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Chapter Eight

Author: Anney GW
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-05 14:50:29
Celeste’s POV

I stood outside the civil affairs office, fidgeting with my necklace as I waited for Damien to arrive. He was already 15 minutes late.

Last night gave me the final push I needed to finalise my divorce. Damien had acted completely out of line. I could still feel his kiss lingering on my lips.

It made my stomach turn.

The way he manhandled me and forced himself on me made me feel sick. It was like he thought he owned me.

I was determined to sever any legal ties between us.

I looked up to see Damien striding towards me. He wore rumpled clothes, a dark stubble covered his jaw, and his eyes were sunken.

He must’ve had a rough night.

“You’re late.” I complained when he reached me.

He sighed. “Things have been difficult with Bonnie in the hospital and you off fooling ar–”

I glared at him, and he stopped himself.

Damien cleared his throat. “Things have been hard with you gone.”

He stared at me with longing and pain written all over his face.

A part of me felt gleeful knowing h
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    Celeste’s POVRage and heartache hit me like a tsunami. I forced the tidal wave of emotions down and looked over her, concerned.“Let me see how bad it is.” I said, squatting to her level.She took in a shaky breath.“God, I was so stupid, Celeste.” She said bitterly.I gave her a reproving look.“Grace, this was not your fault.”She shook her head. “But I should have seen the red flags.”I lifted her shirt and stifled a flush of fury–a large ugly bruise spread across her side. What if that asshole cracked one of her ribs?“You were right to warn me before.” Her voice fell to a regretful whisper. “God, I wish I listened. This is all my fault.”I lowered her shirt and held her by the shoulders.“Grace, listen to me carefully.” I said, pinning her with a stare that left no room for debate. “The piece of shit bastard who used you as a punching bag is to blame. No matter what you did or didn’t do, this isn’t your fault, okay?”She nodded, grimacing in pain with the movement.“Thanks, Cele

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    Celeste’s POVI sat at my workbench, examining an engagement ring I had designed and crafted.It gleamed under the studio lights, and I couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile. I nearly gave up on this dream three months ago.Snapping the jewelry box closed, I left it on my workbench and walked to the window. Things were looking up. My studio had been operating smoothly lately, and I had almost paid off my loan.But as I gazed at the street below, I couldn’t help feeling a little lost.Bonnie still wanted nothing to do with me.I had seen her a few times since the exhibition. It didn’t matter if I cooked her favorite meals at my apartment or took her on a fun outing–she was always in a hurry to go home to Damien and Vanessa.I heard the front door shut and hurried to dry my eyes–no one needed to see me crying first thing in the morning.Grace walked into my studio, her face glowing as she smiled at me.“Hey, love.” She gave me a hug. “You’re early as usual.”When we pulled apart, her

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