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CHAPTER 10

Penulis: Olivia GW
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-09 22:38:21

Celeste’s POV

"It's none of your business."

The words flew out of my mouth, sharp and unfiltered, as I yanked my wrist free from his grasp.

Damien’s eyes darkened, his fingers twitching slightly, as if resisting the urge to reach for me again. He was momentarily taken aback, just standing there without moving. It was hard to read the expression on his face.

He was obviously shocked. Perhaps because he never expected me to fight back like this.

Well, it didn’t matter. I simply didn’t care anymore.

I turned on my heel and stepped into the hospital, leaving him behind without a second glance.

I could feel it—his presence lingering like a ghost, his stare burning into my back.

But I didn’t look back. Although I appeared indifferent on the surface, the turmoil within me was far more intense.

I let out a slow breath, willing my heart to calm down, to stop feeling anything for him. This was necessary, after all.

I had spent too long chasing after Damien Vaughn, too long drowning in love
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  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 11

    Damien’s POV"I agree to the divorce."Her words echoed in my mind, filling me with unexpected dread and shock. She had said it with finality, with certainty, as if there was nothing left between us.For a moment, I simply stared at her, waiting—expecting—for the real Celeste to appear. Surely, she’ll take it back.She had to.This was just a test, a reaction, a desperate attempt to get my attention.I waited. But she didn’t falter.She just stood there, chin lifted, back straight, fire burning behind her eyes.For the first time in a long time, she didn’t look like the Celeste who used to chase after me, worship me, and do everything in her power to please me.It was then that I felt something unpleasant beginning to form in my chest. I should have felt relieved. I had wanted this. Hadn’t I?But instead, an unfamiliar tightness gripped my throat—anger, confusion—an increasing discomfort that refused to go away. My fingers twitched at my side, a restless energy rising inside me. Why d

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 12

    Celeste’s POVThe seatbelt pressed against my chest, but it wasn’t what was making it hard to breathe.I sat rigid in the passenger seat, my hands on my lap, but my mind wasn’t here—it was still back in that hospital, tangled in Damien’s presence.Beside me, Theo drove in silence. I was still lost in my thoughts when he finally reached out and touched my hand. “Are you okay?”Jumping a bit, I gave him a startled look. “I… I, uh… I don’t know. I’m not sure.” I looked away, gazing outside and mindlessly watching the people we passed by. “Celeste, you know you can tell me anything,” he began gently. “Is it because we saw Damien?”He knew how deeply I had once loved Damien—probably still did. He wasn’t asking just to be polite. He genuinely wanted to know if I could handle this. If I was truly ready to walk away.I swallowed, pushing down the tangle of emotions inside me. Then I exhaled slowly. “I’m not the same person anymore…”Theo’s brow furrowed slightly, his fingers tightening on t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 13

    Celeste’s POVThe world around me froze.It was like falling into an ice cave—cold, suffocating, inescapable.Through the narrow gap in the curtains, I stared, unblinking, as my husband kissed my former best friend.The divorce papers trembled in my hands, my fingers curling around the edges so tightly that the sharp paper dug into my skin. I didn’t feel it. I felt nothing. Or maybe, I felt too much—so much that my body had numbed itself in defense.I had suspected something between them.The stolen glances. The way Genevieve always inserted herself between us. The way Damien listened to her, believed her, even when it meant turning against me.Did they plan to frame me so they could send me away? But if that’s the case, why is Damien refusing to sign our divorce papers?My eyes watered as I remained frozen on the spot, my eyes never leaving them. It was like a slow, merciless dagger carving through my chest, deeper and deeper, until I couldn’t tell if I was still breathing.I bit my

