My stomach was in knots as I walked into the children’s ward at the hospital. I desperately needed to see my daughter and know that she was okay.
I reached the room the nurse pointed me to and threw open the door.
My daughter laid in the bed, almost as white as its sheets. I ran straight to her side. There was an IV drip in her arm, and she moaned with pain.
“Bonnie? It’s Mommy. Can you hear me, baby?”
I tried to keep the panic out of my voice.
“Mrs Kent?”
I turned to see a doctor speaking with Damien and his mother, Pauline.
“Yes, I’m Mrs Kent. Are you Bonnie’s doctor? Can you tell me what’s wrong with her?” I asked her, ignoring the others.
“Oh, your husband didn’t tell you?”
I said nothing, and the doctor cleared her throat before responding.
“Your daughter has acute gastroenteritis, most likely caused by the unhygienic takeout food she ate yesterday. She was severely dehydrated when your husband brought her in.”
I blinked back tears. My sweet girl went through so much. I asked the question that had been running through my mind since I read Damien’s text.
“Is she going to be okay?”
“We’ve given her an IV drip to replenish her fluids and some medication for stomach pain and nausea. She should make a full recovery.”
I nodded, relief coursing through me.
“We’ll keep her overnight for observation.” The doctor continued. “She should be discharged tomorrow.”
“How did she get this sick? She was perfectly healthy when I saw her late yesterday morning.” I couldn’t help but glare at Damien as I asked my question.
“It’s unusual for cases to develop this quickly.” The doctor glanced uncomfortably between us. “My professional opinion is that she was given no fluids since falling ill.”
My blood boiled.
“Thank you, doctor.” I said in a clipped tone. “Could you give us a few minutes alone?”
“Sure. Call a nurse if you need anything.”
She practically ran out of the room. The moment the door shut, I turned to my ex husband.
“How could you let this happen? Is cooking so far beneath you that you’d rather give our daughter food poisoning? For god’s sake, Damien, I left her with you for one day. One. Day.”
Damien clenched his jaw and Pauline looked horrified at my outburst. I couldn’t find it in me to care.
I went to sit by Bonnie’s side. Locks of hair were stuck to her forehead with sweat. I brushed them aside and held her hand.
“Everything is going to be alright, honey.” I told her softly.
She stirred in a fitful sleep. Seeing her suffer without being able to do anything was torture.
Pauline cleared her throat behind me.
I turned to see her eyes full of blame boring into me.
“Celeste, your behaviour is abhorrent.” Her voice was as sharp as a blade. “How can you call yourself a mother when you refuse to take care of your own daughter?.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about, Pauline. I take excellent care of my daughter.”
She scoffed. “If that were the case, she wouldn’t be in the hospital now.”
I was tired of being blamed and put down by Damien and his mother. I put up with it for five years. But that ended today.
I left Bonnie’s side and walked right up to Pauline. She took a slight step back.
My voice dropped dangerously low.
“Maybe if you taught your son how to cook, my daughter wouldn’t be in the hospital right now.”
Pauline’s mouth hung open.
“Celeste,” Damien stepped between us, “You’re missing the big picture.”
I put some space between us.
“Which is?” I asked.
“This happened because you left home. I hope you’ll see that my mother is right and change your mind about the divorce.”
Did he expect me to turn a blind eye while he had an affair?
He was unbelievable.
“Why would I ever do that?”
“Think about our reputations, Celeste. What will people say when they find out we’re divorced?” His gaze landed on Bonnie. “Will you force our daughter to grow up in a broken home?”
He made it sound like I was pushing for a divorce for no reason.
“Did you forget about your affair?” I asked, seething.
Pauline’s pencil drawn eyebrows shot into her hairline.
“Damien, how could you?” She admonished her son.
Before he could respond, I continued.
“You were the one who broke our home. So I’ll be going forward with the divorce and taking custody of our daughter.”
Damien chuckled.
“Let’s see if my daughter even wants to live with you.”
He walked over to Bonnie and gently shook her awake. I stood on the other side of the bed with my heart in my throat.
“Bon-Bon, who do you want to be with? Mommy or Daddy?”
