Damien’s POVI lifted my glass to my lips without tasting the champagne. The conversations around me blurred into a background hum of empty pleasantries.Fake laughter. Hollow compliments. Meaningless alliances sealed with overpriced wine.I hated this. But Genevieve thrived on it.She stood a few paces away, wearing a luxurious gown, greeting the crowd with her signature smile. Every word, every gesture calculated. Definitely charming. A perfect performance indeed. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep my temper in check.Another executive approached, all handshakes and toothy grins. I nodded, murmured something polite, and checked my watch for the fifth time in ten minutes.And then it happened. I caught murmurs—words floating in low whispers:“Is that Theo Mercer?” “He brought someone?” “Wait… is that his girlfriend?” “I didn’t know he was seeing anyone…”My gut twisted before I even turned.Theo? A girlfriend?No. That wasn’t possible. I would’ve heard something. The man didn’t
Celeste’s POVAll eyes were on me.I could feel the skepticism hanging in the air. And yet, I stood tall in the center of the hall. After all, I reminded myself that I wasn’t here to beg for belief. I was here to take it back.“For those who still care about the truth," I said clearly, wanting to reiterate my message, "the rumors about me are false. Deliberately crafted lies, fueled by someone who wanted to tear me down."The press murmured, and a wave of hushed gasps and judgmental scoffs rippled through the room."Oh please," someone in the crowd whispered loudly. "Of course she says that.""She’s just trying to play the victim. Typical."Another voice chimed in with a bitter laugh. "This is what they all do when they get caught."I didn’t flinch. Let them talk. I had expected this.But before I could respond, Theo stepped forward. "Enough."The room stilled. Even the most eager gossipers froze at the edge in his tone."Celeste doesn’t need to explain herself to anyone," Theo contin
Celeste’s POVI kept my expression calm, smoothing the fabric of my dress like I wasn’t clenching my teeth to keep my pulse in check. What the hell is he thinking, locking us both in here?“Impressive,” he suddenly said, voice low and sharp as glass, as he moved closer to me. “You managed to clear your name and even earned a round of applause. Bravo.”His sarcasm dripped like venom, but I refused to rise to it.“If you’re just here to make snide remarks,” I said coolly, not even bothering to look up, “the door is right there.”“Don’t talk to me like that.”His voice dropped, darker this time—more dangerous.I finally lifted my eyes to meet him. “What right do you have to meddle in my affairs, Damien? We’re already divorced.”That word—divorced—hit like a slap. I saw it in the flicker of pain that flashed across his features before he forced it back behind that familiar mask of cold detachment.“Divorced?” he echoed with a bitter laugh. “You think you can get rid of me that easily?”A
Celeste’s POVThe sudden ring of my phone cut through the air, sharp and jarring, snapping me out of the moment.I startled, instinctively reaching into my clutch. Damien’s grip loosened, just enough for me to step back.The screen flashed with the hospital’s number. My breath caught in my throat.I answered quickly. "Hello?""Miss Monroe?" The nurse’s voice was calm but clipped. "It’s your aunt. Her condition has suddenly worsened. The doctor would like you to come in immediately."I didn’t even hesitate. "I’m on my way."I turned, already walking. Damien called my name, but I didn’t look back.My heels clicked sharply against the marble steps, heart racing—not from what had just happened with Damien, but from the news that clutched at my chest like a vice.Oh, Auntie Eleanor. Please be okay. Please, please. I reached the curb and pulled out my phone again, opening a ride app. Nothing. All the cars were either booked or delayed. I turned to one of the event staff, breathless. "Is th
Celeste’s POVI stared at him hard.His eyes were narrowed, stormy—not accusing, but stunned. And in that moment, staring at the expression on his face, something inside me just snapped.I was done explaining. Done justifying. Let him sit with the truth. I was done carrying it alone.I shook off his hand, hard. “If you really want to know,” I said coldly, “ask the hospital records.”Damien looked like he wanted to say more, to push—but I turned away. I didn’t have the energy for another confrontation. Not now. My aunt’s condition was all I could think about, heavy and urgent in my chest. And honestly, I had nothing left to explain to a man who never believed in me when it counted.I turned on my heel, leaving Damien in the hallway without a second glance. Let him wrestle with his doubts—I had more important battles to face.The ICU doors slid open with a soft hiss, and I stepped inside. My auntie lay pale and motionless beneath the hospital blankets, her face barely visible behind th
Damien’s POV“You don’t get to care now.”Her painful words cut deeper than I expected. Her quiet voice—with that tone of finality—played over and over in my mind.I sat heavily on the hallway bench just outside the restroom. My heart hadn’t stopped pounding since she left, but now it felt like it had finally cracked wide open.“I loved you. God help me, I did. And you made me regret every second of it,” she had uttered so coldly. I’d never been the kind of man who let emotion control me. Not in boardrooms. Not in public. Not even in private. But right now? I felt like someone had hollowed me out from the inside.My mind kept going back to that night when she’d called me from the asylum. Her voice, frantic on the other end of the line, and me… shutting it off. Shutting her off.I thought she was trying to manipulate me. Just throwing another tantrum. But she wasn’t. What did I miss? What really happened to her there?I sighed, the massive burden and pain of all my mistakes suddenly
