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Chapter Four

Penulis: Anney GW
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-04 14:51:15

Celeste’s POV 

This morning was bittersweet. I didn’t have to wake up before sunrise to press and lay out Damien’s clothes, get Bonnie ready for school, and do a million other things.

But I was still heartbroken. 

I mourned my marriage and missed my daughter.

The noon sun felt nice on my skin as I walked down bustling streets. I was paying Grace, an old friend from college, an overdue visit.

I wished I’d made more time for her after I got married. We used to have so much fun.

She had a keen sense for people, too. When we met Vanessa, she warned me something was off. I should have listened.

Grace’s jewellery boutique came into view. She’d decorated it exquisitely, with stylish pieces of jewellery that sparkled under the lights. 

I stood outside the entrance and took a deep breath. I wanted to hide this shameful aspect of my life. But I knew I needed to rely on my friends.

The familiar ring of the bell comforted me as I pushed open the door. Grace looked up from behind the counter. A delighted smile spread across her face.

“Celeste! I’m so glad it’s you!”

She came over and wrapped me in a tight embrace. I squeezed her back, realising how badly I needed this.

Then she held me at arm’s length. Her eyes scanned me from head to toes.

“Damn girl. I was worried when you postponed your wedding, but you look fantastic.”

I blushed. 

Then a swell of emotions hit me.

“Grace, I feel like my world is falling apart.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. She took my hand and led me to a seating area in a quiet corner of her store.

“Talk to me, Celeste. What’s going on?”

I couldn’t find the words to explain how my life was turned upside down in a day.

Grace gently asked, “Why was your wedding really postponed?”

I was stunned. 

“What did they tell you?” 

“Vanessa told everyone you had food poisoning and postponed the wedding indefinitely.”

Knowing Damien, he probably didn’t want his image as a devoted husband with a perfect family to be ruined. But still, how could they lie like that? 

“Vanessa just seemed too pleased. I had a feeling something was wrong.” Grace gave me a pointed stare. “Especially when you ignored my calls.”

Her concern warmed my heart. I took a deep breath.

“Grace, I didn’t postpone my wedding. I cancelled it. I’m getting divorced.”

She gasped.

“I walked in on Damien and Vanessa fucking just before our wedding.” 

Grace’s eyes popped out of her head.

“The audacity.” She stood up, rage colouring her voice “I’ll rip off that bastard’s balls and stuff them down that two-faced–”

“Whoa calm down.” 

I guided her back to her seat. 

“Are you trying to get yourself arrested?” I tried to sound stern, but I couldn’t keep the humour from my voice.

“Fine,” Grace grumbled and sat back down. “He doesn’t have balls, anyway.”

I packed out laughing and she joined me.

“How are you holding up?” She asked once we calmed down.

“I don’t know. I just feel so stupid. I was the one who got Vanessa that job. I practically set them up.”

Grace squeezed my hand. “Hey, you were helping a friend. This is on them.”

I sighed. “That’s not even the worst part.”

“I’m listening.”

“Bonnie is staying with Damien. She wants Vanessa to be her mom.” My throat choked. “I feel like a failure.”

Tears pricked my eyes. Grace patted my back.

“I don’t know how Vanessa pulled this off, but I know you’re an excellent mother, Celeste. None of this is because of you.”

“I keep reminding myself of that.”

“Don’t worry. I’m here to remind you, too.” 

Her smile was genuine, and I knew I could count on her.

“So what are you going to do now?” Grace asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t have a plan. I just packed a suitcase and went to a hotel.”

“A hotel? Celeste, you should have come straight to me!” 

“I guess I just needed to be alone for a while.”

She simmered down. “I’ll let it slide this time, but you can’t keep staying there. Move in with me.”

“Don’t be crazy.”

“I’ve been thinking of getting out of my cramped apartment, anyway. I want something bigger with extra space to work on more projects.”

My spirits sank.

“It won’t work.”

“Why? We lived together for a bit in college. It’ll be fun.”

She seemed so excited. I hated to let her down.

“It’s just that I have nothing. No savings, property, or career. And I refuse to accept any money from Damien. I can’t afford it.”

“You don’t have nothing. Your jewellery designs were some of the most breathtaking ones I’ve seen. Remember all those awards you won in college?”

I smiled.

“You’re extremely talented, Celeste. It’s time you pursue your career.”

The doorbell jingled.

Grace excused herself. “Sorry, it’s a customer. I’ll be right back.” 

“Sure go.”

A bubble of excitement grew as I considered designing jewellery again. I was always a little jealous that Vanessa got to work my dream job while I was stuck at home folding laundry.

Now was my chance.

Curious, I fished my phone from my handbag and scrolled through Vanessa’s I*******m. The most recent post was like a knife to the gut. Vanessa, Damien and Bonnie were eating together like a family.

