บททั้งหมดของ No Way to Win Me Back: บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

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, he

Damien’s POVI don’t know how I let Vanessa browbeat me into taking the family to dinner at a trendy restaurant across town. It was crowded, overpriced and disappointing–a complete waste of time.Only half my attention was on the road as I tried to block out Bonnie and Vanessa’s bickering in the backseat. My company’s sales had plummeted these past three months, and I was running out of excuses to give the shareholders. I contemplated various strategies and schemes as I drove. My phone rang from the cupholder.It was my assistant.I groaned before answering–she never brought good tidings.“Miss Wilson, this better be important.” I said tersely.“Good evening, Mr. Kent.” Her voice was filled with apprehension. “I apologize for calling so late, but I thought you’d want to hear what I discovered immediately.” “Then spit it out.” “Mr. Brown’s secretary told me that our shareholders were preparing to withdraw funding.” She spoke in a nervous whisper. “It sounds like they’re planning a

Celeste’s POVRyan had taken these past two days off to deal with family matters. Besides his divine cappuccinos, I missed his lively attitude and constant teasing–the studio felt too quiet without him. I stood abruptly from my design table, pressing a hand to the small of my back. The familiar ache radiated up my spine—too many hours hunched over gemstones under harsh lights. My brows furrowed as my gaze fell on Celine Mars’ order. Career changing opportunities like this didn’t come around twice.My phone was already pressed to my ear before I realized I'd dialed Rajiv again. The line crackled to life, his voice oozing false sympathy."Market fluctuations, Celeste. You understand how it is—""Don't give me that 'market fluctuations' bullshit, Rajiv," I snapped, pacing behind my worktable. A strand of hair escaped my bun, sticking to the sweat on my neck. "Just because I'm a solo studio doesn't mean you can pawn off second-rate stones on me. I need museum-grade musgravite. The kind

Celeste’s POV“Good luck, Vanessa.” I said, sidestepping her to leave the hospital. “You’re going to need it.” She scrambled to block my path again, arms spread wide.“Is that all you have to say?” She asked, huffing. “I’m pregnant with your ex husband’s child.”“Am I supposed to congratulate you?” I asked, annoyed.“Don’t be bitter, Celeste.” She tutted. “We’re old friends and you can’t say one nice thing?”Poor girl didn’t know what she was in for.“My deepest sympathies.” I gave her a plastic smile. “Now beat it. I have an actual future to get to.”Her eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Where’s Damien right now? At work?” I smirked, reveling in her karma. “You’re going to end up raising that baby on your own while he’s off philandering behind your back.”Vanessa floundered, face reddening.“Congratulations.” My voice dripped with sarcasm. “You wanted my life so badly–it’s all yours.”“Damien would never do that to me.” This woman was clueless.“Oh, please.” I laugh

Celeste’s POVRyan’s breath fanned hot against my ear in the darkness, his deep voice a warning rumble against my skin. “This is the only chance I’m giving you, Celeste.”I tilted my chin up, though I could barely see his face–just the glint of his dark eyes in the shadows. “Do you mean you’ll just let me fall next time?” I asked, fingers trembling where they rested on his chest.A slow, knowing laugh vibrated through his chest. “Don’t play dumb, Celeste.” His thumb swept the inside of my wrist, just once, and my breath caught. “Your pulse is racing. Your skin’s gone hot.” His lips grazed my earlobe, voice dropping to a whisper. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”I swallowed hard, grateful for the dark hiding the flush on my cheeks. “You wouldn’t.”“Why? Because you’re my boss?” He chuckled, the sound rough and promising. His hand slid up my arm, slow, possessive, his touch the only anchor in the blackness. “That won’t stop me from claiming you right here. Right now.”“Ryan,