Damien’s POVI had been sitting in my car for what felt like an eternity, parked in the shadows outside the apartment.Through the window, I saw them—Celeste and Theo.Laughing softly. Cooking together. Moving in sync like they had done this a thousand times before.Like a damn couple.I tightened my grip around the glass of wine in my hand, the bitter taste doing nothing to wash away the unease clawing at my chest. The call from Mark echoed in my mind."Sir, we checked everything. The footage at Ravencrest is gone—completely inaccessible. There’s no official record of anything out of the ordinary. But… we did find traces of Mr. Theo Mercer."That bastard had been involved in my marriage.I should’ve known. Celeste’s sudden discharge, her newfound hostility, the way she had completely changed toward me—none of this was a coincidence.He got to her.Manipulated her while she was weak. Twisted her against me.And now, he was here, inserting himself into her life like he belonged in it.
Damien’s POVSLAP!The sharp sound rang through the apartment, leaving behind a silence so thick it rammed against my chest, making it hard to breathe.I didn’t move. Theo didn’t move.Celeste… she didn’t even flinch. She just stood there, her posture rigid, her gaze flaring with an icy finality I had never seen before."Get out," she said, her voice calm but razor-sharp. "Or I’ll call the police."I blinked. I heard her, but my body refused to register the words.She hit me. She had actually hit me.For him.My pulse pounded in my ears, drowning out all logic. My cheek burned, but the sting was nothing compared to the ache spreading through my chest."Are you serious right now?" My voice came out hoarse, raw. "You’d call the police? On me?""Yes," she spat out. "Try me."A humorless chuckle escaped me, but it felt hollow."This is what it’s come to?" I searched her face for something—anything—but all I found was cold detachment. "You really want to cut all ties with me?"Celeste exha
Damien’s POVThe first thing I felt when I woke up was pain. A pounding headache pulsed behind my eyes, sending sharp, punishing waves through my skull. I exhaled, slow and controlled, pressing my fingers against my temples in an attempt to get rid of the discomfort.The morning light streaming through the curtains did nothing to help. If anything, it only made my irritation worse.Fragments of last night slammed into me all at once—the erased footage from the nursing home, the sight of Celeste standing beside Theo Mercer like a united front, the unshaken fury in her eyes, and then… the slap.A muscle ticked in my jaw as I reached up, touching the lingering sting on my cheek.She had hit me.Not out of desperation. Not out of hysteria.But to protect him. Damn. A bitter taste filled my mouth, something ugly and unfamiliar twisting in my chest. I would never forget that moment, suddenly getting stripped of my dignity. Just like that. And for what?! For that asshole. Celeste had neve
Damien’s POVGenevieve’s words hung in the air, her voice coated with just the right amount of confidence and conviction. My mother’s lips pursed, deep in thought, while my father simply watched me, unreadable.I could already see the wheels turning in their heads.Then Genevieve delivered the next blow."The only reason Damien hasn’t finalized the divorce yet is because he’s making sure Celeste doesn’t walk away with more than she deserves," she said smoothly, her tone almost matter-of-fact. "He’s ensuring that every asset, every cent, remains right where it belongs—within the Vaughn family."I was astonished, to say the least. And quite impressed. My mother’s expression shifted, her disapproval easing into something more contemplative. "Is that true, Damien?" she asked, tilting her head. "You’re making sure the damage she caused is contained?"I didn’t answer immediately.Because the truth was—I hadn’t even thought about it.I should have. That’s what I had done in the past, securi
Celeste’s POV“Twice the Scandal? Former Mrs. Vaughn Exposed in Late-Night Rendezvous with Another Lover—Billionaire Ex Goes Berserk!”The headline practically screamed at me from my phone screen, the bold, flashing text a cruel mockery of my already crumbling reputation. My stomach twisted as I read the words again, each one feeling like a fresh slap across my face.Another lover.As if I’d been cycling through men like they were disposable. It was everywhere! Every tabloid, every social media page, every gossip site. My name, my face, plastered across the internet like a dirty secret the world couldn’t wait to tear apart."Celeste Monroe strikes again! After being exposed in a scandalous video, the disgraced Mrs. Vaughn is caught sneaking around with another man! Who are her secret lovers?"It wasn’t enough that the world had branded me a whore once before—now, they were determined to do it again.And why?Because of Damien Vaughn.If he hadn’t drawn attention to himself—recklessly
Celeste’s POVTheo’s words hung between us heavily. I won’t leave you again.I wasn’t prepared for them.I had always known Theo as my rock—the steady, dependable presence who had once been my closest friend. But something about the way he said those words now made my breath catch.There was no hesitation, no room for doubt.I met his gaze, and for the first time, I realized something had changed. Or maybe… it had always been there, and I had been too blind to see it.The way he looked at me now intensely, like I was the only thing that mattered—was different.Too different.My heart began to beat crazily. What’s going on? Had I misread him all these years? Or was it just now that I was truly seeing him?My pulse became a bit erratic, my emotions beginning to get tangled in knots. This was unfamiliar territory for me. But then, he moved past me, setting a bag down on the counter, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafting into the air. He had come prepared, as always."