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 14

    Damien’s POVI was still standing by my desk, arms crossed, jaw tight, when Genevieve walked in.The door clicked shut behind her. She strolled inside with the ease of someone who belonged here—like she always had.Like she always would."Talking to the secretary again?" she mused, setting down a cup of coffee on my desk. "You know she likes to run her mouth, right?"I shot her a look. "She’s efficient."Genevieve smirked. "And nosy."There was a knowing glint in her eyes, as if she already had an idea of what the secretary had been saying. I had no patience for games right now."Why are you here?" I asked, sighing as I pinched the bridge of my nose."Well, your mother invited us to dinner this weekend," she announced casually. "She thinks we should spend more time together as a family."I stiffened. Us. Family.I didn’t like the way she said it."I’m busy," I said flatly. "I’ll talk to her about it later."Genevieve’s smile barely faltered, but I noticed the flicker of disappointment

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 15

    Celeste’s POVI stepped out of my car, my heels clicking against the pavement as I folded my arms and leveled Damien with a cold stare."Didn't you want the divorce first?" My voice remained even, but the fury blazed just beneath the surface. "You even announced it in front of everyone at the party. So why are you acting so hypocritical now?"His expression faltered, his lips parting slightly like he hadn’t expected those words. His usual arrogance was missing, replaced with something... darker. Even sadder.He definitely looked conflicted.For a moment, I thought he might actually say something honest. Something real. But then, his features hardened, and the mask slid right back into place."Are you just looking for an excuse to get rid of me faster?" His voice was sharp, taunting. "So you can go and live with your group of lovers?"I let out a humorless laugh, shaking my head. "Right. Because that’s exactly what I did while you were busy parading around with your ‘spare wife.’"His

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 16

    Damien’s POVCeleste’s car disappeared down the road, swallowed by the city lights, and yet—I couldn’t move. A strange feeling churned in my chest, something restless and unfamiliar. It seemed to be eating me up, little by little. There’s something different about her now. She’d changed. I had known it the moment she stood before me, her voice steady, her eyes cold. This wasn’t the same woman who had once clung to me, who had loved me with a devotion so unwavering it suffocated me.That Celeste… was slipping away.A sudden pang of raw panic struck deep, as if something irreversible had just happened—something I couldn’t fix, no matter how much I wanted to.Just then, I heard a sob that disrupted my thoughts and the rising emotion within me. "Damien…"Genevieve’s choked sob snapped me out of my thoughts.I turned to find her cradling her wrist, her eyes shimmering with tears as she winced in pain."It hurts," she whimpered. "Celeste—she… she grabbed me so hard… Look, it’s completely

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 17

    Celeste’s POVSince getting out of the asylum, I had been staying at Auntie’s apartment—a modest but familiar space that had become my only refuge. But the moment I pushed open the door, a strange feeling crawled over my skin. Something was off.I stepped inside cautiously, my fingers tightening around the keys that were always hidden in the plant outside the door. Right there, by the door—were items that didn’t belong to either of us. A shallow gasp slipped past my lips.Has someone from that hellish asylum come to take me back?I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. My heart pounded against my ribs as I moved carefully toward the living room. And that’s when I saw her.A middle-aged woman sat comfortably on the couch. She looked up the moment I entered, her warm brown eyes meeting mine."You must be Celeste," she said with a gentle smile. I didn’t move. I had no idea who she was, and after everything I’d been through, trust wasn’t something I gave easily."Who are you?" My

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 18

    Celeste’s POVI pressed the power button again. And again.Nothing.Frustration coiled tight in my chest as I stared at the lifeless screen. The phone refused to turn on, no matter how many times I tried. A bitter sigh escaped my lips.Why, when I was so close to learning the truth?I clenched my jaw and set the useless device aside. There had to be another way to figure this out. But for now, all I could do was wait.The sky outside had darkened by the time I heard a knock on the door. My heart leaped—then settled when I recognized the familiar voice calling my name.“Theo,” I whispered, a faint smile coming onto my lips. I pulled the door open to find him standing there, holding a few bags in each hand. The familiar smirk on his lips softened into something more gentle as he took me in.“No offense, Celeste, but you look like you haven’t eaten a proper meal in days.”I let out a breath of laughter, shaking my head. “Well, yeah, something like that.”His brows furrowed, as if that o

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09

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  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 55

