensure none of her father’s spies had followed her. Satisfied she wasn’t being watched, she adjusted her sunglasses and walked briskly toward the cozy apartment complex where Marcus lived.When she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking. Almost immediately, the door opened to reveal Marcus, his warm brown eyes lighting up as he saw her.“Rachel,” he said softly, pulling her into the apartment and shutting the door behind her. “I didn’t expect you today.”“I had to come,” she said, her voice trembling. “I couldn’t wait any longer.”Marcus cupped her face in his hands, searching her eyes. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”Rachel shook her head, a weak smile playing on her lips. “No, nothing new. I’m just... tired, Marcus. Tired of hiding, tired of sneaking around like we’re doing something wrong.”Marcus sighed, b