Celeste’s POVBonnie looked at me first then Damien. “I want Daddy.”“I want to be with Daddy and auntie Vanessa.” Bonnie blinked her innocent big eyes.Her words were sweet and naive. She’s only five years old, she never understood what her choice meant.But her childish words pierced my heart like a dagger.I squatted down by the ward-bed, forced a soft smile to Bonnie and made a last-ditch effort, “Sweetheart, come with mommy, huh? Mommy will promise you all the best things in the world.”Damien and Bonnie had been my whole world for the past five years. Damien betrayed me already, I can't afford to lose Bonnie anymore.Bonnie lowered her eyebrows and played with her fingers, “But Daddy has more money, he can buy me toys and Aunt Vanessa will buy me all the sweets. You only allow me to eat a little. And she never asks me to eat broccoli.”I opened my mouth to explain to Bonnie that I don't let her eat too much sugar and snacks for her teeth and health, but Bonnie’s following inter
Damien’s POVA storm thundered through my mind when I saw Celeste.Instead of going home and cleaning my house, she was grinding on those pimple-faced nobodies. They all wanted her, and she was shaking her ass, begging for it.She should have been on her knees, begging me to take her back.“What the fuck are you doing dancing with other men?” I shouted with barely contained rage, my fingers gouging into her flesh. She stared at me with her mouth open for a few seconds before her face twisted into a scowl.“Leave me alone. I’m having fun for once.”How dare she dismiss me?Celeste ripped her arm free and turned to the dance floor. There wasn’t a chance in hell I was letting her go back to slut it up with those losers.“Get your ass back here.” I spat through clenched jaws. “Now.” My fists shook at my sides as she ignored me.Fury flooded my veins. I grabbed her thighs and flung her over my shoulder in a flash. Celeste had been acting out way too much recently. It was time I reminded
Celeste’s POVI 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
Vanessa’s POVDamien and Celeste’s divorce was the happiest day of my life. Finally, Damien was mine after years of pretending to be Celeste’s friend and sucking up to their little spawn.I hummed happily as I walked down a row of designer bags bathed in golden light. “I’ll take this one.” I pointed to a one of a kind clutch and the sales assistant ran off to package it for me. She left it with the numerous other items I’d chosen. “Would you be interested in browsing our scarf collection?” She asked.“Maybe next time. I have a nail appointment now. Have these delivered to my address.” I said as I left the store.My new life came with many perks, but Damien’s credit card was by far my favourite.I now lived with one of the most successful businessmen in the jewellery industry. Working didn’t suit my new status. I resigned from the company as soon as the divorce was finalised. I spent my days shopping and pampering myself. It would have been bliss if Damien hadn’t started pulling awa
Damien’s POV“For fuck’s sakes, I said I’m not in the mood.”I flung Vanessa’s hand away from me and got off the bed. She was getting on my nerves these days.“Damien, come back.” She pleaded.“If I only needed you for sex, I would have hired a high-class escort. Think hard about that. Although,” A leer curled my lips. “You’d fit the bill.”I surveyed her body. She had dressed to kill, and it would have normally roused me. I was just too frustrated with her to be interested.Her mouth fell open, color climbing up her neck and staining her face red. Then her face scrunched up, furious. Vanessa grabbed a pillow and flung it with force. It flew past my head and thumped against the door behind me. She groaned and buried herself under the covers.Buttoning my shirt, I stepped over the pillow and out the door.I headed to Bonnie’s bedroom down the hall. It was late, but her light was still on. Vanessa was doing a poor job of following the schedule Celeste included in the notebook.I snuck i
Celeste’s POVI sat by my studio window, gazing out at the street below with longing for my daughter. I’d seen her once in the past three months.My heart ached as the memory came back afresh. Damien and I arranged for me to fetch Bonnie from preschool and take her for ice cream. I arrived half an hour early. My fingers drummed on the steering wheel as I waited.A knot of anxiety twisted my stomach. It had been weeks since I’d seen Bonnie in the hospital. She’d caused me unfathomable pain that day.Only a few minutes later, I saw her walking hand in hand with Vanessa. They laughed together like mother and daughter as they walked to one of Damien’s cars.That bitch.I called the school almost daily to ask how Bonnie was doing. Vanessa always fetched her late–when she remembered to fetch her at all.This wasn’t a coincidence.Vanessa jumped out of her skin when I walked up to them.“Celeste, what a surprise.” She said with a sickly sweet voice once she recovered.I threw her a deadly gl
