Celeste’s POV
I woke up with a throbbing headache. And as soon as my eyes popped open, I jolted upright.
Wait a minute, this isn’t my home.
Looking around, I noticed that the room was spacious enough, but plain and simple. With everything a creepy white.
Where am I?
I winced in pain as I tried to move my hands. Both were bandaged.
Suddenly, the pain awakened all my memories. Isadora. Genevieve. Damien.
My mother-in-law slapped me. My best friend had betrayed me. My husband hadn’t even bothered to look for the truth before labeling me a slut in front of the whole world.
I held back the tears in my eyes and began to look around. My gaze fell on a brochure on the bedside table. It said: Welcome to Ravencrest Asylum!
It was… An asylum? A mental institution?! My eyes widened. Why am I here?
Suddenly, the door swung open and I turned sharply toward it.
Damien walked in, his presence commanding as ever, though his expression remained cold and detached.
Behind him, Genevieve followed in a wheelchair, partially covered in a soft shawl. Her delicate frame made her look like the perfect victim.
A myriad of emotions hit me hard. But I stared hard at her, waiting for an explanation. Hoping just a bit that this was some kind of mistake.
Her lips trembled, and as soon as her gaze met mine, she let out a quiet sob.
"I’m so sorry, Celeste," she whispered, her voice shaking. “You shouldn’t have done those things. I couldn’t hold back the truth anymore…”
The words slammed into me. I barely had time to process the shock before Damien tossed a folder onto the table. It slid across the surface, stopping inches from my fingers.
I hesitated before picking it up with trembling hands.
"What… what is this?" My voice came out hoarse and unsteady.
Damien’s stare didn’t falter. "Your medical report."
My fingers clenched around the papers. "This… is not true."
"Isn’t it?" His voice was ice. "You attacked Genevieve. You caused a scene at the banquet. You lashed out in front of hundreds of people."
"None of that was my fault!" I took a step closer, feeling desperate. "The video was fake! The injury—she framed me! How can you not see that?!"
Damien didn’t even blink. "You know what I see?” He paused, seething. “A woman who’s willing to protect her secret lover at any cost."
I let out a shaky breath, trying to hold myself together. "Damien, I don’t have any damn secret lover. There’s no one else!” I cried out. “You know how important you are to me! I gave you my life."
"Enough with the lies." He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair like he was forcing himself to stay calm.
"But I’m not lying!"
Suddenly, Genevieve let out a soft whimper. "Celeste, please... just admit it! You betrayed Damien. You hurt me. Haven’t you done enough?"
“Admit what?” I snapped. “Why would you say that? You’re supposed to be my best friend!”
"I’m your friend, but I’ve covered for you long enough, Celeste! This is for your own good!"
Genevieve stood tall, playing the role of a righteous savior—pretending she was delivering justice.
"You—LIAR!" I yelled, my anger ignited.
I lunged for her, but Damien was quick to step in between us, grabbing my wrists. “Stop this, Celeste! You’re unstable and dangerous!”
He jerked me so hard that I lost my balance, and I suddenly felt my body falling backwards. I hit the floor hard, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs.
Pain shot through my back, but it was nothing compared to the searing agony in my heart. I blinked up at Damien through my tears.
For just a second, his gaze shifted with something that surprised me. Concern? Regret?
But then, Genevieve sobbed again. Damien’s shoulders squared, his face hardening once more.
“Genevieve even tried to cover for you when I saw the video,” he muttered coldly. His gaze connected with mine, and I could see his eyes filling with sheer fury. "Celeste. I can’t believe you could be so cruel."
The words stabbed right through me. Tears spilled over, but still I forced myself to sit up, my hands pressing against the cold floor.
"Damien…" I pleaded. "Please. Don't do this to me."
"Don’t touch me,” he spat out. “Being with you disgusts me."
The breath left my lungs. A sharp, empty ache spread through my chest, crushing what was left of my dignity.
The man I had spent years loving was looking at me with even more wrath and revulsion than before.
I swallowed hard, shaking my head. "You’re wrong. I—"
"You should be thanking Genevieve," Damien cut me off. "If it weren’t for her kindness, you’d be in prison right now."
My mouth dropped open, and my blood ran cold. I couldn’t believe my ears.
“You have to stay here and reflect on everything you’ve done, Celeste,” Damien said, his voice dripping with cold loathing.
Is he crazy? No damn way. I can’t stay here!
Auntie was still waiting for me with news about my biological parents. I was so close— finally so close to finding the truth!
"No!" I tried to stand, though my legs trembled beneath me. "I need to leave! You can’t keep me here!"