    Damien’s POVMy eyes narrowed at Michael as he stood there. Something about the way he was looking at me made my instincts prickle. After everything that just happened, now he suddenly wanted to chat?No.I was on high alert.“What do you want?” I asked, keeping my voice flat.He raised his hands slightly, as if to show he came in peace. “Relax. I’m not here to pick another fight.”I didn’t relax.Michael glanced toward the hallway I’d just come from, then back at me. “I just… I wanted to ask you more about Celeste.”I stared at him. Hard. “I know how that sounds,” he said quickly. “But it’s not what you think.”“Really.” My tone was ice.“I’m not after her,” he added, reading my thoughts too easily. “I just… she looked familiar. That’s all.”Familiar? I almost scoffed. He was a Lancaster heir. Born into nobility. Grew up surrounded by heiresses from every elite bloodline across the country. Celeste didn’t come from that world. Who could she possibly resemble?“Familiar how?” I aske

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 54

    Damien’s POVThe cab ride to the hospital felt longer than it should have.A nurse guided me down a sterile corridor. My mind was elsewhere—on Celeste’s voice, her eyes, the man in the bar, the slap, the accusations. Everything felt like a blur wrapped in static.“This way, sir,” the nurse said politely, gesturing toward a room at the end of the hall.I stepped inside.Genevieve sat up in bed, her cheek still slightly red, but her smile bloomed instantly when she saw me. “Damien,” she breathed, like I was the hero in her story arriving at just the right time.I didn’t return the smile. Beside her, Michael stared at me with irritation, seemingly noticing my disheveled look but choosing to say nothing. I turned to the doctor standing nearby. “What’s her condition?” I asked, voice clipped.The doctor gave a slight nod. “We ran some tests. Nothing serious—just some bruising and mild swelling. She’ll be fine in a day or two.”That was all I needed to hear.“Good,” I said. “Then I’ll be o

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 53

    Damien’s POVI sat up straighter, squinting through the dim bar lighting, trying to get a clearer look.At first, I thought I was seeing things. Too much alcohol. Too much anger.My brain had to be playing tricks on me.But the more I looked… the more I saw him.The man was still there—same build, tall but slouched posture, same hood pulled low like he had something to hide. My pulse quickened.I stood abruptly, the bar stool scraping back with a screech. I moved toward him, one step at a time. Let me fucking see you, asshole…Let me see who the hell you are…My mouth was dry, my head buzzing.Did you sleep with Celeste? Is that who you are, one of her lovers? But then, my phone buzzed, distracting me. I glanced at the screen, it was Genevieve. I didn’t want to answer. Not now. Not ever, if I was being honest.I looked up again—but the booth was already empty. I whipped around, scanning the bar, the entrance, the shadows—but he had vanished. Like he’d never been there at all.My br

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 52

    Damien’s POVI didn’t expect her to admit it. She and Theo are together. She has really moved on with another man. Genevieve‘s eyes widened, with something that looked suspiciously like glee. I could sense that she was holding back a lot not to burst into a smug grin. “I’ve had enough of this circus,” Michael suddenly said sharply. “Genevieve, let’s go. You need to see a doctor. That cheek’s getting worse.”“Y-you’re right… it… it really does hurt,” she stammered.She turned to me before walking away and placed her hand on my arm, her touch featherlight but filled with meaning.“Aren’t you coming with us?” she asked softly, her voice just loud enough for Celeste to hear.I didn’t respond.Couldn’t. Because my gaze was locked on Celeste.She didn’t flinch nor appear to be remorseful at all. She just stood beside Theo—like she’d finally chosen a side. And it wasn’t mine.The pain seemed to be burning deeper in me as the seconds ticked. I felt like I’d explode anytime. “Let’s go,” Mi

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 51

    Celeste’s POVDamien’s arrival was like a match striking dry air.Making Genevieve launch into such a dramatic performance.“Damien! Look what she did to me! ”she cried, forcing him to see the redness blooming across her porcelain skin. Damien’s brows furrowed as he stepped toward her, genuine shock flashing across his face. “What the hell happened?”“She slapped me,” Genevieve whimpered, clutching his sleeve like a damsel clinging to her knight. “I tried to talk to her, and she lashed out.”His eyes darted toward me. “Is that true?” I let out a quiet laugh—dry, humorless. But I didn’t look away. I wouldn’t give him that.Just then, Theo stepped forward, “You didn’t see what happened before that.” He moved closer to my side, resting one hand lightly at the small of my back. Damien’s gaze shifted to him—and for a split second, the mask slipped. He glared at Theo, his fists curling so tightly I could almost hear the strain in his knuckles.I had assumed he came to pick a fight for Ge

