Semua Bab No Way to Win Me Back: Bab 21 - Bab 30

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 cov

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 hire 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 coord

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

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

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."Rya