But Damien stood his ground, blocking the exit.
Then to my surprise, Genevieve touched his hand and spoke. "Damien… Let me talk to her alone."
Damien frowned, looking terribly worried. But it wasn’t for me. It was for her.
He’s thinking I might attack her again. He’s worried I might end up hurting his innocent Genevieve.
It was a sick joke, indeed.
Damien had never once looked at me that way. Never once been afraid to leave me vulnerable. But now, he was treating her like something fragile.
My scream got stuck in my throat.
“Fine,” Damien eventually said. “I’ll be right outside.”
His eyes moved toward me one last time before he turned and strode out of the room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Genevieve dropped the act. The softness in her expression vanished, replaced with something sharp and cruel. Perhaps even victorious.
She let out a low, satisfied laugh. "My, my, Celeste," she purred, tilting her head. "Look at you now. How does it feel to lose everything?"
I gritted my teeth. "You piece of—"
"Don’t bother," she cut me off, rolling her eyes. "I don’t have time for your drama. No one’s going to believe you, anyway."
Rage boiled inside me, but I forced myself to stay still.
"Why?" My voice shook, but not from fear. From fury. "Why are you doing this to me?"
Genevieve smirked. "You still don’t get it, do you?" she sighed dramatically. "You still see yourself as a billionaire’s wife? Don’t be delusional. Now you’re just a famous high-society whore."
Her words twisted my heart, crushing something inside of me.
"You know, I did everything I could to get close to Damien…” she began to say with bitterness and anger. “I became his secretary. I worked harder than anyone. And yet, he still ended up marrying you." Her smile faded, eyes flashing with hatred. "A useless, pathetic little orphan girl with no potential. And you’re not even that pretty.”
I inhaled sharply, resisting the urge to shake her awake.
Genevieve leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But don’t worry," she murmured. "Everything has finally gone back to where it should be."
She tilted her head, smiling. Like she had already won.
Without thinking, I jumped at her with rage. “You—vile, scheming liar! You’ve been playing me all this time, planning to betray me all along!”
But she just laughed.
"Temper, temper," she cooed, completely unfazed. "You might want to control that. It’s exactly why Damien thinks you’re insane."
A sharp inhale stuttered past my lips. And that was when she leaned in, her lips barely moving. "Enough of this, Celeste. Just stay here and be a good girl, alright?"
“You have no right—”
She didn’t let me finish. “Stay here or I’ll have the orphanage shut down. It’s just one call away.”
My eyes widened. The air left my lungs. No! Not the orphanage!
Genevieve sighed, inspecting her nails. "Auntie and those poor, helpless children... What would they do if they suddenly had nowhere to go? If they ended up on the streets, starving, straying?"
She tilted her head, smirking again. "You wouldn’t want to be responsible for that, would you?"
The walls of the asylum seemed to close in around me. My heartbeat pounded in my skull. And in that moment, I realized the hard, painful truth.
I was trapped, left with no choice. And she fucking knew it.
Celeste’s POVI struggled to suppress the scream in my throat, silently praying for someone to come and help me.That was all I could do. It was not just me I had to think about. Those kids in the orphanage… and Auntie, who’d always been like a mother to me…If I fought back, Genevieve would make good on her threats.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to breathe through the panic clawing at my chest. I couldn’t let them suffer because of me.Luckily, no one entered my room again until sleep finally claimed me.Soon, morning came. The door suddenly creaked open, making me sit up in bed as a nurse walked in.She was definitely not the kind who greeted others with warmth.Her uniform was crisp, but her face was hard and expressionless. The dead eyes stared at me, void of empathy.“Time for your medicine.”I immediately recoiled. “I don’t need it. I’m not sick,” my voice hoarse.But the nurse didn’t blink. She simply walked forward, grabbed my jaw in a bruising grip, and forced my mouth ope
Celeste’s POVI pounded on the door, my fists aching from the force. But I couldn’t stop it."Help! Someone, please!"I slammed my hands against the door again, even louder and harder this time. “Please! Help!”The nurses barged in, their expressions twisted with irritation."Shut up!" one of them snapped."You want us to sedate you?" another hissed.I dropped to my knees, clutching at their uniforms. "Please, let me out," I begged, my voice cracking. "My Auntie—she's in the hospital. The children—""You can't leave without your family's consent."“But please, I need to —” I began to say, but they stepped back and pushed me to the floor. Desperation twisted inside me like a wild animal. My eyes flicked to the nurse’s pocket. Something was flashing inside. I could make out the shape of her cellphone. I forced myself to nod, lowering my head in feigned submission. "I’m sorry," I murmured. "I won’t cause trouble anymore."The nurses exchanged a look, then scoffed. "Hmph. There you go.
