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CHAPTER 31

Penulis: Olivia GW
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-04-02 17:12:56

Celeste’s POV

The reflection staring back at me in the mirror didn’t look like someone falling apart.

No—she looked polished, collected. Ready for the world.

But deep inside, I could feel it—the quiet flutter of nerves, the whisper of uncertainty that had followed me from the moment I zipped up the gown.

This is it. My first real step back into the world.

My fingers brushed down the fabric of the dress I had designed myself. Every stitch carried a piece of me—every pleat, every fold, a reminder that I had once belonged in this industry. That I had once been brilliant. That I could be brilliant again.

I had sacrificed so much for Damien. And when it all came crashing down, there was nothing left of me but ashes.

But ashes could be reborn.

I wasn’t going to walk into that ballroom as Damien Vaughn’s ex-wife. I wasn’t going to be the scandalous woman in tabloid headlines or the poor soul people pitied.

I was walking in as Celeste Monroe.

Designer. Creator. Survivor.

And tonight, I wasn
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  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 32

    Celeste’s POVGasps rippled through the crowd like a stone breaking still water.For a moment, the flashes of camera phones slowed, like even the press didn’t know what to do with what they were seeing.I caught glimpses of expressions—wide eyes, parted lips, frozen smiles.“Is that her? Isn’t she the scandalous ex-wife?”“Wait, she looks... stunning. But why is she here and why is he with her?”“I hate to say it, but… damn. That dress is a showstopper. Did a designer actually choose her to debut that look?”“Why would a dress like that be lent to her?”The whispers struck like arrows, each one trying to slice through the calm I wore like armor.But I kept walking.I felt Theo beside me like a steady force. He didn’t flinch beneath the attention, didn’t falter under the weight of our spectacle.But the looks weren’t for him. They were for us.Because in the eyes of the elite, in the minds of those who only understand currency in power and status, how you arrive—and with whom—was the l

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-03
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 33

    Damien’s POVI lifted my glass to my lips without tasting the champagne. The conversations around me blurred into a background hum of empty pleasantries.Fake laughter. Hollow compliments. Meaningless alliances sealed with overpriced wine.I hated this. But Genevieve thrived on it.She stood a few paces away, wearing a luxurious gown, greeting the crowd with her signature smile. Every word, every gesture calculated. Definitely charming. A perfect performance indeed. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep my temper in check.Another executive approached, all handshakes and toothy grins. I nodded, murmured something polite, and checked my watch for the fifth time in ten minutes.And then it happened. I caught murmurs—words floating in low whispers:“Is that Theo Mercer?” “He brought someone?” “Wait… is that his girlfriend?” “I didn’t know he was seeing anyone…”My gut twisted before I even turned.Theo? A girlfriend?No. That wasn’t possible. I would’ve heard something. The man didn’t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-03
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 34

    Celeste’s POVAll eyes were on me.I could feel the skepticism hanging in the air. And yet, I stood tall in the center of the hall. After all, I reminded myself that I wasn’t here to beg for belief. I was here to take it back.“For those who still care about the truth," I said clearly, wanting to reiterate my message, "the rumors about me are false. Deliberately crafted lies, fueled by someone who wanted to tear me down."The press murmured, and a wave of hushed gasps and judgmental scoffs rippled through the room."Oh please," someone in the crowd whispered loudly. "Of course she says that.""She’s just trying to play the victim. Typical."Another voice chimed in with a bitter laugh. "This is what they all do when they get caught."I didn’t flinch. Let them talk. I had expected this.But before I could respond, Theo stepped forward. "Enough."The room stilled. Even the most eager gossipers froze at the edge in his tone."Celeste doesn’t need to explain herself to anyone," Theo contin

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-08
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 35

    Celeste’s POVI kept my expression calm, smoothing the fabric of my dress like I wasn’t clenching my teeth to keep my pulse in check. What the hell is he thinking, locking us both in here?“Impressive,” he suddenly said, voice low and sharp as glass, as he moved closer to me. “You managed to clear your name and even earned a round of applause. Bravo.”His sarcasm dripped like venom, but I refused to rise to it.“If you’re just here to make snide remarks,” I said coolly, not even bothering to look up, “the door is right there.”“Don’t talk to me like that.”His voice dropped, darker this time—more dangerous.I finally lifted my eyes to meet him. “What right do you have to meddle in my affairs, Damien? We’re already divorced.”That word—divorced—hit like a slap. I saw it in the flicker of pain that flashed across his features before he forced it back behind that familiar mask of cold detachment.“Divorced?” he echoed with a bitter laugh. “You think you can get rid of me that easily?”A

