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Chapter Ten
Last Updated:
2025-03-05 14:53:34
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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
Last Updated : 2025-03-06No 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-06No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirteen
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
Last Updated : 2025-03-06No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Fourteen
Celeste’s POV“Celeste, I’ve been looking all over for you. Long time no see.”I looked up at the drop dead gorgeous man in front of me in bewilderment. A pair of dimples cut into his sculpted face as he smiled at me. My eyebrows furrowed at the hint of affection that twinkled in his green eyes.I hadn’t a clue who he was.“Celeste, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten all about me?”He placed an elbow on the cocktail table beside me and lazily rested his chin on his hand, narrowing the space between us. Thick, dark lashes framed his eyes. They were deeper and clearer than the finest jade gemstones I’d ever seen.The man’s gaze delicately brushed my face, as if committing each feature to memory.“I could never forget you.” His voice was a husky murmur so low I could just make out the words. It sent my heart racing.I was a grown woman. I couldn’t let this twenty-something year old kid charm me into a puddle on the banquet hall floor.“Ryan Edwards,” He stood tall and extended a hand, “Not
Last Updated : 2025-03-06No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Fifteen
Celeste’s POVAmbient chatter and the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans filled the air. I sat in a quaint cafe only a block from my studio, sipping my fifth cappuccino.Orders were rolling in at lightning speed, and I was swamped with work. I needed an assistant yesterday. Grace posted a hiring notice, screened applicants, and set up the interviews. I just had to take my pick.But no one felt like the right fit.I put my empty mug down as caffeine buzzed through my veins. The last interview was in ten minutes. I had time to scarf down a sandwich.I looked up to flag down a waiter, and my breath hitched.Ryan had just walked into the cafe. He wore crisp slacks with a blue dress shirt that clung to his frame. When he saw me, a wide smile spread across his face. I felt jittery as he walked towards my table.I shouldn’t have had that last coffee.“Celeste,” His eyes twinkled. “It’s good to see you.”I gave him a brief hug. I didn’t need a repeat of last time.“This is such a surprise.”
Last Updated : 2025-03-06No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixteen
Damien’s POV“You have until tomorrow to bring me decent proposals, or you can clear out your desks.”I was close to throwing something at my incompetent staff. I glared down at the long table. Once they were sufficiently shitting their pants, I pushed my chair back and stormed out of the boardroom.My secretary opened the door as I left.My competitors had poached several of my top designers with lucrative offers. They would regret stealing from me.I gritted my teeth. My company wasn’t producing enough profitable jewelry pieces. I needed to find new talent fast, or our profits would plummet. But those freeloaders hadn’t come up with a single decent idea.“Mr. Kent,” my secretary said as she hurried behind me. “I’ve spoken to several of our store managers.”I nodded, turning a corner.“Customers have been requesting jewelry from the new designer, Rosemary.”“At all the stores?” I asked, intrigued.“About ninety percent of stores.”I threw open my office door and let her slip off my
Last Updated : 2025-03-06No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Seventeen
Celeste’s POV“Celeste, dear, come in.” My mother beamed at me from her front door.“Hi, mom.” I handed her a bouquet as I walked into my childhood home.She squeezed the breath out of me before shutting the door.“Oh, they’re lovely.” She said, fetching a vase. “What’s the occasion?”I sat on a barstool facing the kitchen window. The swings of the old treehouse my father had built swayed in the afternoon breeze.“There’s no occasion. I just thought of you when I saw them.”She placed the vase on the island before sitting beside me.“How have things been, Celeste?”Her voice betrayed her worry.“Honestly? Really great.” I said. “I find designing jewelry so stimulating. I could do it forever.”The purple hydrangeas I’d bought because they were my mother’s favorite caught my eye. My heart ached.Would my daughter do the same?I blinked back tears. “The hard part is being separated from Bonnie.”My mother rested her hand on mine, nodding. I could see my pain reflected in her eyes.“I mis
Last Updated : 2025-03-09No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Eighteen
Celeste’s POVThe stench of alcohol slammed into me as Damien staggered on my mother’s front porch. “What are you doing here so late?” My nose twitched with disgust. “And why do you reek of alcohol?”“Come back home, Celeste.” He slurred. I shook my head. “You’re drunk out of your mind. Go home.”On unsteady feet, he stepped forward and stretched his arms wide.Did he seriously expect me to hug him?I slammed the door closed, but he was too quick. He wedged his shoulder through the doorway. I could smell the brandy on his breath as I pushed against the door to keep him from barging all the way in.It was revolting.“Celeste, sweet cheeks, please let me in, hmm?” He murmured. “I miss you.”He hadn’t called me that since we got married. It made my stomach turn.“Damien, my mother is sleeping.” I hissed. “I don’t want to disturb her.”His tone flipped in an instant.“You don’t want to say no to me tonight.” Fear crept in. I glanced at the half-moon table just inside the entryway as h
Last Updated : 2025-03-10
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No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Eight
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."
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Seven
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.“
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Six
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
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Five
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
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Four
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
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Three
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
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Two
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
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty One
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.”
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty
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