Genevieve’s POVI whispered to the empty room, "You’ll regret walking away from me and wanting to send me away, Damien."The door clicked shut behind him, but the echo of his footsteps lingered like a slap to my face.I slammed my glass onto the table. The shatter echoed through the pristine apartment, shards of crystal flying across the floor."Damn it!" I choked out, gripping the edge of the counter to steady myself.All that work. All that effort. And for what?To watch Celeste Monroe crawl out of the ashes again? To watch Damien—the man I held onto for years—look at her like she was the only star in his sky?My hands trembled. Not from weakness, but from rage."Why?" I whispered, staring at my reflection in the glass. "Why does she always win?"We were both orphans. Both unwanted girls clawing our way through a cruel world.So why does she get to have the fairy tale?Even after I was chosen. Even after the Lancaster family claimed me, dressed me in silk and diamonds—Celeste still
Genevieve’s POVI couldn’t think. My body had taken over. It seemed to have a mind of its own. “I love it when you’re this wet, baby,” he gruffly said as he pushed himself inside me again, diving deeper this time. I gasped, feeling his big, hard cock expanding within me, rubbing against my walls. “Ohhh.. That feels sooo good,” I whispered breathlessly. “Faster, please.” He rode me harder and faster. Wilder. “I’m the one you need, Genevieve,” he said in between his raspy breaths. “I’m the one you should desire. Damien doesn’t deserve your attention.”My eyes widened. I wanted to respond, but then, he rammed into me, making me scream a little bit, both in surprise and pleasure and pain, all wrapped into one. Again, my mind went blank. He didn’t let up until he’d reached his climax right after mine. And afterwards, we lay there spent. I was sprawled on the bed, naked in his arms, catching my breath. “So, are you still living alone in that apartment of yours?” he suddenly asked.
Celeste’s POVThe banquet was drawing to a close. And for the first time in a long while, I felt still.Fulfilled.Like maybe, just maybe, all the stress, the sleepless nights, the pressure I’d quietly carried on my back—had been worth it.Not only had Madam Diane publicly praised my work, but the buzz I’d been hearing all night—the sideways glances, the whispered names, the cards slipped discreetly into my palm—told me everything I needed to know.People were paying attention now. Not because of the scandal, but because of what I could create.This was another high point in my career—one that I had carved out with my own two hands.First, the recognition from Sebastian, a highly-esteemed icon in the fashion world who rarely praised anyone, and now this.I took a small sip of wine and let my shoulders relax.And in that moment of quiet—“Excuse me, ma’am?”I turned slightly, lowering my glass.A man in a tailored uniform bowed politely. “Our chairman would like to have a word with you
Damien’s POV"I know she's with someone else," I said quietly, setting my glass down harder than necessary. "But I can’t live without her."The words felt heavy coming out, raw and ugly in my throat. Admitting it made me feel like I was tearing open a wound that had never fully healed.Rob just stared at me.He opened his mouth once like he wanted to say something, then closed it again. Ran a hand down his face. Shook his head in disbelief.Finally, he leaned forward, elbows braced on the table. "You’re serious," he said, as if he still couldn’t believe it.I nodded once.His mouth twitched, like he wanted to curse or laugh or maybe both, but he didn’t. He just sighed heavily, his voice turning more serious than I'd heard it all night."Then you can’t fight her," Rob said. "And you sure as hell can’t fight him either."I frowned. "Then what?""You offer her something she can’t ignore," he said simply. "You figure out what she needs most... and you give it to her."I stared at him, his
Damien’s POVI left the room.I needed to find Celeste first—she would know more about Genevieve’s plans—she was part of this.And that Genevieve...How many more secrets was she hiding?I thought back to the moments I had spent with her. She had always worn that sweet, flawless smile.But who knew what lurked beneath it?I pushed through the thinning crowd, ignoring the fake smiles, the clinking glasses, the meaningless noise.At the entrance, I caught sight of an event staff member adjusting a clipboard under her arm. I cut straight toward her."Celeste Monroe," I said tightly. "Have you seen her?"The woman blinked up at me, startled. "Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Vaughn. But Miss Monroe left a little earlier, sir."The word hit harder than it should have."With who?" My voice was sharp, clipped.She glanced at her notes. “I believe it was someone who was inquiring about her designs. Perhaps a new client? I’m so sorry, I don’t have more information.” “Was it a man or a woman? What did they l
