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Chapter Twenty Three
Last Updated:
2025-03-13 10:30:56
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No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Four
Celeste’s POVI spun around and my eyes searched through the crowd. They lit up when they landed on Bonnie, who let go of Vanessa’s hand and ran towards me. She had an excited smile on her pretty face.God, I had missed her. My heart swelled with anticipation. As she neared me, I crouched down and opened my arms for her to jump into. I hadn’t seen my baby in ages.But Bonnie ran past me and my heart fell through the exhibition floor. I turned around to watch her run straight to Damien. He swept her off the floor and into his arms, carrying her on his hip. Her giggles were like a thousand pinpricks to my chest.“Hey, honey.” I said, my heart in a million pieces. “Mommy’s so happy to see you.”She regarded me for a moment.“Hello, Mommy.”Bonnie spoke with an air of indifference before turning back to her father. Her eyes beamed as she smiled at him like he was her entire world. Vanessa strolled over and gave Damien a peck on the cheek.They looked like a picture perfect family.With
Last Updated : 2025-03-13No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Five
Celeste’s POVI stood with my mouth agape as Damien burst into obnoxious laughter, Vanessa quickly joining him.Did they think this was a joke?“I’m being serious, Damien.” I said through gritted teeth. “You’ve gone too far this time.”“You’re fighting me for custody? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in a while.” He said with his signature sneer.“Right, babe?” Vanessa wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. “Celeste has nothing to her name, and this loser with her won’t be of any use.”Damien’s laughter simmered down. He regarded Ryan with distaste as he shifted Bonnie to his other arm.“Who is this guy, anyway?” He asked.Ryan stepped forward, carrying himself with confidence. He stood a full head taller than Damien, who was already a large man.“I’m Ryan Edwards, an old friend of Celeste’s.” He said, extending his hand.Damien shook it. My eyes widened as his knuckles turned white from the force of his grip.“I’m sure I don’t need an introduction.” He said with a smirk.Ry
Last Updated : 2025-03-24No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Six
Ryan’s POVThe color drained from Celeste’s face as she processed Bonnie’s words. She was frozen in place, as pale as a sheet of paper, and I worried she might collapse. I immediately stood behind her, holding her arms carefully to support her.“Celeste, are you okay?” I asked in a soft tone, my eyes scanning her face. Her defeated gaze was glued on her daughter as she shook her head. “Bonnie, is that truly what you want?” She choked back tears as she spoke. “Are you sure you don’t want to live with Mommy?”The child gave a firm nod. “Yes. I want to live with Daddy and Auntie Vanessa.”“That’s right, Bonnie.” Vanessa stroked the girl’s hair as she sneered at us. “We’re happy together, so stop disturbing our lives, Celeste. It’s getting old.”The tears Celeste had been blinking back came streaming down her face. My heart ached as she covered her mouth and stepped out of my steadying hold. She turned and hurried away.I was about to chase after her when Vanessa’s snarky words stopped
Last Updated : 2025-03-25No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Seven
Ryan’s POV“Why are you provoking such an important guest?” Mr. Davis, my father’s assistant, asked.I subtly shook my head, and his eyes narrowed. People showed their true colors when they didn’t know I was Maximilian’s son, heir to an empire. I wanted to keep my identity a secret for as long as possible.Thankfully, I could rely on Damien’s arrogance.“I had the situation under control, but I appreciate your consideration, Mr. Edwards.” He said with a friendly smile. “I’m Damien Kent. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”He stepped forward and held out a business card. My father assessed him with a stony gaze.Damien stood awkwardly as the silence stretched. He’d grossly misunderstood the situation–he had insulted the son of a very important man in the industry. After a tense minute, my father nodded to his assistant.Mr. Davis took the business card, and Damien bristled at the slight.“Mr. Edwards, I have always admired your business acumen. You have been a great inspiratio
Last Updated : 2025-03-26No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Eight
Celeste’s POVI want to keep living with them, not you.Bonnie's words knocked the air out of me. Just like that. No hesitation, no regret.I was vaguely aware of the exhibition guests glancing at me, some with pity, others with irritation. I didn’t even realize I was crying until a security guard barked, "Hey, lady! You can’t just stand here sobbing—you’re blocking the damn entrance.""Then call the cops," I snapped, swiping at my face. "Because I’m not moving."He muttered something about "crazy woman" and walked off.I didn’t care.The second the cold air hit me, I crumpled. Leaned against the building, slid down the wall, and just—broke. Ugly crying, the kind where your whole body shakes and you can’t breathe.Vanessa’s smug face flashed in my mind, her poisonous words still ringing in my ears. "Bonnie is better off without you."Was she right?Had I failed so completely as a mother that my own child would rather stay with the woman who’d torn our family apart?Then—"Here."Ryan’
Last Updated : 2025-03-26No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Nine
Damien’s POV“Mr. Kent’s company has been producing imitations of Rosemary’s designs.”I was momentarily frozen as Ryan dropped a massive bombshell and ran away, leaving me to deal with the fallout. “Is your company plagiarizing other designers’ work, Mr. Kent?” Maximilian asked, his grave tone ripe with accusation.Panic and rage flooded my veins.“That’s a baseless rumor, Mr. Edwards.” I responded with a straight face. “My designers work tirelessly to produce original pieces.”I swallowed–it was an unavoidable lie.Maximilian studied me with an intensity that made my pulse stutter.“Then you have nothing to hide.” He said coolly. “I will present this serious allegation to the International Jewelry Association for thorough investigation.” He turned to leave.My mind flashed back to our design department, the walls and tables covered in other designers’ work–especially Rosemary’s. It was my most recent attempt at boosting sales.I couldn’t let this investigation happen.“Wait, Mr. Ed
Last Updated : 2025-03-27No 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-27No 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.”