Damien’s POVI sat in my office, my fingers tapping against the edge of my desk, a restless rhythm that matched the chaos in my head."Three more media outlets, sir,” Mark informed me. “They've been secretly tailing Mrs. Vaughn… Miss Monroe, I mean."My jaw clenched at the correction. No matter what they called her, she was still my wife. Legally. Emotionally.Mine.I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair, frustration prickling just beneath my skin. I’d given explicit instructions—no more stories, no more cameras, no more dragging her name through the mud. I thought I’d bought her peace. Apparently not.They wouldn’t stop. And I was running out of ways to protect her without standing in the spotlight myself—and dragging her deeper into this endless mess.“The reporters have been dealt with,” Mark continued. “We paid them off to keep quiet.” My head suddenly began to throb. I closed my eyes and waved him away. But I knew.Just like the rats infesting the streets of
Celeste’s POV I agreed to Damien’s request to meet, trying to sound calm while my heart beat like crazy. After ending the call, I stood there dazed in the living room, phone still in my hand, the weight of what was to come already pressing on my shoulders. It all felt surreal. Theo glanced up from the couch, concern showing on his face. “You’re going to meet with Damien?” he asked, already knowing.I nodded. “He wants to talk about the divorce.”Theo’s expression didn’t change much, but I noticed the slight tightening of his jaw. “Do you want me to come with you?”There it was—his instinct to protect. He always offered that quietly, never forcefully. And yet… I shook my head.“No. I need to go alone. I have to do this by myself, Theo.”This time, it wasn’t because I didn’t want to trouble him, or because I feared the press would twist something out of nothing. Well, maybe that too. But more than anything, I didn’t want him dragged into my mess.He had already done enough.“You’ve h
Damien's POV"Celeste, what do you mean by that?" My voice shook with an emotion I couldn’t even name.Celeste narrowed her eyes. I took a deep breath. "About that video—I admit, I acted impulsively. But didn’t you betray me first?" The words were hard to get out, each one slicing open something raw.But I didn’t stop. “I really thought you cared about me. But what happened? You slept with another man." My throat tightened. "You could’ve lied to me for money, fine—but why for him? Was I really that bad to you?""Aha." Celeste let out a cold laugh."This is exactly it. You’re always stuck in your own delusions," she snapped. "You never see the truth unless someone shoves it in your face.""Then what was I supposed to do?!" I snapped back, finally losing it."And there it is," Celeste said suddenly, her anger gone. Her voice turned flat, almost lifeless. "You still think I’m the manipulative one. The whore.""You don’t feel guilty. You just want to make yourself feel better." Her tone
Damien’s POVThe hallway outside her apartment was quiet. Celeste stood a few steps from her door. Her arms remained folded, her eyes sharp with something unreadable—wariness, maybe, or disappointment.“Why are you really here, Damien?” She said flatly. The doubt and exhaustion in her eyes broke my heart.“I’m not here to make excuses.” I said, cutting Celeste off before she could say more things I wasn’t ready to hear.It wasn't as hard as I imagined. Because it was her—facing her—the guilt in my chest made the apology flow out. I wasn’t hoping for anything in return; I just wanted her to stop looking at me with those doubtful eyes.“You deserved more. I should’ve seen you… really seen you. I failed you, Celeste. Again and again. And I’m—” I faltered, swallowing hard. “I’m sorry. For all of it.”Not just for what happened at the boutique, but also for how I’d treated her in the past, how I had failed and neglected her many times. Over and over again. She tilted her head, brows
Damien’s POVI arrived home late, the weight of a ten-hour client negotiation still sitting squarely between my shoulders. All I wanted was a drink, a moment of silence—maybe a hot shower to rinse off the day.Instead, I stepped into the noise."The nerve of that girl! Acting like she owns the world just because she has a few designs hanging on racks! That boutique isn’t even that impressive. It's all talk!"My mother’s voice rang through the hallway, sharp and bitter. I slowed down mid-step, frowning. She was in the sitting room. And she wasn’t alone.Genevieve was seated beside her, legs crossed neatly, nodding along with a glass of red wine in her hand. She didn’t speak, but the way she leaned in, eyes lit with interest, made it clear she was encouraging every word.My mother looked up the second I stepped in. Her eyes brightened."Damien, finally! You need to talk some sense into that ridiculous woman—"She launched into her tirade without so much as a pause, not noticing how my j