They looked happy.

How could Damien and Bonnie replace me?

The pain of their betrayal fuelled my determination. I would pursue my career as a jewelery designer and prove my worth.

The store’s bell rang again as more customers came in. It looked like Grace needed to work.

I was gathering my things to leave when my phone buzzed. I declined it the moment Damien’s name flashed on my screen. He called three more times, and I declined those, too.

It gave me a sense of satisfaction.

I waved goodbye to Grace and pulled open the door. My phone buzzed again. Damien had given up calling and sent a text.

I read the message and my heart stopped beating. 

“Why won’t you answer your phone??? Bonnie is in the hospital.”

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  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Five

    Celeste’s POVMy 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Six

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Seven

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-05
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Eight

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-05
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Nine

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-05
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Ten

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-05
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Eleven

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06
  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Twelve

    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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06

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  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Nine

    Celeste’s POVI had braced myself for the blow, but Bonnie’s outburst still felt like a sledgehammer to the chest.“That woman is not my Mommy!” Her shout echoed in the silence. My heart clenched as I turned to the stunned teachers.“Please forgive Bonnie’s outburst.” I said, voice steady despite my suffering. “She’s going through a difficult time, and I’d appreciate your understanding.”Lily pressed her lips into a thin line, brows furrowed.“Celeste, do you mind if I have a word before you leave?” She said, glancing at the girls. “Rachel, please watch them for a moment.”“Is something the matter?” I asked once we were out of earshot.Lily cleared her throat awkwardly. “I was going to call you to discuss some concerns I’ve had about Bonnie’s well-being that Damien and Vanessa have brushed off or ignored.”“Is this about them refusing to fetch her? I spoke to both of them about it but it was clearly in vain.” I said, shaking my head in frustration.“Unfortunately, that seems to be the

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Eight

    Third-Person POVThe golden rays of sunset stretched long shadows of empty swings on Saint Ambrose’s International Preschool’s playground. Bonnie sat alone, scuffing her shoes in the sand while everyone else left with their parents except her.Lily pursed her lips as she watched the girl. “Four days last week and it looks like today won’t be any different.” She tutted under her breath.She sighed and redialed Vanessa’s number, but the response was what she expected–endless ringing. She tried Damien’s again, but it was the same. No one was coming for Bonnie.“That poor girl is going to be here till dark again, isn’t she?” Rachel, one of the other kindergarten teachers, asked.Lily nodded, tapping her phone against her chin.“Why don’t you bring her to the reading corner? I’m still waiting for a student to be fetched, so at least she won’t look so pitifully lonely.”“How about I leave her with you and I go home at a decent time?” Lily asked, only half joking.“Fat chance.” Her colleagu

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Seven

    Celeste’s POVMy heart squeezed in my chest as dread washed over me.“What do you mean by ‘seriously injured’?” I asked.Damien sighed heavily.“Bonnie accidentally bumped Vanessa’s stomach, and she lost her mind.” He said, shaking his head bitterly. “She shoved Bonnie to the ground, skinning her knees raw.”How dare that woman hurt my sweet daughter?Rage burned in me like a furnace, but I kept my face neutral.“And you’re telling me this why?” I asked, feigning indifference. Damien fixed his pleading gaze on me. “You’re the only one who can keep our daughter safe. Please come home, Celeste.”The tenderness in his voice irked me. Where was all this concern when she was being brainwashed against me? It was too late.Vanessa was her mother now, not me.“Bonnie isn’t my problem anymore.” I said, tone harsh as a winter’s blizzard. “She prefers Vanessa’s abuse and doesn’t recognize me as her mother, so who am I to interfere?”His eyebrows creased, voice heavy with emotion. “Will you real

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Six

    Damien’s POV“Oh, dear, what happened?” Bonnie’s teacher kneeled to examine her wounds. I glanced at my watch. Vanessa’s outburst had cost me precious time–I had a stop to make before I headed to the office.“She fell while getting ready for school, but she’s fine now.” I said impatiently.Lily gave me a pointed stare. “I wouldn’t say that. These wounds should have been cleaned and dressed straight away.”“I’m sure you can understand—I’m a busy man.” I said, jaw clenched.She turned to Bonnie. “Please go to the school nurse, dear.” My daughter nodded solemnly and limped inside.“Mr. Kent, I have major concerns about Bonnie’s care.” The teacher gave me a hard stare. “She’s often late for school, fetched hours after pickup time, and now you’re dropping her off in such a neglectful state.”Her accusatory tone sent a spark of anger through me.“That’s none of your concern.” Lily tilted her chin up. “Her academic performance is slipping, and she’s slowly isolating herself from her peers.