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 36

    Celeste’s POVThe sudden ring of my phone cut through the air, sharp and jarring, snapping me out of the moment.I startled, instinctively reaching into my clutch. Damien’s grip loosened, just enough for me to step back.The screen flashed with the hospital’s number. My breath caught in my throat.I answered quickly. "Hello?""Miss Monroe?" The nurse’s voice was calm but clipped. "It’s your aunt. Her condition has suddenly worsened. The doctor would like you to come in immediately."I didn’t even hesitate. "I’m on my way."I turned, already walking. Damien called my name, but I didn’t look back.My heels clicked sharply against the marble steps, heart racing—not from what had just happened with Damien, but from the news that clutched at my chest like a vice.Oh, Auntie Eleanor. Please be okay. Please, please. I reached the curb and pulled out my phone again, opening a ride app. Nothing. All the cars were either booked or delayed. I turned to one of the event staff, breathless. "Is th

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-09
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 1

    Celeste’s POV"Thank you all for coming to our wedding anniversary, but as of tonight, my marriage to Celeste is over. ”Those were the first words my husband, Damien, uttered the moment he stepped into the room. I looked at him, feeling like I had never known him before. Then came the second blow. “I am divorcing her.” There was dead silence.No, my mind screamed. This is not real.It can’t be. My heart pounded violently against my ribs as I forced my lips to part. But no words came out. Today was supposed to be a celebration of our love… How could Damien do this to me?!*******JUST MINUTES AGOI stood before the mirror, smoothing down the shimmering fabric of my gown in the holding room. I was filled with a foolish hope. Perhaps tonight, my husband would finally learn to appreciate me, to care for me. After all, we’ve been together for two years. I had planned every detail of the evening, ensuring that this wedding anniversary banquet would be nothing short of perfection.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 2

    Celeste’s POVI 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 3

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04

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  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 36

    Celeste’s POVThe sudden ring of my phone cut through the air, sharp and jarring, snapping me out of the moment.I startled, instinctively reaching into my clutch. Damien’s grip loosened, just enough for me to step back.The screen flashed with the hospital’s number. My breath caught in my throat.I answered quickly. "Hello?""Miss Monroe?" The nurse’s voice was calm but clipped. "It’s your aunt. Her condition has suddenly worsened. The doctor would like you to come in immediately."I didn’t even hesitate. "I’m on my way."I turned, already walking. Damien called my name, but I didn’t look back.My heels clicked sharply against the marble steps, heart racing—not from what had just happened with Damien, but from the news that clutched at my chest like a vice.Oh, Auntie Eleanor. Please be okay. Please, please. I reached the curb and pulled out my phone again, opening a ride app. Nothing. All the cars were either booked or delayed. I turned to one of the event staff, breathless. "Is th

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 35

    Celeste’s POVI kept my expression calm, smoothing the fabric of my dress like I wasn’t clenching my teeth to keep my pulse in check. What the hell is he thinking, locking us both in here?“Impressive,” he suddenly said, voice low and sharp as glass, as he moved closer to me. “You managed to clear your name and even earned a round of applause. Bravo.”His sarcasm dripped like venom, but I refused to rise to it.“If you’re just here to make snide remarks,” I said coolly, not even bothering to look up, “the door is right there.”“Don’t talk to me like that.”His voice dropped, darker this time—more dangerous.I finally lifted my eyes to meet him. “What right do you have to meddle in my affairs, Damien? We’re already divorced.”That word—divorced—hit like a slap. I saw it in the flicker of pain that flashed across his features before he forced it back behind that familiar mask of cold detachment.“Divorced?” he echoed with a bitter laugh. “You think you can get rid of me that easily?”A

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 34

    Celeste’s POVAll eyes were on me.I could feel the skepticism hanging in the air. And yet, I stood tall in the center of the hall. After all, I reminded myself that I wasn’t here to beg for belief. I was here to take it back.“For those who still care about the truth," I said clearly, wanting to reiterate my message, "the rumors about me are false. Deliberately crafted lies, fueled by someone who wanted to tear me down."The press murmured, and a wave of hushed gasps and judgmental scoffs rippled through the room."Oh please," someone in the crowd whispered loudly. "Of course she says that.""She’s just trying to play the victim. Typical."Another voice chimed in with a bitter laugh. "This is what they all do when they get caught."I didn’t flinch. Let them talk. I had expected this.But before I could respond, Theo stepped forward. "Enough."The room stilled. Even the most eager gossipers froze at the edge in his tone."Celeste doesn’t need to explain herself to anyone," Theo contin

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 33

    Damien’s POVI lifted my glass to my lips without tasting the champagne. The conversations around me blurred into a background hum of empty pleasantries.Fake laughter. Hollow compliments. Meaningless alliances sealed with overpriced wine.I hated this. But Genevieve thrived on it.She stood a few paces away, wearing a luxurious gown, greeting the crowd with her signature smile. Every word, every gesture calculated. Definitely charming. A perfect performance indeed. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep my temper in check.Another executive approached, all handshakes and toothy grins. I nodded, murmured something polite, and checked my watch for the fifth time in ten minutes.And then it happened. I caught murmurs—words floating in low whispers:“Is that Theo Mercer?” “He brought someone?” “Wait… is that his girlfriend?” “I didn’t know he was seeing anyone…”My gut twisted before I even turned.Theo? A girlfriend?No. That wasn’t possible. I would’ve heard something. The man didn’t