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 50

    Celeste’s POVAfter the loud slap, the room fell into complete silence.Genevieve stood frozen.Then the pain bloomed in, and she let out a shriek of anguish.“You hit me!” she cried out, staggering backward.Oh, yes, I did. It felt good, really.Even with the man’s hand gripping my wrist, trying to stop me, I’d twisted free just enough to land the slap. The man who had stopped my hand earlier quickly caught her before she could fall.“What is wrong with you?!” Genevieve gasped, clutching her cheek. “How dare you—even when he tried to stop you!”As the man gently cupped her face to examine the swelling, she knocked his hat askew—and that’s when I saw him clearly for the first time.The shadows lifted. No more brim to hide behind.His expression had hardened, fury simmering just beneath the surface. His jaw clenched so tightly I could almost hear the grind of his teeth.My breath caught. That face.There was something about him—something deeply familiar. But I had no time to dwell on

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 49

    Celeste’s POVI stared at the ruined gown draped over the mannequin.The silk was ruined. The embroidery shredded. It looked like a child had attacked it with scissors.Theo sat quietly on the armchair nearby, his eyes on me. And yet he said nothing. Just being here. Just letting me think."Isadora’s money may have covered the cost of the fabric," I murmured, "but even with the material replaced, it won’t be the same."His voice was gentle. "I could have my design team look at it. They're good at restoration."I shook my head. "Thank you, but no. Just restoration isn’t enough. It’s Madam Diane! It can’t be less than outstanding!” I couldn’t just stitch something else together and pretend it would be the same.I stifled a yawn and rubbed at the corner of my eye. The weight of the morning was finally catching up to me.“I need coffee,” I murmured, glancing at Theo with a faint, tired smile. “Think you can save me with a cup?”He stood immediately. "I’ll go. The usual?""Please."He nod

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 48

    Genevieve’s POVWhen I came to pick up my brother, Michael, I was the image of sweetness and grace—the picture-perfect daughter.I immediately spotted him outside the gates of his massive hilltop estate, so I quickly plastered a bright smile on my face. "Michael!" I called out, waving both hands."Genevieve," he said with a warm smile, pulling me into a hug the moment I reached him.I clung to his arm with all the practiced sweetness I’d learned to wield. "It’s so good to see you!” Then I feigned concern. “You look tired. I’m sorry you had to have bothered you.""Don’t be ridiculous. I’m always happy to see you and to help you in any way."God, he really was the perfect older brother. Doting, loyal, and blinded.“Come inside for a while,” he invited warmly. “The house has missed you.”A servant greeted us just beyond the entrance, bowing slightly. "Miss Genevieve, welcome back. Shall I prepare your usual jasmine tea?""Yes, please, Henry," I said. I loved being adored like this—dote

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 47

    Damien’s POVI hung up the phone. I didn’t want to hear another word from her. I closed my eyes.Celeste’s words were still echoing in my head like a curse I couldn’t shake.I couldn’t get her furious expression and desperate screams out of my mind. They even overlapped with her pleading on our wedding anniversary.“Please, I am your wife, why don't you believe me?”“You still think I’m the manipulative one. The whore.”I let out a heavy breath. She had brought up the one thing I least wanted to revisit—That damn video.The one I had never wanted to talk about. It was better to accept what I saw, what I was told—especially when it came from my mother and Genevieve. I trusted them. I guess I’d always doubted Celeste, thinking she could easily betray me. That she would.But now... after what she said tonight, that thin shield of certainty I’d been hiding behind all this time began to splinter beneath all the doubt.What if it wasn’t?I sat frozen in my car. And for the first time,

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