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Chapter Eleven: Ghosts of the past

Author: Chel-C
last update Last Updated: 2025-10-25 07:18:22

Chapter 11: Ghosts of the Past

Melanie's POV

The penthouse door clicked shut behind us, sealing me away from the world. From the gala. From Jaden's desperate eyes. From everything. I made it three steps into the living room before my legs gave out.

The sob tore from my throat like something physical, violent. I collapsed onto the marble floor, my hands pressed against the cold stone, that ruined champagne-soaked dress pooling around me.

"I can't.." The words came out broken. "I can't do this. I can't.."

All the strength I'd forced into my spine at the gala, all the composure I'd worn like armor, it shattered. Five years of my life. Gone. My children, my home, my identity. Everything I'd built, everything I'd sacrificedm, for what? To end up on the floor of a stranger's penthouse, pretending to be strong when I felt like I was dying inside.

I heard footsteps. Damien, probably disgusted by my weakness. Probably regretting his investment in the broken woman sobbing on his floor.

"Get up.
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