Celeste’s POVIsadora’s smugness faltered, her face draining of color. The women around her started. A few even stepped away from her."You—you’re lying," she sputtered, trying to regain control. "Madam Diane would never wear such trash. She has better taste than this cheap mess you’ve draped on these hangers."But the words had barely left her mouth when a voice, cool and unmistakably elegant, cut through the tension like silk over glass."Oh? And here I thought I’d arrived early."Everyone turned.There, standing in the boutique’s entrance, was Madam Diane herself. Everyone in the business world knew better than to offend Madam Diane lightly. She was no mere socialite with a vanity title, but the wife of a senior Ministry of Finance official.She and her family have the power to make or break reputations with a few pointed words. Connections like hers didn’t just open doors—they decided who was invited in, and who was left out in the cold.Isadora turned, all pretense draining fro
Celeste’s POVI put a smile on my face and greet them, the way I always did with potential clients.But the moment Isadora saw me, her smile evaporated.Her lips tightened as if she'd bitten into something sour. I saw it all in one blink—the recognition, the shock, the disbelief. Perhaps it never crossed her mind that I could be capable of this—that the girl she used to dismiss and belittle could one day own a name worth whispering about in upper circles. She had spent so long underestimating me, she probably assumed I’d crawled away quietly after the scandal.Her brow lifted slightly, her tone dipped with something resembling confusion. "You? What are you doing here?"I smiled thinly. "Working."She relaxed a little, clearly assuming I was a retail assistant."Oh," she said with feigned pleasantness. "So you’re an employee here. Good thing they took you in despite your reputation.”"No," I said. My smile didn’t waver. "I own it."Isadora's painted-on smile cracked like a cheap mask
Celeste’s POVI stayed by Auntie’s side for hours, barely moving. Only the machines beeped in a rhythm.My phone kept vibrating on the tray beside me. I didn’t look. I didn’t need to. I already knew it was Theo.I hit "decline" without a second thought. The room dimmed, I glanced at the screen. Theo’s messages shifted from concern to desperation, each one more urgent than the last.[Hey, are you okay? I haven’t heard from you. You suddenly disappeared from the banquet.] [Still no word from you. I’m starting to worry.][I’ve asked around. You weren’t at your place. Please tell me you’re alright.]The messages grew in urgency, but I stared at them like they belonged to someone else. All I could hear was that voice—the clipped, official tone of that man’s assistant, the man he’d been talking to with such intensity and importance. What had it been all about? Sighing, I turned toward Auntie and squeezed her hand gently, willing for her to wake up and be well. Two days passed before I
Genevieve’s POVI couldn’t think. My body had taken over. It seemed to have a mind of its own. “I love it when you’re this wet, baby,” he gruffly said as he pushed himself inside me again, diving deeper this time. I gasped, feeling his big, hard cock expanding within me, rubbing against my walls. “Ohhh.. That feels sooo good,” I whispered breathlessly. “Faster, please.” He rode me harder and faster. Wilder. “I’m the one you need, Genevieve,” he said in between his raspy breaths. “I’m the one you should desire. Damien doesn’t deserve your attention.”My eyes widened. I wanted to respond, but then, he rammed into me, making me scream a little bit, both in surprise and pleasure and pain, all wrapped into one. Again, my mind went blank. He didn’t let up until he’d reached his climax right after mine. And afterwards, we lay there spent. I was sprawled on the bed, naked in his arms, catching my breath. “So, are you still living alone in that apartment of yours?” he suddenly asked.
Genevieve’s POVI whispered to the empty room, "You’ll regret walking away from me and wanting to send me away, Damien."The door clicked shut behind him, but the echo of his footsteps lingered like a slap to my face.I slammed my glass onto the table. The shatter echoed through the pristine apartment, shards of crystal flying across the floor."Damn it!" I choked out, gripping the edge of the counter to steady myself.All that work. All that effort. And for what?To watch Celeste Monroe crawl out of the ashes again? To watch Damien—the man I held onto for years—look at her like she was the only star in his sky?My hands trembled. Not from weakness, but from rage."Why?" I whispered, staring at my reflection in the glass. "Why does she always win?"We were both orphans. Both unwanted girls clawing our way through a cruel world.So why does she get to have the fairy tale?Even after I was chosen. Even after the Lancaster family claimed me, dressed me in silk and diamonds—Celeste still
Damien’s POV“You don’t get to care now.”Her painful words cut deeper than I expected. Her quiet voice—with that tone of finality—played over and over in my mind.I sat heavily on the hallway bench just outside the restroom. My heart hadn’t stopped pounding since she left, but now it felt like it had finally cracked wide open.“I loved you. God help me, I did. And you made me regret every second of it,” she had uttered so coldly. I’d never been the kind of man who let emotion control me. Not in boardrooms. Not in public. Not even in private. But right now? I felt like someone had hollowed me out from the inside.My mind kept going back to that night when she’d called me from the asylum. Her voice, frantic on the other end of the line, and me… shutting it off. Shutting her off.I thought she was trying to manipulate me. Just throwing another tantrum. But she wasn’t. What did I miss? What really happened to her there?I sighed, the massive burden and pain of all my mistakes suddenly