Genevieve’s POVMy pulse skipped. Damien glanced at me once, cool and unreadable. “D-Damien…” I stammered, fear rising in my chest. “I… I didn’t know you were there.” My fingers clenched around my phone, cold sweat prickling at the back of my neck.Were my hands shaking? I curled them tighter to hide it.I forced a small, broken laugh, desperate to fill the awful silence. “Were you… waiting to use the room?”“Yes,” he said with a blank expression. “Didn’t realize you’d be in there so long.”My mouth went dry. I stepped aside quickly. “S-sorry.”I couldn’t tell if he’d heard anything. His face gave nothing away, and that scared me more than if he’d been angry.He walked past me and into the room without another word.But I could feel his gaze trailing after me as I walked away. I didn’t dare look back. ***Damien’s POVI watched her walk away, her steps too quick, too stiff—like she knew I was still standing there. Like she knew I’d heard something.And she was right.I had.Not ever
Genevieve’s POVIsadora swooped in the second Damien walked away, grabbing my arm with perfectly manicured fingers and a sharp whisper."Did you see that?" she seethed. "My son—he didn’t even spare me a second look! After everything I’ve done for him!"Isadora didn’t stop, “And now? He walks past me like I’m a stranger on the street!"I barely managed to suppress the urge to roll my eyes. If I were Damien, I wouldn’t want to bother with you either.Is throwing tantrums really the only trick you know? Have you ever tried using any other way?I shifted my gaze away, careful not to let my disdain show. Swallowing all my irritation and keeping my expression neutral.But Isadora, of course, wasn’t satisfied with my half-hearted silence. Her voice pitched just slightly louder, “What are you looking at?”“Em… Damien,” I conjured the first excuse that came to mind. “It’s just… it’s been so long since I last saw him. And Celeste is here tonight too. I’m worried…”I trailed off deliberately,
Celeste’s POV“An invitation,” she said. “To the event I’m attending. It’s a political summit, but the social side of it is just as important. Every major name will be there. I want you there—to represent your work. People should know who designed this.”I stared at the envelope in awe. She smiled again. “Besides, it’s about time you got the spotlight you deserve.”And just like that, everything I had worked for—every sleepless night, every doubt, every tear I didn’t let fall—felt worth it.*****The ballroom shimmered with gold and glass, every surface reflecting wealth and power. People weren’t just arriving—they were arriving to be seen.And tonight, I had every right to be one of them.I walked in alone, head held high, and took it all in. I hadn’t even reached the center of the room when I heard it—“Celeste?”Genevieve stood just a few feet away, mouth slightly parted in shock. Her eyes scanned me up and down, clearly not expecting to see me here.Standing beside her, Isadora h
Celeste’s POVHarper stared at me like I had just told her the man she was interested in was a criminal.“Wait, wait, wait.” She leaned back in her chair, brows high and lips curled into a wince. “That guy—that rude, grumpy, gorgeous guy—is Genevieve’s brother?”I nodded as I sipped what was remaining of my orange juice. She let out a sharp breath, like the information physically offended her. “Well, that’s that. Instant ick. I’m officially over it.”I couldn’t help but laugh. “That fast, huh?”She shuddered dramatically. “Celeste, you know how I feel about Genevieve. If that girl’s made of fire, evil, and poison, her brother has to be at least 60% venom.”“Maybe,” I said carefully, setting my cup down. “But I don’t think he’s like her. Not entirely.”“You’re giving him way too much credit,” Harper said, narrowing her eyes. “Apples don’t fall far from their trees—so I’d rather stay far, far away from that entire family.”“He was… different when he talked to me,” I said slowly. How h
Celeste’s POVI felt like I was running on fumes—half alive, half driven by adrenaline and desperation. My eyes burned and my head throbbed.But I couldn’t stop.When I looked up, Harper was watching me from across the room, her expression soft with concern and just a hint of judgment.She walked over quietly and placed a cup of something warm on the table beside me.“Tea,” she said, before I could ask. “And don’t even think about asking for more coffee. I believe you’ve had enough caffeine to fuel a small country this week.”I managed a tired smile but didn’t protest. The truth was, my hands were beginning to tremble from the nonstop coffee runs. The kind of exhaustion that sleep couldn’t fix had started to settle deep into my bones.She sat across from me and watched as I wrapped my hands around the mug, letting the steam soothe my face.“You’ve been pushing too hard,” she said gently.“I don’t have a choice.”“You do,” she insisted, frowning. “You just refuse to take it.”I shook m
Celeste’s POVThe orphanage stood before me like a ghost that had learned how to breathe again.It had been rebuilt, but I still felt the burn in my chest. As if the fire that tore through it had somehow reached me, even from miles away.Theo stood quietly beside me, his presence grounding me. I remembered screaming when I saw the fire in the news. But after I had gotten out of the asylum, all I’d cared about was Auntie’s health. Seeing her. Knowing she survived. I didn’t let myself think about the rest of it—the fire, the children, the memories reduced to ash.The laughter, the songs, the scraped knees and stolen cookies—gone. The only sound now was the wind pushing through the trees.“They relocated the children, right?” I asked, not looking at Theo.He nodded. “After the fire. A few to new homes, others to partner institutions.”“And no one ever said how it started.”Theo hesitated. “The report said it was an electrical fault. But…”Anger sparked within me as I thought about what