His Mother Visits

Damien glanced at Anna who was grinning like a fool with her eyes fixated on the wedding certificate that she was holding in her hands for the last thirty minutes.

“How can a stupid piece of paper make you so happy?” The words escaped his mouth before he could stop himself.

Anna’s gaze shifted to him as her smile unwavering today. She said with her usual joy, “How can it be stupid, Hubby? This is our marriage certificate. It’s always been my dream to marry you.”

Damien's eyes darkened as he heard her say, “First of all, the affection in your voice makes my skin crawl. Second, don’t call me endearments you don’t mean. And lastly, don’t forget you are the one who shattered your own dream and left everything behind.”

The joy in her eyes dimmed as the weight of his words pressed down on her. The past she had been trying to bury resurfaced and her smile faded completely now. Damien's lips turned into a smirk and was satisfied with the impact of his words on her.

Inwardly, he seethed. Bit by bit, I’ll strip away every ounce of happiness you have left. You may have set the terms and conditions for this marriage, but I’ll be the one who walks away unscathed. You’ll find yourself tangled in your own web of schemes, Anastasia Spencer.

His eyes gleamed with silent determination and fury as he watched the brief flash of pain in her eyes and he felt a small victory in their unspoken game.

An hour later, the car rolled through the gates of a luxurious mansion. The moment it stopped, Damien stepped out without even sparing a glance in her direction. The door slammed shut behind him leaving Anna sitting alone in the backseat.

Jack, who had been sitting quietly in the passenger seat, quickly stepped out and opened the door for her. He didn't know why but he felt slightly bad for her. She gave him a small sad smile and murmured, “Thank you.”

As Anna walked into the mansion, she was met with an overwhelming coldness. The place was lavishly decorated and every inch of it was oozing wealth and status yet it felt completely lifeless and barren. It reminded her too much of the Spencer mansion which was grand and adorned with every luxury imaginable but devoid of any warmth or soul. It was as if the house hadn't witnessed a caress of human love and care and she made a remainder to change it.

A wave of loneliness washed over her as she stood in the vast and empty space.

As Anna reached the living room, she found Damien standing stiffly while facing a woman whose expressions were showing both seething anger and disgust.

Anastasia recognized her instantly and it was not one else but Damien’s mother. She noticed how the woman had not changed much over the years and was still exuding the same stern, cold and calculative presence.

“What are you doing here, Mother?” Damien asked, his voice was sharp.

The woman was dressed in a pristine business suit with a pearl necklace resting elegantly on her neck. She wanted to ignore the woman standing behind her son but as her glance fell on the ridiculous wedding dress that she was wearing, she felt fury burning inside her. She casted Anna a disdainful glance. The disgust in her eyes was apparent and she didn’t bother to hide it before turning back to her son with an air of cold calmness.

"I should be asking you that, Damien," she retorted. "What do you think you are doing? You are set to be engaged to Regina in a week and yet, here you are bringing another woman into your house. Have you no shame?"

Damien’s face hardened. “My life is none of your concern.”

His mother smirked, showing an icy and condescending expression. “Oh, but it is. Who you marry is the Callahan family’s business. Your grandmother decided you would marry Regina. We don’t care about your personal matters. Keep your mistresses separate from our business, and we will tolerate whatever else you do.”

With barely concealed sarcasm, Damien replied, “Right. I’ll be sure to contact Father for his advice.”

A vein throbbing visibly on Mrs Callahan’s forehead and she raised her hand as if to slap Damien. But at the last second, she glanced at Anna and with a scoff of disgust, she stormed out of the room. As she was leaving, her heels were echoing angrily behind her.

Damien sat onto the couch, visibly distressed. He rubbed his temple in frustration.

Anna could not watch him in distress and moved closer to console him. Her voice was soft as she asked, “Damien, are you okay?”

But his response was immediate and cruel. “Stay away from me!” he snapped.

Startled by the sharpness of his tone, she stepped back and her hand dropped helplessly. She should have known better that he would never accept help from her out of all people.

"Mrs. Luna!" Damien called.

“Yes, Master?” A middle-aged woman hurried into the room.

“Show Miss Anna to her room,” he ordered.

Without another word, Anna followed the woman, glancing back only once at Damien who remained on the couch, looking very angry.

Later, Jack returned to inform him, “Sir, Madam has reached home.”

Damien simply nodded, his mind elsewhere. Moments after Jack left, his phone buzzed. A text from his mother appeared on the screen:

Damien, I don’t want to control your life. You are my only child, and I care for you. That woman is going to hurt you again. Do not forget how she broke you all those years ago. She’s back because she wants something from you, not because she loves you. Please, don’t let her take advantage of you.

Damien’s jaw tightened as the words hit him. Suddenly, images from the past began to flash in his mind. All the moments of pain, betrayal, and everything that had shattered between him and Anna all those years ago.