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Chapter Eighteen
Last Updated:
2025-03-10 18:51:00
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No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Nineteen
Vanessa’s POVI clutched the pregnancy test in my hand, its two red lines plunging my heart into a pit of despair. I was pregnant. This was what I had desperately wanted. People always warn: be careful what you wish for.I slid to the cool tiles of the bathroom floor. Memories of the past months flashed through my mind. Damien had hardly touched me since his divorce. In those rare moments when he gave in to desire, I could still feel his coldness and rejection. I felt lonelier and more sexually frustrated when he was done.In a moment of reckless vengeance and need, I’d hired a male escort.I spent that night satisfying my craving and filling the emptiness with the most skilled escort Damien’s money could buy. But I hadn’t used protection.Those two red lines glared at me.Was the child Damien’s like I had planned?The uncertainty left my head spinning. If he discovered my infidelity, he wouldn’t forgive me, and I’d be left raising a child alone without his money. It was a disaster
Last Updated : 2025-03-11No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty
Damien’s POVPain flooded my senses as soon as I regained consciousness. My head was pounding from a massive hangover and my body ached like a car had run it over. Scratch that–a bus.I opened my eyes, and the light stabbed my retinas. I clutched my head, blinking rapidly before the pain subsided. Curled in my arms, sound asleep, was Vanessa. We were in her room and the bedding was a rumpled mess. My brows tightly furrowed as I tried to piece together the events of last night. I remembered drinking and deciding to visit Celeste.So how did I end up with Vanessa?My mind was foggy and brimming with unease. I untangled myself from her and sat up, groaning as nausea hit me alongside a fresh wave of agony. I fumbled through my nightstand’s drawers.“Good morning, babe.” Vanessa stretched beside me. “How did you sleep?”Her words felt like hot iron skewers in my brain. I found the painkillers and swallowed one, paused, and took another.“Be quiet.”My voice was a rasp. I lifted the cover
Last Updated : 2025-03-11No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty One
Celeste’s POVRyan was a lifesaver.I don’t know what we would’ve done without him, given the exhibit preparations and the overwhelming number of orders. We had been working nonstop to get everything ready in time. My new assistant made the challenge manageable.I sat at my desk, organizing a few design drafts I had been working on. Looking around for my file, I saw it placed at the top of a tall shelf. Ryan had tidied the space after the mayhem of completing and submitting my jewelry designs for the exhibit. I stretched on the tips of my toes, but I didn’t come close to reaching it–even with tall heels on for the event. Sighing, I brought out a ladder. I’d sent my tall assistant to fetch materials that were delivered at the front desk. I heard Ryan put down the package behind me as I climbed the ladder.“Celeste, you should have waited for me.” “No, it’s fine.” I said, pulling the file out of the shelf. “I’ve got it.”“That doesn’t look safe.” I looked down at him as he stood beh
Last Updated : 2025-03-12No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Two
Celeste’s POV“Please tell Damien I have no interest in collaborating with him or his company.” I said.The event coordinator looked puzzled. “Why would you turn him down without at least considering the offer? Mr. Kent’s assistant said he was willing to give you a substantial sum.”I understood his confusion. A new designer would be thrilled if a company wanted to sign them. And over the moon, if they offered a lot of money.But I’d rather starve than work with that man.“I know how he runs his company and how he treats his subordinates. I refuse to work with someone like him.” I held my head high as I spoke. “It’s a matter of principle.”He furrowed his eyebrows.“Are you certain? You would be throwing away an excellent opportunity.”I nodded firmly. “There will be other opportunities. Please inform Damien that I am declining his offer and won’t change my mind.”He said. “I will be sure to deliver the message.”“Thank you. Please remember not to reveal my identity.”The event coordi
Last Updated : 2025-03-12No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Twenty Three
Celeste’s POVI fumed at Damien’s pigheaded words. He believed that everyone was beneath him and had no qualms about letting them know. But he couldn’t be more wrong. Ryan and I were more valuable as individuals than whatever Damien’s current net worth was.I deeply regretted marrying that man.“What?” he scoffed. “You have nothing to say for yourselves?” “You’re simply not worth our time.” I shook my head at him. “Come on, Ryan. We have better things to do than entertain this pompous jerk.”I reached for his hand–hoping to walk away before Damien could waste any more of our time. But he wasn’t finished yet.“I’m surprised you know such big words.” Damien smirked. “Are you here scouting for your next rich victim to mooch off of?”Did this man get off on insulting people?The lean muscles of Ryan’s body were coiled–just begging for release–as he looked back over his shoulder and his eyes found mine. His voice was low and dangerous as he said, “Celeste, please let me knock this asshole
Last Updated : 2025-03-13No 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 : 2025-03-25
Latest chapter
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty Eight
Damien’s POV“Hey, Bon-Bon, did you miss Daddy?” I asked my daughter tenderly.But my attention was on the quiet couple. How dare they dine as a happy family where my business associates could see them? Bonnie nodded in response to my question, picking at her vegetables with an air of disinterest that rubbed me up the wrong way. Was Celeste’s plan to make our daughter forget me? Over my dead body.“Daddy missed you so much.” I cooed, taking the empty seat beside Ryan. “Mommy must have brought you here, hoping you’d run into me.”Bonnie shook her head. “Uncle Ryan is treating us to dinner.”I glared at the composed man next to me. “Is the plan to plant a roach in your food so you can have a taste of the life you can’t afford?”“For god’s sake, Damien.” Celeste lowered her voice, but it was still biting. “You are disturbing what was a lovely meal.”“I just want to see my daughter.” I said reasonably and leaned into my backrest.Anger flashed across her face, and my lips twitched into a
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty Seven
Celeste’s POV“That’s not my gra–” Molly started.But a second later, Ryan had swiftly picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. Her legs kicked in the air as she erupted into a fit of girlish giggles. “Uncle Ry-Ry! I wanna say goodbye!” She squealed.I watched in astonishment as he carried Molly to the other side of the car.He shifted her weight to open the door. “Sorry, Mols. You’re going to be late for your piano lesson.”“But piano is only in–” Ryan hauled her off his shoulder and carefully placed her in the backseat. He leaned over as he did his niece’s buckle, whispering something I couldn’t make out.When closed the door, he turned to Mr. Edwards.“You should go, father.” He said, coming around to stand beside me. The older man gave a friendly nod, then started the engine and the luxury black car rolled away.Ryan’s cheeks were flushed when I turned to him.“What’s the rush? You could have let her say goodbye.” I said, a brow raised sharply.Bonnie grumbled from behind
No Way to Win Me Back Chapter Sixty Six
Ryan’s POVI left the ladies chatting jovially over fruit with the excuse of needing the restroom. The moment I was out of sight, I made a beeline for the entrance and slipped out the front door.The back window rolled down, and my father regarded my approach coolly.“How courteous of you to come out and greet me, Ryan.” He said in that calm and collected tone of his that meant he was fuming beneath the surface.Whatever I’d done this time, I couldn’t have this discussion outside Celeste’s studio.“Father, you need to leave immediately.” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “You agreed to keep our relationship a secret.”Maximilian’s eyes narrowed. “What am I supposed to do when you make me jump through hoops to see my granddaughter? I’ll escort her to her piano lesson since you’ve been too busy fooling around to visit.”“I’m working, father.” I couldn’t keep the urgency from my voice. “We’ll visit you soon, so please leave for now.” Whatever storm was brewing, unleashed.“You’re worki
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.
