Lahat ng Kabanata ng Chasing Back The Woman He Destroyed: Kabanata 171 - Kabanata 180

Pristine's POVI stood there, seeing Alexander turn away, his shoulders stiff, but it didn't matter. He could play his cryptic, standoffish games all day long. Damien was mine.I turned back into the room, back to where Damien sat. He indicated the chair facing him."Sit down," he instructed me, his tone sharp and flat.I did, crossing my legs with care, making sure my posture remained intact. Damien's expression was unreadable."I'm your lawyer," he began, his body inclining forward slightly. "Don't try to lie to me. I need the truth. Did Alexander ever hurt you or not?"I was surprised by the question. For a moment, I blinked, my mouth opening but no sound coming out.I could see the blaze of fire in Damien's eyes, he wasn't talking as a friend, he was talking as someone who could stand up for me legally, or walk away if he felt like I was playing around.I breathed deeply, then shook my head. "No," I said finally, my voice softer than I intended it to be. "He didn't."Damien leaned

Pristine's POV"You're quiet as usual," I taunted softly. "Do you ever let yourself relax?"He cleared his throat, leaning back a little, eyes obstinately fixed on mine. "I'm okay the way I am.""That's no answer." I inclined my head, studying him. "By the way, I'm wondering why you don't have any ring on. You haven't spoken about anyone in your life. Tell me, Damien, why are you single?"The directness of the inquiry seemed to catch him off guard. His eyebrows tightened somewhat, and he didn't respond immediately."Pristine, you know that's not the kind of conversation we should be having. You asked a favor, I did it. That's where this ends."I laughed lowly, my head tilting. "Don't be so cold. I asked a simple question. You're not married. You didn't say girlfriend. Unless…" I quirked an eyebrow, taunting him, "you have someone you're hiding from the world? A secret lover?"Then, in his usual low, even tone, he answered, "I'm single because I like to be single. My work does not lea

Serena's POVA soft push on my arm made me open my eyes. My eyelids creaked and slowly opened, and the first thing I saw was Sophia leaning over me with a mischievous grin on her face."Rise and shine, sleepyhead," she teased, with her voice full of playfulness and love. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"I grumbled and rubbed my eyes. "Too early. That's what time it is."Sophia grinned, climbing onto the bed and sitting cross-legged beside me. "It's probably nine or so now. Everyone's probably already awake."I flailed my arms out in front of me and yawned. The party the night before was still fresh in my memory, people laughing, champagne, and the expression of shock on everyone's face when Alexander opened his extravagant gift."You know," Sophia began, prodding me in the elbow, "last night was incredible. The lights, the food, the music." She was effervescent, her eyes sparkling as she intertwined fingers like a kid on Christmas morning. "And that private plane. Oh my God, Se

Serena's POVI spotted Sophia putting on earrings in the bathroom mirror."I have to clean up," I said, making my way to the bathroom. "But I won't take long. I have a feeling breakfast today is going to… be interesting."Sophia snorted in understanding. "You don't say." She tossed her hair and made for the door. "Don't keep us waiting."I rolled my eyes at her theatrics, undressed myself, and walked into the shower.Warm water hit my skin. I kept it short, though, long enough to wake myself up and shake off my mood.I changed into something light and airy a couple of minutes later, gave myself a quick glance in the mirror, then proceeded downstairs.The dining room was busy, if not crowded. Diners rushed in and out, placing down plates of steaming food and topping off glasses.Sophia was already seated at the long table, talking earnestly to Ella.The only one absent was Damien.Typical.I grumbled under my breath, "This man is trying me." He was supposed to be here. I had threatened

Serena's POV"What?" I gasped.He nodded curtly, confirming it. "I saw it myself."My head reeled. Ella. Sweet, etiquette-obsessed Ella. And Sam, Damien's brother. The betrayal was not a crack of faithfulness; it was an open, raw wound.I shook my head slowly. "No… no, Damien. Are you certain?"His jaw was set. "Do you think I'd lie about something like that?"I swallowed hard, holding a hand to my chest. "I just can't believe it. Ella? With Sam?"Damien leaned back in his chair, his eyes black. "Believe it."I slapped a hand over my mouth, still stunned. "My God… no wonder you…" My words evaporated.No wonder he hated her presence so fiercely. No wonder he lost his temper.The power of his silence said it all that his words did not.I finally let out a breath, shivering. "Damien… that's—" I trailed off, unsure of how to go on. "That's brutal."He said nothing. Just sat there, shoulders back, eyes drowning in blackness.I wrapped my arms around myself, still frozen. "Damien…" I whisp