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 32

    Celeste’s POVGasps rippled through the crowd like a stone breaking still water.For a moment, the flashes of camera phones slowed, like even the press didn’t know what to do with what they were seeing.I caught glimpses of expressions—wide eyes, parted lips, frozen smiles.“Is that her? Isn’t she the scandalous ex-wife?”“Wait, she looks... stunning. But why is she here and why is he with her?”“I hate to say it, but… damn. That dress is a showstopper. Did a designer actually choose her to debut that look?”“Why would a dress like that be lent to her?”The whispers struck like arrows, each one trying to slice through the calm I wore like armor.But I kept walking.I felt Theo beside me like a steady force. He didn’t flinch beneath the attention, didn’t falter under the weight of our spectacle.But the looks weren’t for him. They were for us.Because in the eyes of the elite, in the minds of those who only understand currency in power and status, how you arrive—and with whom—was the l

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 31

    Celeste’s POVThe reflection staring back at me in the mirror didn’t look like someone falling apart.No—she looked polished, collected. Ready for the world. But deep inside, I could feel it—the quiet flutter of nerves, the whisper of uncertainty that had followed me from the moment I zipped up the gown.This is it. My first real step back into the world.My fingers brushed down the fabric of the dress I had designed myself. Every stitch carried a piece of me—every pleat, every fold, a reminder that I had once belonged in this industry. That I had once been brilliant. That I could be brilliant again.I had sacrificed so much for Damien. And when it all came crashing down, there was nothing left of me but ashes.But ashes could be reborn.I wasn’t going to walk into that ballroom as Damien Vaughn’s ex-wife. I wasn’t going to be the scandalous woman in tabloid headlines or the poor soul people pitied.I was walking in as Celeste Monroe. Designer. Creator. Survivor.And tonight, I wasn

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 30

    Damien’s POVI sat in silence for a long time, the document still open on my desk, the edges curling beneath my fingers.Genevieve’s name stared back at me, bold and inarguable in transaction logs and email metadata.I couldn’t reconcile it. The woman who had stood beside me through everything and had been such a great friend—why would she involve herself in something like this? Why target Celeste?I groaned, my head swimming with confusion, my heart constricting from the rising emotions. And yet, I couldn’t just go to her—not when she had walked away with that terrifying calm, as if everything between us had meant nothing. Not when she had thrown away her ring and hadn’t looked back.But I could fix this. I could clean up the mess, silence the voices, and push back against the vultures circling her name.I can protect her. Even if she doesn’t want me to.I leaned back in my chair, my gaze drifting to the edge of my desk—where a photo sat half-obscured beneath a folder.Oh, Celeste…

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 29

    Damien’s POVThe data was wrong. Again.I slammed the folder down on the boardroom table. "You had one job," I snapped, my voice cold and cutting. "And this is what you bring me? Faulty projections, incomplete charts, and a model that looks like it was thrown together by an intern?"No one dared speak. The room was thick with tension, and even the senior executives looked like they wanted to shrink into their seats.I didn’t care.Because the truth was, I wasn’t just angry about the data.I was angry about everything.The divorce. The headlines. The way she looked at me during that final meeting, like I was nothing. The way she didn’t even blink when she signed her name next to mine. Like it meant nothing.Like I meant nothing.A surge of pressure built behind my temples, my teeth grinding together while silence dragged on. Finally, I straightened and adjusted my cufflinks, dismissing them with a cold flick of my fingers."Fix it. Now."They filed out without a word, avoiding eye cont

  • A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back   CHAPTER 28

    Celeste’s POVThe bar was dimly lit and the air was tinged with the stale scent of spilled whiskey and forgotten regrets. People spoke in hushed tones, but none of it registered. The world felt muted, like it was trying not to disturb me.I sat alone at the counter, the amber liquid in my glass almost all gone. It burned going down—but that was the point.Alcohol was the best anesthetic. It numbed the ache in my chest, dulled the sharp sting of memories I wasn’t ready to confront.It's over, damn it. The marriage. The façade. The illusion that maybe, just maybe, he’d come to love me.I had given everything to that man. And in return, he’d given me humiliation.My god! The betrayal and accusations... The imprisonment in that goddamn asylum like I was something to be hidden and left to suffer and rot. I’d looked down at my own trembling hands once and seen blood. My blood. A quiet scream for help no one ever heard.Back then, I promised myself—if I ever got out, I would cut him out of

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