Celeste’s POVI stepped out of the cab, double checking if I had everything in my bag.When I looked up, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Standing in front of my old college brought back those fun, passionate years of self-discovery. I rubbed my arms, shivering in the night air while I waited for Grace to pay the cab fare. I wore a tea length halter dress. My handbag was bulky but not eye-catching. We dressed low-key tonight. Neither of us wanted to attract too much attention. “Wow, the turnout is better than I expected,” Grace said as she closed the cab door. She looked lovely in her pencil skirt and off shoulder blouse.The building was lit up, and the grounds were bustling with activity for the event. We linked arms and joined the flow of guests.“This is so exciting.” I said, “I haven’t seen anyone from college aside from you and Vanessa since having Bonnie.”“Yeah, you kind of fell off the face of the earth for a bit there.” Grace gave me a gentle nudge as we entered the alumni cen
Celeste’s POVI was about to slap the smugness off Vanessa’s face when Grace stepped between us.“Don’t act so high and mighty.” Grace glowered. “The only reason you rocked up here in a designer dress is because you stole Celeste’s husband.”There were audible gasps around us. It was my turn to pull Grace back before she hit that obnoxious woman.“Oh please,” Vanessa cackled. “It takes skill to seduce a man.”I was speechless. This bitch broke my family and spoke about it like it was an achievement.“Damien took little persuading. You clearly weren’t doing enough to satisfy him.” She raised her chin and smirked at me. “And your daughter was even easier. All it took was a handful of candy to win over.” That was the last straw.My eyes flashed. “It’s pathetic. You got where you are in life by stealing from others.” ”The room was silent as every ear listened.“What are you talking about?” She lifted an eyebrow.“You plagiarized your way into this school.” I stepped closer, my blood boi
Celeste’s POVRyan’s breath fanned hot against my ear in the darkness, his deep voice a velvet rumble against my skin. "That nervous, boss? Your heartbeat’s so loud I can feel it."I tilted my chin up, though I could barely see his face—just the glint of his eyes in the shadows. "Projecting much? You’re the one who’s shaking." My fingers brushed against his—and damn if they weren’t actually trembling.A slow, knowing laugh vibrated through his chest. "Liar." His thumb swept the inside of my wrist, just once, and my breath caught. "Your pulse is racing. Your skin’s gone hot." His lips grazed my earlobe, voice dropping to a whisper. "And if I kissed you right now, you’d melt."I swallowed hard, grateful for the dark hiding the flush on my cheeks. "Try me."He chuckled, the sound rough and promising. "Oh, I will." His hand slid up my arm, slow, possessive, his touch the only anchor in the blackness. "But first, I want to hear you admit it.""Admit what?""That you’re thinking about it."
Celeste’s POV“Where’s my kiss, Celeste?” Ryan asked, shooting me a cheeky grin.I groaned internally as Grace and I walked into the studio. I should have known he wouldn’t miss such a juicy opportunity to tease me.But I wasn’t above playing dirty.I dropped my handbag on my workbench and grabbed his face, planting a chaste kiss on his cheek. “Happy now?” I asked, ignoring my somersaulting heart.“I know I am,” Grace said, pecking his other cheek. “You’re a lifesaver, Ryan. We would’ve been screwed without those gemstones.” Ryan stood stock still between us, turning bright red right to the tips of his ears. We burst into laughter. Grace yelped, touching the corner of her mouth gingerly. “Don’t make me laugh–it hurts too much.” She moaned.I hurried to give Grace her medication.“What happened?” Ryan asked as she swallowed the pills. “Your face is covered in bruises.”“Oh, it’s nothing. Just some asshole I’ll never see again.” She said uncomfortably.His face creased with concern.“