Celeste’s POV"Help!"The cry barely left my lips before one of the nurses ripped the phone from my grasp.Pain exploded through my arm as she crushed her heel into my open wound. A strangled scream tore from my throat."Hello? Celeste, is that you? What’s happening?" Theo’s voice came through, sharp with concern.But they didn’t let me respond. "Little bitch, you’re done for!" she hissed before cutting the call and shoving the phone into her pocket.“No!” I shouted, ignoring the intense pain coming from my arm. Theo had heard me, right? He must know I’m in trouble!"Lock her up!"Before I could react, the nurse’s rough hands yanked me up, binding my wrists tightly. She was eager to get back at me for tricking them. She bound me too tightly. The rope dug into my skin, biting like a promise of more suffering to come."Please, no—"My plea was ignored.I was dragged down the dim corridor, my bare feet scraping against the cold floor. Laughter rang in my ears. A door swung open, and
Damien’s POV“Is this some kind of joke?” I mocked back. But inside, my heart was hammering. I could tell that he was truly concerned. But no, it’s impossible. Celeste is in a sanatorium, under expert care. They know what they’re doing. How can she be in danger?"Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?" Theo spat with venom.Then—the line went dead.I stared at my phone, stunned and confused. Was Celeste really in danger? Had I somehow caused it?A strange, uneasy feeling formed in my gut. I tried to push it away, to remind myself that Theo was probably exaggerating.But panic began to take over me. My pulse pounded in my ears.Just then, Genevieve reached out, her fingers brushing against my arm. "Damien…" Her voice was soft, soothing, but it made me even more uneasy.“What?” There was hesitation in her eyes. "I didn’t want to tell you this," she murmured, lowering her gaze as if reluctant. "But since Theo is getting involved… I think you should know the truth."I frowned. "What tru
Celeste’s POVA sharp clatter in the hallway jolted me awake. Then I heard hurried footsteps.Something was wrong.I pushed myself up from the cold, hard floor, my body aching from days of neglect. Since being locked away in this filthy utility room, nothing had changed—except for the daily medication forced down my throat.And the scars multiplying on my arms.I pulled my sleeves down, hiding the evidence. The small, deliberate wounds were my only anchor—reminders that I was still here. But the side effects of the drugs were getting worse. My heartbeat slowed unpredictably. My limbs weakened at random. Several times, I had felt my consciousness slipping away, my breath growing shallow.I’d tried to get help, but no one really cared. My beloved husband, Damien, probably knew I was here and did not give a damn at all. I used to think I couldn’t survive without him. That if I just tried harder, loved him enough, he would finally look at me the way I once dreamed.What a joke.Now I h
Celeste’s POV"Celeste!"The sound of my name, spoken in that voice, sent a shudder through me.Theo Mercer.For a second, I could only stare, unable to process it. God, it had been so long since I’d last seen him.He had changed. Sharper. Stronger. The confident posture, the controlled intensity in his gaze—it was different from the young man I once knew.But one thing hadn’t changed.The way he looked at me.“How are you?” His voice was gentle, but full of concern. “You look pale…” “Uh, I…” I began to answer. But no other words came out. I honestly didn’t know what to say. Or perhaps I was still in shock. How was I?I had been beaten, drugged, abandoned, and left to rot in a place that wanted me erased. And what brought me here in the first place were the two people I trusted and cared about — my husband and best friend. Those traitors. And yet, I was still here.I forced a tight, unreadable smile. “I’ve been better.”Theo’s expression darkened. He came forward and took my hand i
Celeste’s POVTheo’s arm was still wrapped around me, steadying me against him. His grip was firm but careful, as if I might break apart if he let go.I was extremely grateful that he was here for me, with me. I always knew I could depend on him. But now, while my husband watched us, I felt Theo's arms holding me even tighter. The air became subtle.My heart pounded wildly as Damien strode forward, his eyes sharp with a kind of fury that I had never seen from him before. Wait, is that… jealousy?A bitter laugh almost escaped me, but I swallowed it down. Don’t be stupid, Celeste! Damien Vaughn— jealous? No, that’s impossible. I had to be losing my mind. I must have imagined it. More likely, it was frustration—anger at being defied. But the rage radiating off him was almost tangible, thickening the air between us.His gaze darkened the moment he saw Theo holding me up. Then, his lips curled into a cruel sneer.“Celeste, how many lovers do you have?” he suddenly blurted out, fuming. “O
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,