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Five

    Vanessa’s POVI jolted awake, stomach rolling violently. Stumbling into my ensuite bathroom, I clutched the toilet seat, dry heaving until I felt faint.Morning sickness was a pain in the ass.I didn’t get a wink of sleep, and it showed. My reflection’s pale face and dark circles taunted me as I leaned against the sink. I clenched my teeth, knuckles white.It was all that thirsty slut’s fault.How dare she go after my man? Images of her throwing herself at Damien kept me up all night. She was ruining everything with her independent designer crap. My phone rang, and I wrinkled my nose when I saw the caller ID. It was Sasha–a friend I used to party with at college.“Vee! Why didn’t you tell me you were at the Mars party yesterday?” She spoke at lightning speed. “I saw your posts this morning. You looked fab, by the way.”I smirked at the mirror. Try as she might, she couldn’t keep the envy from her voice–this was killing her.“Oh, sorry Sash. I thought I’d see you there.” My voice was f

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Four

    Celeste’s POVRyan let out a low, guttural moan as I clutched at his shoulders, straining against my seatbelt to close the gap between us. My body ached for him with an insatiable need.A blaring honk made us jump apart.“Get out of the road, you rich, entitled pricks!” A man hollered out of his window as he drove past.We watched him go before turning to each other and bursting into belly deep laughter. I covered my face, grateful for the excuse to hide my embarrassment.I’m certifiably insane for kissing him again.“Are you ever coming out from there?” His teasing voice made me groan internally.I peeked through my fingers. His hair was mussed from me running my fingers through it, and his lips were a scandalous shade of red from my lipstick.“Never.” I said, closing my fingers. “This car should come with a panty dropper warning label.”The engine roared to life as he chuckled.“So it was the sports car you found irresistible, not me?” The gaiety in his voice told me he wasn’t buying

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Three

    Celeste’s POVThe car thrusted forward, pressing me into the seat. My lips parted as I watched Ryan maneuver the powerful machine with a casual ease.It was ridiculously sexy.He glanced at me before looking back at the road, a smile tugging on his lips.“You’re drooling, Celeste.” Celeste, last night wasn’t a mistake–at least not for me.His teasing simmered down after I shamelessly ignored those words he’d said so tenderly yesterday–but it looked like my reprieve was over.“This car is, uh, incredible.” I stammered, cheeks flushing. “I’ve never ridden in anything as luxurious as this before.”He chuckled, those dimples of his making my stomach flutter when it shouldn’t.“Wanna take it for a spin?”My eyes went round as I vigorously shook my head.“Are you insane? I’d never be able to pay off the repairs if I wrap a car like this around a streetlight.”Ryan’s deep, velvety laugh filled the small space.“What on earth are you doing with such a high end car, anyway?” I asked, curiosity

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty Two

    Damien’s POV“What’s an impoverished party crasher doing with a tailor-made sports car?” Contempt laced my voice as I eyed the beautiful machine. “Did you rent it or steal it?”Ryan was too busy brushing a thumb over Celeste’s hand and talking to her in low murmurs to respond. The intimate gesture ignited a furnace of possessive rage.How dare this loser touch what’s mine!“Get your hands off my wife.” I said in a low growl and yanked her towards me.Sudden pain flared across my cheek as Celeste dealt a lightning fast slap. I released her arm, and she glared at me with eyes full of venom.“I warned you not to touch me.” She spat coldly. “And get your head out of the clouds, for god’s sake. I haven’t been your wife for months.” Ryan stood behind her with the biggest smirk on his face.It was just begging me to knock his lights out.“Don’t look so smug, home wrecker.” I sneered. “Celeste is using you to make me jealous, and the sooner you back off, the sooner we can mend our family.”Hi

  • No Way to Win Me Back   Chapter Fifty One

    Celeste’s POV“Thank you for your blessing, Celeste.” Vanessa said in that sickly sweet tone of hers. “The four of us will live happily without you skulking around.”Grace gritted her teeth. “You are the most shameless, two-faced snake ever to crawl the earth.”“Don’t speak bad to my Mommy!” Bonnie yelled.Grace blinked in shock. When she recovered, she squatted down to her level.“Bonnie, your real Mommy is a good person who loves you more than anything in the world. Chasing her away is a big mistake.”The girl huffed. “No, she’s not! She’s boring and strict and never gives me what I want.”“Candy is yummy until your teeth rot. Takeout is great until you’re in the hospital with food poisoning.” Grace smiled gently, but her tone was firm. “Has Mommy ever forgotten you at school or made you sick? Think about it, love.” Bonnie’s light brows furrowed as she considered her words. A wisp of hope unfurled in my chest. What if she could get through to her and I wouldn’t be forced to turn my

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