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Chapter Thirty One
Last Updated:
2025-03-28 12:07:00
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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
Last Updated : 2025-03-28No 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-29No 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-31No 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-31No 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
Last Updated : 2025-04-01No 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.“
Last Updated : 2025-04-02No 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."
Last Updated : 2025-04-02No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Thirty Nine
Celeste’s POV“Were all three times a mistake,” Ryan smiled cockily. “Or just the first?”I glared at him. “Just wipe last night from your mind–nothing happened.”“How could I forget the tantalizing way you screamed my name and begged me not to stop?” There was a dark edge to his teasing. “I don’t have amnesia, Celeste.” How could he be so unabashed?“That was momentary insanity and it won’t happen again.” I said firmly.“We both know that’s not true, Celeste.” He smirked. “You can’t resist me.” I scoffed. “Don’t be so full of yourself, Ryan.”“Then why’d you kiss me?” Something playful and dangerous glinted in his eyes. Mortification filled me as I wondered the same damn thing.What had come over me?“The power went out. I was scared.” I shrugged. “It was a manifestation of panic.”Ryan stood, our improvised blanket falling away–he wasn’t wearing a lick of clothing. The darkness last night didn’t do this walking Greek god any justice. He was playing dirty.I turned around before
Last Updated : 2025-04-04
Latest chapter
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty Five
Ryan’s POVI stepped aside, watching Celeste crouch in front of her daughter with a sense of awe–she was in her element.“Honey,” she said gently. “Are you upset because Uncle Ryan’s gift only has twelve colors, or because he fetched you from school today instead of Mommy?”Tears sprung to Bonnie’s eyes, but she looked away stubbornly.“Were you disappointed Mommy didn’t come?” She asked again, stroking the girl’s arm.Bonnie grumbled. “No, that gift is ugly and cheap.”“It certainly isn’t as sparkly as that diamond bear necklace Daddy got you, is it?” Celeste said, gesturing to the necklace her daughter had been fiddling with.The girl clasped her hands in front of her and gave one firm nod.“I wonder…” Celeste tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Daddy has given you so many pretty gifts, but does he ever spend time with you? Does he play with you or pick you up from school?”Bonnie tensed, her voice becoming small. “Daddy’s busy.”My heart ached for this lonely girl. Damien had showered he
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty Four
Celeste’s POV“Oh, my god Celeste!” Grace squealed, running over to me. “You need to see what’s on the third page of the Citrine.”I put down the design I’d been tweaking, curiosity piqued.“What is it?” I asked, taking the magazine.I blinked at a photograph in shock. A broad-backed gentleman was helping a woman wearing a deep maroon dress into a sports car. Thankfully, I’d turned my face away from the camera as I ducked in, but anyone who knew me would recognize that I was that woman.Grace tapped the headline, and my mouth fell open.“Spotted: Crown Luxe’s heir helps hot date into his tailor made Bugatti at Mars party.” I read the words, shell-shocked.“I read the article.” Grace said, leaning against my desk. “There’s only one car like that in the world, and it belongs to Maximilian’s son. How in the world was your assistant chauffeuring you around in it?”I shook my head. “He borrowed it from his college roommate.”“He went to college with Crown Lux’s heir! Are they close?” She a
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty Three
Vanessa’s POV“Don’t even think about taking my car!” Damien bellowed from the top of the stairs.I furiously threw open the front door and clutched my purse. “Oh, you mean that piece of junk in the driveway?” I screamed back. “I’d rather walk to the mall at four fucking months pregnant, you unchivalrous asshole!”The door slammed behind me with a resounding thud.I stormed down the driveway, groaning in fury and frustration. That obsessive man had kept me up half the night arguing about Bonnie and his lameass car. If I saw his face for a second longer, I’d claw his eyes out.I smirked as I strutted past the cracked headlight and the scratched paint of Damien’s car. It felt good to put that self righteous bitch in her place yesterday. Out of sight of the house, I slowed to a stroll–there wasn’t a chance in hell I’d walk so far in my limited edition Jimmy Choo’s. I dug through my purse for my phone to call a cab and smiled when I saw the fat envelope beside it.Yesterday, I pawed off
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty Two
Celeste’s POVI choked on my juice, sputtering at Bonnie’s question.Ryan patted my back and handed me a napkin. My eyes narrowed murderously at the amused smile he couldn’t hide. Bonnie’s brows scrunched together, and she asked, “Mommy, are you two dating?”I cleared my throat as I cleaned myself, mind frazzled. What was I supposed to tell her? We’d slept together, and I trusted him more than anyone, but we were nothing more than good friends?God, I’d made everything a complicated disaster with my failing self control.The silence stretched uncomfortably. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, my phone blared from my handbag and I scrambled for it.I’d never been more grateful.“Yes, hello?” I answered, walking a few steps away for privacy.“Celeste, are you out of your mind?” Damien’s panicked voice came through. “How could you kidnap Bonnie from school?!”I cursed myself for not checking the caller ID.“When are you going to learn not to take Vanessa at her word?” I hissed. “She dro
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty One
Celeste’s POVKeeping my eyes on the road as I drove felt like climbing mount Everest. I kept glancing at the rearview mirror for reassurance that this was real and my daughter was, in fact, sitting in my backseat.Molly gazed at the cars out of the window, content. But Bonnie was consumed with picking at her nails, chewing on the cuticles and leaving her nail beds a torn mess.For someone who spent exuberant amounts of time and money on manicuring her nails, Vanessa had done a poor job of correcting this bad habit.“Hey girls, who wants to listen to some music?” I asked with a smile, hoping to distract Bonnie.Molly bounced in her seat. “Yes, please Auntie Celeste!”My smile faltered as Bonnie shrugged and looked away. At a red traffic light, I quickly found one of her favorite songs and hit play.“Yay! It’s Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!” Molly smiled.“This was one of Bonnie’s favorite songs when she was little.” I said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.“That song is lam
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty
Celeste’s POV“I can’t believe I have to pick up this child myself while I’m pregnant!” Vanessa screeched loud enough to reach me from across the parking lot.My eyes narrowed as she strutted to the reading corner.Bonnie stood, carefully folding the cookie in the napkin. The way she brushed the crumbs into her hand like each one was precious made my heart ache. “Hurry up for god’s sake! I don’t have all day.” Vanessa yelled as she waddled toward her.My knuckles turned white from the force with which I held the iron bars. Was this how the bitch treated Bonnie when Damien and I weren’t around? She was lucky this fence was between us.“What’s that?” Vanessa asked, snatching the napkin from Bonnie’s hands.The girl jumped to take it back, yelping as her scabs cracked open.“Look what you did,” Vanessa scolded as she unwrapped the cookie. “And over this? Have some class.”“No! That’s mine!” Bonnie yelled, but it was too late.Vanessa ate the cookie, smirking as my daughter’s face fell.
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