Celeste’s POV“Good luck, Vanessa.” I said, sidestepping her to leave the hospital. “You’re going to need it.” She scrambled to block my path again, arms spread wide.“Is that all you have to say?” She asked, huffing. “I’m pregnant with your ex husband’s child.”“Am I supposed to congratulate you?” I asked, annoyed.“Don’t be bitter, Celeste.” She tutted. “We’re old friends and you can’t say one nice thing?”Poor girl didn’t know what she was in for.“My deepest sympathies.” I gave her a plastic smile. “Now beat it. I have an actual future to get to.”Her eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Where’s Damien right now? At work?” I smirked, reveling in her karma. “You’re going to end up raising that baby on your own while he’s off philandering behind your back.”Vanessa floundered, face reddening.“Congratulations.” My voice dripped with sarcasm. “You wanted my life so badly–it’s all yours.”“Damien would never do that to me.” This woman was clueless.“Oh, please.” I laughed
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
Celeste’s POVRyan had taken these past two days off to deal with family matters. Besides his divine cappuccinos, I missed his lively attitude and constant teasing–the studio felt too quiet without him. I stood abruptly from my design table, pressing a hand to the small of my back. The familiar ache radiated up my spine—too many hours hunched over gemstones under harsh lights. My brows furrowed as my gaze fell on Celine Mars’ order. Career changing opportunities like this didn’t come around twice.My phone was already pressed to my ear before I realized I'd dialed Rajiv again. The line crackled to life, his voice oozing false sympathy."Market fluctuations, Celeste. You understand how it is—""Don't give me that 'market fluctuations' bullshit, Rajiv," I snapped, pacing behind my worktable. A strand of hair escaped my bun, sticking to the sweat on my neck. "Just because I'm a solo studio doesn't mean you can pawn off second-rate stones on me. I need museum-grade musgravite. The kind y
Ryan’s POVI scooped a spoonful of souffle into my mouth and glanced at my father. He was reading through a report while taking slow bites of his omelet. The moment his plate was empty, I put down my spoon.“Father, I’d like to discuss a pressing matter.” I said, breaking the silence.He sighed. “Just as I suspected.” “What?” I asked, puzzled.He placed the report and his reading glasses on the exuberant dining table.“When was the last time you joined me for breakfast, son? You bolt out of here first thing in the morning.”I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.He shook his head. “What is it?”I sat straighter. “Father, why have you not responded to Rosemary’s proposals?”“They must have slipped through the cracks.” He said, brushing me off. “I get a lot of emails.”I stood my ground. “You don’t expect me to believe that, do you? It’s been three months.”He watched me with calculating eyes.“I ignored her deliberately.” Anger spiked at his blunt words.“Why would you purposely
Damien’s POVI don’t know how I let Vanessa browbeat me into taking the family to dinner at a trendy restaurant across town. It was crowded, overpriced and disappointing–a complete waste of time.Only half my attention was on the road as I tried to block out Bonnie and Vanessa’s bickering in the backseat. My company’s sales had plummeted these past three months, and I was running out of excuses to give the shareholders. I contemplated various strategies and schemes as I drove. My phone rang from the cupholder.It was my assistant.I groaned before answering–she never brought good tidings.“Miss Wilson, this better be important.” I said tersely.“Good evening, Mr. Kent.” Her voice was filled with apprehension. “I apologize for calling so late, but I thought you’d want to hear what I discovered immediately.” “Then spit it out.” “Mr. Brown’s secretary told me that our shareholders were preparing to withdraw funding.” She spoke in a nervous whisper. “It sounds like they’re planning a m
Celeste’s POVI shook my head despondently at Ryan’s question.“Maximilian hasn’t responded to any of my emails and follow-up messages.” I said, sighing. “I was really hoping this would be my big break.”He patted my shoulder. “The company is so large, your messages are probably just buried underneath other designers’ proposals.”“Even after three months?” I asked, unconvinced.“Crown Luxe didn’t get where they are today by blowing off brilliant designers like you.” He said with an encouraging smile. “I’m sure they’ll respond soon.”I laughed, swatting his shoulder. “You’re just trying to get on your boss’s good side.”“Is it working?” Humor danced in his eyes.I put a hand on my hip but couldn't keep the smile from my lips. “I think you’ll have better results doing actual work.”“Touché.” He held up his hands. “What should I get started with today?”I pointed towards the storeroom. “Please fetch the materials we need for the next order. They’re on the top shelf.”“I’m on it, boss.”
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