Last Updated : 2025-03-28
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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
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Fifty
Celeste’s POV“That’s enough, Bonnie.” Damien scolded. “Don’t speak to your mother that way.”She stubbornly stuck her chin out.“I’m only treating her the way Daddy does.” She said herself righteously. Bonnie hadn’t just been influenced by Vanessa. She watched Damien treat me like I was a useless housemaid for five years and learned how to be ungrateful and cruel.“Can you finally see why I begged you to stop belittling me in front of our daughter all those years? Because a five-year-old does.” I said, voice tense.He gazed down at his princess like he’d been doused in a bucket of ice water.“I’m not your daughter!” Bonnie spat angrily and stood beside Vanessa. “I want Auntie Vanessa to be my mom. Even Daddy thinks she’s a better mom than you.”“Oh, sweetie! I’d love it if you called me Mommy.” Vanessa squealed gleefully.Every fiber of my being wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. My daughter’s rejection cut a thousand times deeper because she was biologically wired to love me
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Forty Nine
Celeste’s POV“You’re a lame, toxic mom! Don’t try to ruin our happy family!” Bonnie screeched.Her face scrunched into a hostile scowl that stabbed daggers at my heart.A lame, toxic housewife? I somehow doubted those concepts were in my preschooler’s curriculum.“That’s right, sweetie. Tell the bad woman to stop trying to tear our family apart.” Vanessa said.She stroked Bonnie’s hair like a heartless puppeteer.“All this time, you’ve been poisoning Bonnie’s mind against me, haven’t you?” I asked through clenched teeth. “How could you so blatantly manipulate her to damage our relationship?”She batted her doe eyes. “Little old me? The fact that you would even suspect me of something like that is appalling, Celeste.”I had my suspicions, but the satisfied smirk that cut her face confirmed them.“Vanessa, how could you be so cruel?” I asked, voice strained as I held back the heartache of yet another betrayal. “A child doesn’t come up with such complex ideas on their own.” She shrugged
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Forty Eight
Celeste’s POV“I’m not an idiot.” Vanessa glowered at Damien. “This dull housewife is not Rosemary.”He cocked an eyebrow. “Why would I lie?”Her eyes flashed with rage as she studied the two of us.“You’re making up this crap, so you have an excuse to cozy up to Celeste, aren’t you?” She planted her hands on her hips, pregnant belly jutting out as she glared at us.“For god’s sake, be rational Vanessa.” He said, exasperated. “How else would Celeste even get into a party like this?”She thought for a moment, then her mouth scrunched into a frown.“That doesn’t mean you have to do business with her!” She stamped her foot like a petulant toddler. “Rosemary is just some over hyped nobody whose jewelry and reputation are fake.”That was the final straw. My temper had hit the tall roof of Celine’s opulent hall. “You’re such a hypocrite.” I strode up to her, voice deathly low. “I worked damn hard for everything that I’ve accomplished. Unlike you, I have work-ethic.”She balked at my outrage
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Forty Seven
Celeste’s POV“If money won’t persuade you, how about the chance to have me all to yourself?” Damien spread his arms wide like he was offering me the universe. “Gee, let me think about that.” I tapped my chin. “I’d rather stick needles in my eyes.”His bravado dropped a notch.“I’ll cut ties with Vanessa.” He said tenderly, hand reaching for mine. “We can be a happy family again, Celeste–just the three of us.”“I didn’t realize your company was in such jeopardy that you’re willing to sell yourself to work with Rosemary.”I stepped out of his reach and sipped my champagne–smirking while he frowned.“Imperial Aurum is doing better than ever.” Damien said, feathers bristled. I placed a hand over my mouth, chuckling. “Whatever you need to tell yourself to show your face in public.”“I’m giving you an opportunity to expand your business and get out of the minor leagues, Celeste. Think wisely before you throw it away.” He spoke through gritted teeth.I gave him a blasé shrug. “Why would I
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Forty Six
Celeste’s POV“Let go of me, you caveman.” I hissed, yanking my arm free from Damien’s grasp.Only he would have the nerve to insinuate I snuck into this lavish event to seduce Celine’s husband. It took a special cocktail of delusion, arrogance, and crazy.“Frankly, you pathetically trying to cozy up to the elite doesn’t surprise me.” Damien said coldly. “No, it’s the fact that a worthless housewife made it through the front doors that I find astounding. You don’t belong here, Celeste.” He stalked towards me, and I backed away.“But I’m more than happy to rectify that mistake.” His lips curled into a twisted smile.Then Brian stepped in front of me, his tall frame towering over Damien. “That is no way to treat a lady, never mind one of Celine’s honored guests.” The powerful man glowered. “Show some respect to Ms. Rosemary.”Damien froze where he stood, stupefied.“You mean to say that the woman behind you is the rising designer, Rosemary?” He furrowed his eyebrows, incredulous. “No o
